RN

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on providing professional and nonprofessional nursing care services in accordance with physician orders. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Clinical Nurse duties: Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates the care needs of a designated group of patients or provides nursing care and identified clinical support tasks within the scope of practice for achievement of the patient's plan of care as directed. Provides professional nursing care to patients. Requires a nursing license. A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs. The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education. An experienced level role that applies practical knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience. Works independently with general supervision, problems faced are difficult but typically not complex, and may influence others within the job area through explanation of facts, policies and practices.

Job Overview

This role possesses and applies the skills and knowledge necessary for the delivery and management of patient care from admission through discharge. Serves as a patient and family advocate while facilitating a cooperative and collaborative environment among all health care providers. Responsible for the planning, delivery and management of patient/family centered care utilizing the nursing process and adhering to the standards of nursing practice embedded in research, evidence based practice and/or best practices. Provides clinical excellence, which fosters and supports an environment central to our patient and family centered model of care.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Massachusetts RN Licensure.

2. Two (2) years of clinical nursing experience.

3. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

2. Three (3) years of clinical nursing experience.

3. Department Specific: Certification(s) relevant to the department and the type of patient care being provided.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Performs nursing activities that create a compassionate, supportive, and therapeutic environment for patients and staff, with the aim of promoting comfort and healing and preventing unnecessary suffering. Includes, but is not limited to, vigilance, engagement, and responsiveness of caregivers, including family and healthcare personnel.

2. Shows respect for patients/family dignity and privacy in all patient/family interactions. Establishes and maintains mutual trust within the nurse-patient/family relationship.

3. Assesses and identifies expected patient outcomes based on diagnosis, data, and patient's concerns.

4. Listens and acknowledges patients/family knowledge of self and engages their participation in care. Identifies cultural needs (i.e. language, etc) to develop a care plan that enhances the health care experience. Recognizes patient/family rights through support of their informed decisions and advanced directives.

5. Develops and implements individualized outcomes-based care plans incorporating the patient and family's readiness and barrier to learning. Provides and coordinates health teaching which is required by individuals, families and groups to maintain an optimal level of health.

6. Utilizes evidence-based interventions and treatments specific to the diagnosis or problem.

7. Documents per hospital and regulatory requirements/policies, all aspects of care, including but not limited to, treatments/procedures performed and patient response. Documents the implementation and any modifications, including changes or omissions, of the identified plan.

8. Performs procedures and treatments using nursing knowledge and judgment, according to established unit/practice area guidelines and professional standards

9. Safely administers and assesses the patient response to medication utilizing essential knowledge of pharmacology and Hospital and Department Standards of Care

10. Evaluates the effectiveness of the planned strategies in relation to patient responses and the attainment of expected outcomes including patient response and if desired outcomes have not been achieved.

11. Develops, communicates, and coordinates a comprehensive discharge plan utilizing appropriate resources and referrals to community resources to ensure a seamless transition for the patient and their family.

12. Develops a comprehensive educational plan for the patient and family, utilizing appropriate resources and documents according to the department's documentation standards.

13. Participates in hospital and/or unit based patient safety, quality improvement, and process improvement activities to support and improve patient outcomes. Activities may include data collection, analysis and evaluation.

14. Provides leadership at the bedside as a delegator, collaborator, facilitator, and communicator.

15. Maintains a collaborative work relationship with peers and colleagues in order to create a positive and professional work environment.

16. Supports collaboration with nursing colleagues and other disciplines to implement plan of care by participation in nursing, physician, and case management reporting rounds.

17. Delegates responsibilities to others with an understanding of their roles, knowledge and capabilities

18. Identifies and treats both internal and external customers with courtesy, respect and caring behavior. Acknowledges cultural differences that exist among staff and patients.

19. Participates in lifelong learning activities that assist in developing and maintaining their continuing competence, enhance their professional practice and support achievement of their career goals.

20. Incorporates new knowledge and strategies to initiate change in nursing care practices

21. May assume charge nurse functions in collaboration with unit leadership

22. Precepts and mentors newly hired staff and nursing students

23. Seeks out advanced certification opportunities and ongoing education opportunities

24. Investigates available technology and resources to apply evidence based practice and research into daily professional activities

25. Promotes unit and organizational growth through a shared governance model

26. Attends and actively participates in staff meetings. Accepts responsibility for reading staff meeting minutes when not able to attend.

27. Practices in accordance with the Massachusetts Nurse Practice Act, American Nurses Association scope and Standards of Practice, Quality Caring framework and professional practice model at Lowell General Hospital.

Physical Requirements:

1. Occasional lifting of 30-35 lbs and turning patients.

2. Prolonged standing and walking.

3. Occasional twisting, bending, reaching, pushing/pulling, sitting, kneeling, and squatting.

4. Exposure to infectious disease and possible carcinogenic chemicals.

5. Exposure of blood-borne pathogens.

6. Requires fine manual dexterity to lift and maneuver patients.

7. Requires visual and aural acuity necessary to monitor patient care.

Skills & Abilities:

1. Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families, physicians, and healthcare team.

2. Knowledge of and application of the nursing process.

3. Ability to provide care for a designated group of patients according to unit guidelines and hospital policies, procedures and protocols.

4. Knowledge of current trends in healthcare including but not limited to advances in technology, pharmacology, treatment care modalities, quality and patient safety.

5. Presents self in a professional and calm manner.

6. Ability to handle emergency and crisis situations.

7. May be subjected to irregular hours.