Triage RN in Labor & Delivery-Full Time

Position Summary
The Labor and Delivery Triage Nurse provides nursing care consistent with the goals and philosophy of South Arkansas Regional Hospital and with standards of nursing practice as defined by the Nurse Practice Act of Arkansas. RNs are responsible for assisting the physician or provider with direct patient care designed to meet the age/developmental specific needs of the patient.

Conduct a brief, thorough, systemic maternal and fetal assessment for obstetrical patients 20 weeks (about 4 and a half months) or greater presenting for care to prioritize patients by acuity, which in turn, determines the pathway for continuation of the medical screening process and/or initiation of treatment.

Qualifications/Experience
Education:
Associate Degree in Nursing with current licensure as a nurse in the State of Arkansas.

Experience:
2 years of Labor and Delivery nursing experience.

Licenses/Certificate:
Current licensure to practice as an RN in the State of Arkansas (includes multistate).
Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification required.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification required (may be obtained within 3 months of hire)
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) Certification required.
AWHONN Obstetric Triage Education Course (may be obtained within 3 months of hire)
Department Specific Requirements (may be obtained within 3 months of hire)

Essential Job Functions
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the following Essential Duties satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the Essential Duties of the position, provided it does not create undue hardship on SARH.

• Uphold and demonstrate “We Care” values in everyday activities and behavior.
• Demonstrate knowledge of normal physical assessment findings and appropriately address abnormal findings.
• Exhibit appropriate communication skills necessary to provide patient care directives and interpret responses to treatment.
• Demonstrate appropriate awareness of suspected abuse/neglect and take measures to report suspicions.
• Demonstrate competency and knowledge in proper techniques for medication and immunization administration.
• Identify and plan for safety precautions to prevent patient injury.
• Meet departmental standards and competencies as evidenced by department-specific documentation.
• Document appropriately in patient medical records.
• Attend scheduled departmental meetings and education.
• Report safety concerns or events appropriately and participate in performance improvement initiatives for the department and facility.
• Maintain professional working relationships with co-workers, customers, leaders, and providers.
• Follow standard precaution protocols and abide by Infection Control procedures.
• Provide care directed by providers in a compassionate, supportive, and respectful manner to families, patients, and visitors at all times.
• Demonstrates responsible decision making in planning, providing, and delegating care based on assessment.
• Demonstrates the ability to set priorities.
• Follows established procedures when performing job functions.
• Communicates effectively. Establishes and maintains two-way communication with peers, staff, physicians, and administration.
• Adapts to change in a positive, professional manner.
• Channels concerns appropriately, deals with conflict through the appropriate chain of command, maintains privacy.
• Fosters sense of teamwork & collaboration within department and hospital
• Communicates appropriate information to charge nurse/supervisor/manager in a timely manner.
• Documents accurately and timely according to guidelines
• Handwriting is legible and easily read by others.
• Maintains a clear, neat, and safe environment for patients and staff.
• Ensures supplies and equipment for patient care are readily available and organized in an efficient manner.
• Correctly identifies and uses appropriately personal protective equipment to protect from exposure to chemical, radiation, and/or biohazards.
• Seeks information/guidance from others as needed.
• Consistently uses skilled communication which demonstrates congruence between words and actions and holds others accountable for doing the same.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and employee information in verbal, written and electronic information, limiting access on a job-related need to know basis.
• Gathers data for process improvement, quality assurance, regulatory documentation, and other requirements.
• Evaluates and enforces safety considerations.