Registered Nurse

Description

Lincoln Health

111 6th Street * PO Box 248

Hugo, Colorado 80821

(719) 743-2421 * Fax# (719) 623-2786

POSITION: Registered Nurse

DEPARTMENT: Lincoln Health Family Practice Clinics

DATE WRITTEN: June 2003 REVISED: October 2020

PURPOSE:

 To plan and deliver nursing care to patients requiring acute care 

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ENVIRONMENT:

Lincoln Health is a 15-bed Critical Access Hospital co-located with 22-bed Long Term Care Unit. The facility employs 150-200 employees.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1) Works using the guidelines established from the Nurse Practice Act, Lincoln Community Hospital and Care Center standards, policies and procedures and nursing judgment.

2) Assesses plans and evaluates nursing care delivered to patients requiring acute care.

3) Delivers nursing care to patients requiring acute care. 

4) Implements the patient plan of care and evaluate the patient response.

5) Directs and supervises care given by other nursing personnel.

6) Provides assistance to the Nursing Home on an as needed basis.

7) Provides input in the formulation and evaluation of standards of care.

8) Maintains knowledge of necessary documentation requirements.

9) Maintains knowledge of equipment set-up, maintenance and use (i.e., monitors, infusion devices, drain devices, etc.).

10) Maintains confidentiality and patient rights regarding all patient personnel information.

11) Provides patient/family/caregiver education as directed.

12) Conducts self in a professional manner in compliance with unit and facility policy.

13) Works rotating shifts, holidays and week-ends as scheduled.

14) Initiates emergency support measure (i.e., CPR, protects patients/residents from injury. 

15) Participates in the identification of staff educational needs.

16) Servers as a preceptor, as delegated, for new staff.

17) Maintains patient care supplies, equipment and environment.

18) Participates in the development of unit objectives.

19) Participates in the quality assessment and improvement process and activities.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Performance in the following areas is acceptable when:

General Patient Care:

1) Patient is approached in a kind, gentle and friendly manner. Respect for the patient’s dignity and privacy is consistently provided. 

2) Interventions are performed in a timely manner. Explanations for delays in answers/responses are provided.

3) Independence by the patient in activities of daily living is encouraged to the fullest extent possible.

4) Treatments are completed as indicated.

5) Safety concerns are identified and appropriate actions are taken to maintain a safe environment.

a. Siderails and height of beds are adjusted.

b. Patient call light and equipment is within reach.

c. Restraints, when used, are maintained properly.

d. Rooms are neat and orderly.

6) Patient identification and allergy bands (if applicable) are present.

7) Functional assignments are completed.

8) Emergency situations are recognized and appropriate action is instituted.

9) All emergency equipment can be readily located and operated (emergency oxygen supply, drug box, fire extinguisher, etc.). 

Adherence to the Facility Procedures:

1) Facility procedure manuals or reference materials are utilized as needed.

2) Procedures are performed according to method outlined in procedure manual.

3) Body substance precautions and other appropriate infection control practices are utilized with all nursing interventions.

4) Safety guidelines established by the facility (i.e., proper needle disposal) are followed.

Professionalism:

1) Decisions are made that reflect knowledge and good judgment and demonstrate an awareness of patient/family/physician needs.

2) Awareness of own limitations is evident and assistance is sought when necessary.

3) Dress code is adhered to.

4) Committee meetings (if assigned) are attended. Reports related to the committee are given during staff meetings.

5) Responsibility is taken for own professional growth. All mandatory and other in-services are attended annually.

6) Organizational ability and time management is demonstrated.

7) Confidentiality of patient is respected at all times (i.e., when answering telephone and/or speaking to co-workers).

8) Professional behavior is demonstrated. 

Human Relations: 

1) A positive working relationship with patients, visitors and facility staff is demonstrated.

2) Authority is acknow