Registered Nurse (PRN)

Description

Provides direct and indirect patient care in the medical-surgical setting. Communicates with physicians/Nurse Manager/co-workers, as appropriate about changes in patient’s clinical condition including results of diagnostic studies and symptomatology. Is able to respond quickly and accurately to changes in condition or response to treatment. Additionally, is able to perform general nursing duties in all departments with adequate supervision.

PRN position

Requirements

Minimum Qualification:

• Graduate of an accredited School of Registered Nursing
• Current RN license from the Texas State Board of Nurse Examiners with renewal as required by law
• Current BLS certification

Position Description:

• Obtains and records initial assessment and establishes priorities according to patient age, symptoms and psychosocial needs.
• Re-assesses patients systematically to identify progress and trends that require intervention.
• Develops and implements a measurable individualized plan of care for the patient within the time frame established by Nursing Standards of Care.
• Makes comprehensive nursing decisions based on the interpretation of facts and evaluations of patient outcome; modifies the plan of care based upon the evaluations.
• Participates in patient/significant other health education and discharge planning.
• Implements and documents timely interventions appropriate to patient needs.
• Delegates unit work assignments appropriately to ensure completion of required patient care support activities.
• Coordinates team assignments and makes adjustments based upon patient and unit needs; follows up on delegate patient care tasks for quality and completeness.
• Utilizes the appropriate chain of command for resolution of difficult issues.
• Participates in orientation of new staff/students on the unit.
• Maintains neat, organized and safe environment for patients and staff.
• Functions as a resource to visitors, physicians and staff; greeting them promptly and courteously with eye contact and a pleasant expression and tone of voice.
• Promotes a positive work environment as evidenced by; demonstrating a professional, supportive attitude for the unit staff; being receptive and responsive to new ideas; and being flexible to changing systems.
• Participates in the unit’s continuous quality improvement plan to improve organizational performance.
• Collaborates by working with others to achieve unit and organizational goals.
• Responds within the 30 minutes response time when on-call.
• Attends mandatory meetings held within the department.
• Adjust work hours/schedule to meet the needs and demands of the department and hospital.
• Cross-training to allow for flexibility in filling nurse staffing needs of the hospital.
• Competencies in nursing procedures and patient care are met and documented.
• Aware of all Emergency Disaster Plans and how to respond if a Disaster occurs.
• Works effectively with others, demonstrates leadership and teaching ability and the ability to work under pressure.

Demonstrates competency in the following areas:

Ability to perform a head-to-toe assessment and reassessments on all patients as per policy. This includes: pediatric, geriatric and the general population.

• Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and their clinical condition.
• Follows the seven (7) medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.
• Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patients’ needs are met and hospital policy is followed.
• Ability to perform waived testing (point of care testing) per Clinical Laboratory’s and the patient care unit’s policies and procedures.
• Ability to interpret the results of waived tests; takes appropriate action on waived test results.
• Ability to revise plan of care as indicated by the patient’s response to treatment and evaluate the overall plan daily for effectiveness.
• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning. Family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, staff, Nurse Executive and administrative team.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psy