Registered Nurse- PRN

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Complete initial assessments and documents as required.
• Collect, record, and analyze pertinent data for admission assessment according to Hospital policy.
• Involve patient's support systems in assessment and documentation.
• Act as an advocate for patients.
• Explain patient's rights and obtain necessary signatures on consents.
• Assist in patient orientation process.
• Know and employ Hospital policies and procedures regarding unit safety.
• Initiate and update treatment plan and documentation as required.
• Participate in planning and modifying the patient's plan of care.
• Participate in care conferences and represent the nursing care component of the treatment plan.
• Develop and interpret plan of care with the patient/family.
• Write clear, concise, and obtainable treatment goals on the treatment plan.
• Review current lab data and follow-up with doctor.
• Evaluate potential for falls and initiate fall precautions.
• Identify potential for self-abuse, suicidality and/or assaultive behavior.
• Develop age-appropriate interventions for the patient's plan of care.
• Assess changes in patient status and document interventions accordingly.
• Demonstrate safe and correct medication administration.
• Identify potential patient care problems and exercise leadership to intervene appropriately.
• Use appropriate de-escalation techniques.
• Identify alcohol withdrawal syndrome and extra pyramidal side-effects/neuroleptic malignant syndrome signs.
• Identify significant cardiac and/or respiratory symptoms requiring immediate medical intervention.
• Identify health education needs of the patient/family.
• Implement age-appropriate teaching interventions.
• Organize patient care activities and interventions according to patient priorities.
• Implement patient care based on established care plans and Hospital policies.
• Assure admissions, transfers, and other related patient care activities are delivered in accordance with EMTALA.
• Adhere to the Nursing department and Hospital's standards of nursing practice.
• Protect patients, visitors, and staff from environmental hazards.
• Participate in continuing education and in-service programs.
• Participate in the Performance Improvement program.
• Assist in the development and implementation of unit standards of care.
• Identify problems with unit systems and suggest possible solutions.
• Serve on one unit-based committee or participate in unit-based projects.
• Carry out leadership function in patient care, staff operations, and department organization.
• Contribute to Nursing and Hospital functions through active participation on committees.
• Assume charge nurse role.
• Manage the therapeutic milieu and use sound clinical judgment.
• Plan patient care assignments that facilitate continuity of care.
• Serve as a role model for peers and others.
• Supervise and delegate tasks to LPN/psychiatric technician.
• Provide complete acuity monitors to the Patient Accounts department.
• Maintain a primary caseload and provide direction for patient care.
• Participate in projects, tasks and continuing education opportunities.
• Develop goals and objectives for professional growth.
• Promote department goals and the mission of the hospital.
• Maintain department policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate understanding of Joint Commission and other regulatory agency Compliance regulations.
• Participate in Hospital committees, performance improvement team meetings and team projects.
• Demonstrate punctuality and preparedness.
• Demonstrate effective communication and organizational skills.
• Participate in the Performance Improvement program.
• Conduct self in a professional manner.
• Demonstrate organizational skills that promote timely response to all inquiries.
• Communicate with all individuals in a positive and professional manner.
• Attend internal and external seminars to promote professional growth.
• Comply with the Hospital's policies and procedures.
• Use courteous, cooperative, and respectful behavior when working with patients, families, physicians, visitors, and Hospital employees.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of Hospital/department policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate consistent acceptance of professional accountability for own practice.
• Support changes in staffing/scheduling when unit and Hospital patient care needs require.
• Accept reassignment in a positive manner.
• Demonstrate willingness to adjust work schedule, when able, to meet patient's needs.
• Recognize need for support, seek appropriate assistance when needed, and offer assistance to peers.
• Project a professional image by wearing appropriate, professional attire.

Education/Training Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Registered nurse licensed by State Board of Nursing in the state of employment.
• License must be in good standing with the State Board of Nursing in the state of employment.
• American Health Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification or is required within thirty (30) days of date-of-hire. Bi-annual re-certification is required.
• Formal training in management of the aggressive patient is required within sixty (60) days of date-of-hire. Annual re-certification is required.
• Previous psychiatric experience with children, adolescents and adults is preferred.
• At the Hospital's discretion, may be required to hold a qualified medical professional (QMP) designation.
• Must be deemed competent to serve as a QMP, as outlined in the Medical Staff bylaws of Rogers Memorial Hospital.
• Employees at the Child/Adolescent Day Treatment programs licensed under HFS §40 are required to have either training in psychiatric nursing, including training in work with children with mental health disorders, or one (1) year of experience working in a clinical setting with these children.