Registered Nurse- PRN

The registered nurse performs professional nursing activities in the care of patients so they may achieve or regain, and then maintain, maximum physical, emotional or social functions. Role functions are governed by the Nurse Practice Act, the Administrative Code (in the state of employment), as well as the professional standards for nursing practice, and the corresponding policies and procedures of Rogers Memorial Hospital (Rogers).

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Complete initial assessments and documents as required.
• Collect, record, and analyze pertinent data for admission assessment according to Hospital policy, including patient strengths and limitations, cultural/spiritual/ethnic factors, discharge needs, medical/physical status, medication history, and age-specific data.
• Involve patient's support systems in assessment and documentation.
• Act as an advocate for patients; explain patient rights and obtain necessary consents.
• Assist in patient orientation process and employ Hospital policies regarding unit safety and contraband search.
• Initiate and update treatment plan and documentation as required.
• Participate in planning and modifying the patient's plan of care and in care conferences.
• Develop and interpret plan of care with the patient/family, updating as indicated.
• 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 (right patient, medication, dose, time, route).
• Maintain current knowledge of medication purpose and effects; accurately transcribe and implement physician medication orders.
• Monitor expected and unexpected medication effects including adverse drug reactions and interactions.
• Conduct and document patient education about medications.
• Identify potential patient care problems and exercise leadership to intervene appropriately.
• Use appropriate de-escalation techniques: quiet room, locked seclusion, restraints.
• Identify alcohol withdrawal syndrome and extrapyramidal 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 and implement age-appropriate teaching interventions.
• Organize patient care activities according to patient priorities, unit needs, and time constraints.
• Adhere to Nursing department and Hospital standards of nursing practice and patient care.
• Protect patients, visitors, and staff from environmental hazards by adhering to safety and infection control standards.
• Participate in continuing education and in-service programs; attend 100% of required in-services.
• Participate in the Performance Improvement program on an ongoing basis.
• Assist in the development and implementation of unit standards of care.
• Identify problems with unit systems and suggest possible solutions to Clinical Services manager.
• Serve on one unit-based committee or participate in unit-based projects.
• Carry out leadership function in patient care, staff operations, and department organization.
• Assume charge nurse role: coordinate unit activities, take leadership in crisis situations, facilitate admission process, manage therapeutic milieu.
• Plan patient care assignments that facilitate continuity of care based on patient needs, unit activity, and nursing staff qualifications.
• 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.
• Develop goals and objectives for professional growth and discuss with Clinical Services manager.
• Promote department goals and the mission of the hospital.
• Demonstrate understanding of Joint Commission and other regulatory agency compliance regulations.
• Participate in Hospital committees, performance improvement team meetings and team projects.
• Demonstrate punctuality, preparedness, effective communication and organizational skills.
• Conduct self in a professional manner and comply with Hospital policies and procedures.

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.
• American Health Association Healthcare Provider CPR certification required within thirty (30) days of date-of-hire; bi-annual re-certification required.
• Formal training in management of the aggressive patient required within sixty (60) days of date-of-hire; annual re-certification 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.
• Employees at Child/Adolescent Day Treatment programs licensed under HFS §40 are required to have either training in psychiatric nursing or one (1) year of experience working in a clinical setting with these children.