Job Summary:
Provides nursing care to patients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse or physician/advanced practice provider. Uses observational skills to monitor nursing interventions and assists medical staff to ensure optimal care within established policies, procedures, and standards. Works under direct supervision to deliver nursing care in accordance with legal scope of practice and organizational standards. Demonstrates alignment with the Mission, Vision, and Strategic Plan of the organization, maintaining quality and effectiveness in work habits and clinical practice, and treating coworkers, patients, families, and all members of the healthcare team with dignity and respect.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Exhibits excellent customer relations with patients, visitors, providers, and co-workers; demonstrates courtesy, compassion, and respect; adheres to department service standards.
- Provides therapeutic patient care as established by physicians/advanced practice providers and/or registered nurses within scope of practice.
- Transcribes physician/advanced practice provider orders following policy guidelines.
- Communicates with registered nurses to modify the care plan; assists in developing nursing care plans.
- Administers medications accurately according to provider orders and standing protocols within scope of practice.
- Performs treatments such as urinary catheterizations, IV placements, bladder irrigations, suctioning, throat irrigations, enemas, and equipment usage, adhering to infection control policies.
- Follows disinfection and sterilization policies, including use of disinfectants and peel packs.
- Performs routine patient care tasks like vital signs, wound care, patient education on treatments, specimen collection, and culture collection.
- Assists medical staff during examinations and treatments by preparing instruments, supporting and restraining patients, and providing necessary assistance.
- Observes and documents patient conditions, signs, symptoms, and reactions to therapy; initiates emergency procedures as needed and reports findings promptly.
- May start and manage IV therapy with certification, monitoring for issues, and discontinuing IVs when appropriate.
- May perform venipuncture and blood withdrawal with certification.
- Collects and processes specimens per policies and protocols.
- Provides basic patient education following the care plan; reports learning needs and discharge barriers.
- Maintains cleanliness and proper functioning of nursing stations and equipment, ensuring a safe environment.
- Uses effective verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
- Performs additional duties in other departments or modules as assigned to maintain standards of care and safety.
- Completes departmental workflows like patient outreach, closing care gaps, and nurse visits.
- Participates in staff meetings and training programs.
- Assists with ordering, stocking, and distributing supplies and equipment.
- Accepts verbal and telephone orders from providers.
- Supports patient communication and message management, including emails and call center messages.
- Administers therapies such as pulse oximetry, humidification, spirometry, oxygen therapy, suctioning, and sputum induction.
- Documents care accurately in Health Connect following policies and protocols.
- Performs other duties as assigned, including employee orientation.
- Assists with discharge coordination.
- Performs all functions within licensed scope and certification.
- Promotes excellent customer service, respecting patient confidentiality and organizational policies.
- Ensures compliance with ethical standards, laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
- Utilizes skills assessments to ensure proficiency in caring for specific age groups, recognizing their unique needs and behaviors.