General Summary
Provides professional nursing care at the beginner practitioner level in accordance with patient and family-centered care principles, based on the nursing process and hospital standards. Acts as a primary nurse for patients, coordinating care planning with other disciplines. May require specialized skills depending on the unit assignment.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides and coordinates direct care according to patient and family-centered care principles, the nursing process, and hospital standards. Acts as a primary nurse and develops outcome-driven plans based on patient data.
- Safely and independently administers prescribed treatments, medications, and nursing interventions based on assessments and care plans.
- Organizes and prioritizes tasks based on patient condition and workload. Recognizes changes in patient status and responds appropriately. Knows how to activate resources to achieve patient outcomes.
- Ensures safe handoffs during care transitions by identifying and communicating patient needs. Collaborates with patients and families in care planning across disciplines.
- Documents patient responses and progress accurately using flow sheets, progress notes, and electronic medical records. Identifies variances and system/unit-based indicators such as falls or pressure ulcers.
- Identifies personal professional growth areas and participates in performance improvement. Recognizes the importance of evidence-based practice.
- Supports a professional environment that promotes patient safety and quality through interdisciplinary collaboration, shared decision-making, and peer review. Participates in SDM activities and serves as a role model.
- Begins to provide leadership in problem-solving and goal setting. Negotiates solutions collaboratively.
- Delegates care tasks to team members, assists in organizing work, and monitors task completion.
- Fosters collaboration among physicians, nursing staff, and the interdisciplinary team. Develops communication and conflict resolution skills to enhance team performance.
- Performs virtual nursing duties as assigned.
- Responsibilities may vary based on the unit, including specific clinical skills required. Unit-specific skill lists and certification requirements are outlined in the SYS-NURS-L policy.
- Maintains current BLS certification. Additional certifications such as ACLS, PALS, NRP, etc., are required for specific units and must be obtained within specified timeframes.
Common Expectations:
- Demonstrates knowledge of growth and development principles relevant to the patient population, providing age-specific care.
- Commits to safety by adhering to regulations, reporting errors, and participating in safety initiatives and root cause analyses.
- Follows policies, procedures, and standards related to quality, safety, and infection control.
- Engages in ongoing professional development through education to stay current in skills and knowledge.
- Provides excellent service, fosters teamwork, and practices fiscal responsibility through continuous improvement and innovation.
Qualifications
Minimum Education:
- Diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing required; BSN preferred.
Work Experience:
- No prior experience required.
Licenses:
- Licensed Registered Nurse upon hire required, or
- Multi-State RN license upon hire required, along with BLS certification.