Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas

• Responsible for the direction of the Medical Surgical Unit nursing staff.
• 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 psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and family. Functions as liaison between administration, patients, physicians and other healthcare providers.
• Demonstrates ability to assist physicians with procedures.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formulation of the plan of care.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to provide and collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized and function well under stressful situations.
• Maintains performance improvement activities for the department.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Provides education to staff on performance improvement. Ability to plan and organize orientation and inservice training for unit staff members. Participates in guidance and educational programs.
• Performs management activities including interviewing, hiring, evaluating, termination and departmental staffing scheduling.
• Maintains records pertinent to staff and operation of the unit. Prepares reports, i.e., utilization, performance improvement, outcome data.
• Participates in patient care conferences.

Regulatory Requirements

• Graduate from an accredited school of nursing, baccalaureate degree or current enrollment in a program.
• Current state Registered Nurse Licensure.
• Three (3) or more years of previous experience in all aspects of medical surgical nursing and a minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience.
• Current BCLS certification.
• Successful completion of arrhythmia course.