Medical-Surgical - Registered Nurse

Qualifications

Education/Certification: Graduate of an accredited RN program.  Current RN licensure in the state of Idaho. Current BLS. Successful completion of ACLS and PALS courses are recommended but not required. Completion of the basic dysrhythmia class is also recommended but not required.  

Experience: None required  

Equipment/Technology: Basic computer knowledge and is able to demonstrate understanding of basic computer documentation systems as needed. Has the ability to learn and increase competence regarding patient care and equipment within unit.  

Language/Communication: Has the ability to communicate effectively and clearly with many different people (patients, families, visitors, members of the interdisciplinary team and others). 

Mathematical Skills: Knowledge of basic nursing medication calculations and the ability to educate nursing staff regarding medication calculations. 

Mental Capabilities: Has the ability to apply the critical thinking process. Able to function in a high-stress environment and is able to prioritize information related to safe patient care, to treatment plans, and follow-up. 

Interpersonal: Has the ability to collaborate within the many different areas necessary but can independently reference essential material. Is able to establish good working relationships with those around them.  

Performance: Has the ability to meet the standards in reference to professionalism and competence.  

Physical Demands

For the minimum physical demands required to complete the essential functions for this position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment, see the duties and responsibilities below.

Duties and Responsibilities

Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse

1.  Ability to perform a head-to-toe assessment on all patients and reassessments as per policy. This includes: pediatric, geriatric and the general adult patient population.  
2. Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.  
3. Ability to revise plan of care as indicated by the patient’s response to treatment and evaluate overall plan daily for effectiveness.  
4. Ability to perform glucometer testing (point-of-care testing) per Clinical Laboratory’s and the patient care unit’s policies and procedures.  
5. Ability to interpret results of waived tests; take appropriate action on glucometer test results.  
6. Performs patient care responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for patient’s age.  
7. Knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and their clinical condition. 
8. Follow the five 5 medication rights and reduce the potential for medication errors.  
9. Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate.  
10. Demonstrates an ability to assist physicians with procedures and performs services requiring technical and manual skills.  
11. Demonstrates ability to perform treatments and provide services within scope of practice.  
12. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.  
13. Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.  
14. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and the skills necessary to provide age-appropriate care to the patient population served. Able to interpret data about the patient’s status in order to identify each patient’s age-specific needs and provide care needed by the patient group.  
15. Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.  
16. Consults other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs. Once established, attends Patient Care Conference as scheduled.  
17. Communicates appropriately and clearly to Med Surg Manager/Supervisor, charge nurse, co-workers and physicians.  
18. Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.  
19. Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and family; communicate with  Social Service and other Ancillary Departments as needed, regarding both in-hospital and post-discharge needs.  
20. Documentation meets current standards and policies, this includes barcode scanning. 
21. Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.  
22. Coordinates and supervises patient care as necessary. Communicates clear and concise needs to CNA for patient care.  
23. Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful situations. 
24. Adheres to dress code; appearance is neat and clean. 
25. Completes annual education requirements. 
26. Maintains regulatory requirements.  
27. Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.  
28. Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time. 
29. Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized time clock system correctly. 
30. Attends annual review and department in-services, as scheduled.  
31. Attends at least 85% of staff meetings annually.  
32. Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner. 
33. Actively participates in performance and quality improvement activities. 
34. Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.  
35. Demonstrates ability to assist physician with procedures and performs services requiring technical and manual skills.  
36. Provide leadership and guidance to the LPN, provides oversight to LPN as directed per facility requirements.  
37. Required to check emails and be responsible for its content at least once per week. 

For a more detailed description of the physical demands and the work environment for our Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse position, please review this PDF.