RN Inpatient - Nights

Job Title : Registered Nurse

Job Code : RN INPT

Department : Inpatient

Division : Nursing

Salary Level : Non-Exempt 13

Reports to : Inpatient Nurse Manager

Last Revised : November 2024

Primary Function

The incumbent performs nursing procedures for patients of all ages independently within the framework of established policy within the Inpatient Department at the Cherokee Indian Hospital, Cherokee, North Carolina. The Registered Nurse is a licensed professional nurse responsible for the assessment of patients, development, implementation, and evaluation of a patient plan of care; administration of therapeutic measures; teaching and counseling patients and families; and participating in the development of nursing policies, procedures, and quality assurance standards. The Registered Nurse ensures the delivery of comprehensive healthcare to patients of all ages, utilizing standards of care, policies, protocols, and procedures. The purpose of the work is to perform the full range of the nursing process, from assessment to evaluation, affecting the physical and psychosocial well-being of patients and their families.

Job Description

• Performs nursing care in accordance with established nursing care standards, including care for patients in telemetry-monitored inpatient departments.
• Participates in emergency care, routine, curative, rehabilitative, and preventive nursing care under the supervision of the Inpatient Nurse Manager or designee.
• Demonstrates adaptability to special circumstances such as patient emergencies, census fluctuations, and disasters.
• May rotate between nursing departments, including outpatient and emergency departments, and participate in cross-training as scheduled by the Inpatient Nurse Manager.
• Works on a regularly assigned or rotational basis during evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. May be required to rotate shifts, be on-call, and respond to callbacks.
• Performs ongoing assessments, actively determining nursing care needs based on data collection and interpretation relevant to the client's health status.
• Collects and interprets data from biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors influencing health status.
• Reviews health records, interviews patients and families, documents findings, and determines care priorities.
• Plans patient care according to assessed needs and established hospital policies and procedures.
• Functions as charge nurse when assigned, delegating tasks based on staff competency and patient complexity, and resolving issues proactively.
• Develops care plans, implements nursing interventions, and evaluates patient outcomes.
• Recognizes and responds to changes in patient condition, initiating appropriate interventions, including emergency resuscitation when necessary.
• Administers, manages, and titrates intravenous cardiac medications or other medications requiring cardiac monitoring.
• Provides counseling, teaching, and anticipatory guidance to patients and families on preventive, curative, and rehabilitation measures, documenting all education activities.
• Maintains a safe environment by following Universal Precautions, managing medical waste, and adhering to OSHA regulations.
• Participates in performance improvement activities, identifying and reporting risk management issues.
• Ensures adequate supplies and proper functioning of medical equipment.
• Promotes patient advocacy, confidentiality, and positive communication within nursing services, other departments, and community agencies.
• Updates nursing practices and standards through training and in-services, and evaluates the care provided.
• Participates in ongoing quality assurance programs and revises care plans based on patient needs.
• May work during administrative leave if patient care would be compromised.

Education / Experience

Job Knowledge

Complexity of Duties

The nurse provides a full range of comprehensive nursing care, including assessing needs, developing plans, administering medications, operating medical equipment, evaluating care, and counseling patients and families. Independent judgment is required to respond to patient conditions and select appropriate guidelines.

Supervision Received

The nurse independently plans, schedules, and provides nursing care in coordination with the medical care plan under the supervision of the Director, Division of Nursing, or designee. Work is evaluated for technical soundness and adherence to professional standards.

Responsibility for Accuracy

The nurse's performance directly affects patient recovery and quality of care. Adherence to policies and procedures prevents errors and ensures positive patient outcomes.

Contact with Others

Confidential Data

The nurse has access to highly confidential patient medical and personal information. Strict adherence to confidentiality policies, including the Privacy Act of 1974, is required. Violations can result in adverse actions, including civil and criminal penalties.

Mental / Visual / Physical Environment

Environment

Work environment involves moderate risks of exposure to infectious diseases, radiation, electrical hazards, irritant chemicals, and explosive gases.

Customer Service

Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills by aligning with CIHA's guiding principles and core values. Actively seeks opportunities to provide excellent service to patients and customers. Learn More