Registered Nurse (RN)

RN will possess broad-based clinical knowledge to effectively assess, implement health promotion and prevention interventions, manage acute and chronic illness states, assist patient/residents in the attainment of optimal levels of functioning rehabilitation, evaluate patient/resident response to actual or potential health problems, and provide supportive measures for dying patient/resident and their significant others. Nursing care is performed in accordance with the Arkansas Registered Nurses Practice Act and within the individual nurse's scope of license. The CAVHS Nurse Manager(s), or appropriate nursing leadership delegate (i.e., Assistant Nurse Manager), will provide the RN with clinical oversight during their tour of duty. More specific duties and responsibilities of the Registered Nurse are described below and shall be assessed by the CAVHS Nursing Service prior to provider acceptance.

1. Maintain patient/resident confidentiality and a safe patient/resident care environment, including familiarity with requirements such as medication administration, patient/resident/family education, discharge process, restraint usage, hazardous waste disposal, etc., as defined by The Joint Commission and all other VA regulatory bodies (i.e., Long Term Care Institute and Office of Inspector General.
2. Provide patient/resident-centered care by performing the following tasks:

• assess the health care needs of the patient/resident and maintain or develop a plan of care to meet interdisciplinary goals
• assess and act on significant changes in the patient's/resident's health condition
• carry out the plan of care by performing/assigning delegated tasks
• collect and document pertinent data into the electronic patient/resident medical record
• complete nursing assessments within required time frames, and in accordance with policy and procedure.
• identify and act on predictable needs of the patient/resident
• meet the health care needs of patient/resident by assessing and assisting the patient/resident to meet expressed needs
• meet the emotional and spiritual needs of patients/residents and/or families
• prioritize and complete tasks within the RN's assigned shift
• update patient/resident care plans
• notify assigned physician of any changes in condition
• report incidents of verbal or physical abuse immediately to the Nurse Manager of the unit they are assigned; or designated off-shift nursing leadership

1. Perform the following tasks: (A competency checklist should b provided by the agency for each staff member at the time of submission for approval for credentialing)

• perform head-to-toe assessments
• insert IV lines
• care and management of peripheral and central lines, including PICC lines
• administer medication including IV
• coordinate and participate in admission and discharge of patient
• measure vital signs/hemodynamic monitoring including pain (the 5th Vital Sign), pulse oximetry, etc.
• perform wound care including dressing changes (sterile and non-sterile), and obtaining wound cultures as necessary
• obtain and deliver specimens to the lab
• perform tracheostomy care
• perform non-acute and/or acute ventilator care, if needed
• perform suctioning including oral, nasogastric, and tracheostomy
• perform deep suctioning, which may include obtaining specimens
• assess for and administer tube feedings
• assist with routine urinary and bowel elimination including catheters, colostomies, and digital stimulation.
• assist and perform enemas and other supportive measures as needed.
• educate patients/residents and/or families regarding health and diagnoses and medication administration including indications for the medication.
• respond and assist in emergency situations
• provide clinical oversight to Licensed Practical Nurses, Nursing Assistants, and Health Technicians

Qualifications:

1. Must have current ACLS & BLS certs
2. 1 year experience in specialty area

• Active RN licensure for any of the 50 States