Job Description
Job Summary
Under general supervision, renders nursing care to patients within assigned department
and demonstrates knowledge of developmental needs of patient population specific to
that department. (Patient population is defined in each department's Scope of Practice.)
May direct the activities of the department or a specific work group for a shift to include
assigning duties to professional or non-professional personnel, overseeing and
evaluating work performance of other personnel, and assisting in orientation of
personnel. May assume responsibilities of Charge Nurse when deemed capable by the
Department Director.
Qualifications
Education:
ADN or Diploma required. BSN required to be obtained per BSN policy. Graduate from
an accredited school of nursing preferred with current registration in Indiana required.
Advanced preparation for specialized areas preferred.
Training:
Individualized preceptor training four to eight weeks. May be more or less at discretion
of Director. Successful completion of orientation skills checklist. CPR Provider-C required
within 30 days of hire. ACLS and NIHSS certifications (within one year) required for
Emergency Services. TNCC and ENPC (within two years) (PALS optional) for Emergency
Services. Specialty certification recommended for all staff nurses.
Experience:
None required. Previous experience as a Registered Nurse in a health care facility
preferred.
Job Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge and skills which enable the assumption of responsibility for the nature and
quality of nursing care rendered to patients. Thorough knowledge of nursing theory and
practice. Familiarity with organization, functions, policies and procedures of the Hospital
as they relate to Patient Services. Knowledge of the value of rehabilitation concept in
promotion of mental and physical health. Completion of basic skills checklist within 60
days.
Thorough knowledge of the anatomy, physiology, and complications of ill and injured
individuals who present to the Emergency Department for evaluation and treatment.
Provides nursing care to patients with non-urgent to emergent medical needs. Provides
appropriate management of injuries, poisonings, and medical and traumatic
emergencies in children and adults. Provides appropriate assistance for special
procedures performed in the department. Focuses on the cyclic process of recovery
beginning with education of prevention to rehabilitation. Competency validation is
completed by the Department Director or designee on an individual basis according to
previous experience and abilities; but not to exceed six months from orientation to
completion. Provides education for the patient addressing the educational needs that
have been identified.
Performance Requirements
Responsibility for:
Accurately assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates patient care. Documents and
maintains accurate and complete nursing records. Supervises implementation of
physician orders. Assists in teaching patients and providing staff education. Maintains a
safe and clean environment. Maintains supplies in a cost effective manner. Maintains
patient safety and comfort, Infection Control, and Standard Precautions.
Physical Demands:
On feet for major portion of the day. Much pulling, pushing, and lifting required. Visual,
auditory, and speech acuity essential to supervising nursing care and evaluating patients
need. Works in nursing department and patient rooms which are well lighted, heated,
and ventilated with some exposure to disagreeable conditions. May come in contact with
hazardous health conditions; however, if proper procedure is followed no harm should
come to employee.
Special Demands:
Reflects the mission, philosophy, core values, and customer service plan of Memorial
Hospital and Health Care Center in action and attitude. Nurses are encouraged to be
actively involved in the community as leaders in health and wellness promotion and
injury and disease prevention. Nursing practice reflects the American Nurse Association
Code of Ethics. Willingness to work with realization that errors and incompetence may
have serious consequences for patients. Competency, tact, and patience are necessary
when communicating with patients, families, physicians, and other personnel. Utilizes
initiative and judgment in adapting or devising techniques and procedures to meet the
needs of the nursing department. Maintains confidentiality. May be required to work
rotating shifts and a reasonable amount of overtime.