GENERAL OVERVIEW:

The Staff Nurse is a registered nurse who is responsible for assuring competent, compassionate nursing care for specific patients and families, including delegation to and supervision of non-professional and support staff. The Staff Nurse, as primary nurse, is responsible and accountable for the overall nursing care management of a designated group of patients. S/he collaborates with the Nurse Manager and members of the Patient Care Team to achieve optimal patient outcomes. S/he also collaborates with the patient toward efficient and effective personnel and unit management.

Provides competent, compassionate nursing care based on scientific principles and the use of nursing process and a primary nursing model.

Provides and maintains a therapeutic environment for patients and families.

Articulates the primary nursing role to the patient, family and health team members.

Identifies, facilitates, and evaluates the outcomes of nursing care for an individual patient or group of patients.

Coordinates involvement of the patient, family and health team members in patient care, including patient/family teaching and discharge planning.

Documents relevant patient information accurately and in a timely manner in EPIC.

Communicates the plan of care and other pertinent information to/from other health team members.

Helps define standards of excellence for patient care; participates in improvement of patient care services in a cost-effective way.

Performs specific functions as described in the unit Scope of Service.

Provides care appropriate to age group of patients as described in the unit Scope of Service.

Collaborates with other professionals and directs nonprofessional nursing personnel in maintaining recognized standards.

Teaches and directs all nursing personnel for whom s/he is responsible.

Participates in orientation of new permanent and temporary staff members.

Appropriately utilizes nursing resources.

Interprets hospital and departmental policies and procedures to nurses and other health team members.

Participates in daily operational activities necessary for safe patient/staff environment.

Utilizes resources efficiently to facilitate optimal patient care.

Provides input to Nurse Manager regarding unit needs.

Participates in unit and departmental committees for formulation of nursing and hospital policies and procedures

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

Charge Nurse delegation will include all of the components of a staff nurse's job description as well as:

Clinical resource person for the Nursing Staff/Physicians/Registration Staff and Medical Assistants.

Oversees and maintains work flow throughout the shift.

Reinforce and maintains policies and procedures.

Is mindful of budget constraints re: staffing and supplies.

Review and complete charges on encounter forms before turning them into billing.

Is responsible to ensure staff complete tasks assigned on the Change of shift sheet.

Co-ordinate mealtimes to allow all staff ample break time.

Collaborates with the Nurse Manager in defining and maintaining standards of care.

Participates in Process Improvement initiatives.

Supports a work environment that is safe and patient focused.

Delegates assignments to nursing and registration staff.

Directs the day to day activities of the staff as needed to maintain a consistent patient steady flow.

SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

Maintain and update clinical knowledge and skills based on current nursing education practices.

Adheres to Department of Nursing requirements for required training.

Identifies own learning needs and goals and develops a plan to meet them.

Maintains and develops professional practice through continuing educational programs and appropriate learning experiences.

Contributes to relevant committees, professional meetings, continuing educational and/or formal academic programs.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

In an Urgent Care unit in a busy health center servicing a very diverse patient population.

• Emergency Room / Urgent Care Experience preferred
• Current licensure as a registered nurse in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Maintain current ACLS/PALS certification
• Current licensure in Massachusetts as a registered nurse is required
• BSN preferred; new graduates must have a BSN degree.