Staff Nurse I - Family Medicine

Position Summary

Staff Nurse I is accountable for the delivery of patient care utilizing the Nursing Process and Relationship-Based Care model as the framework. The Staff Nurse I provides direct patient care and takes initiative to improve patient outcomes by integrating Shared Leadership, Evidence Based Practice, Relationship Based Care and standards of nursing excellence into clinical practice. Through therapeutic relationships with patients, families, self and colleagues, the Staff Nurse I functions as an interdisciplinary team member who provides quality patient care and fulfills unit and organizational goals.

Duties & Responsibilities

Clinical

• Completes required orientation program and clinic/unit-specific competencies.

• Develops, implements and updates the patient’s plan of care based on on-going assessment of the patient and input from the patient’s family.

• Shares information and collaborates with other members of the health care team to promote effective patient care.

• Verifies and implements orders from physician, physician assistant and/or advance practice nurse by performing interventions as prescribed by the provider and documenting accurately in the electronic medical records

• Engages and obtains information from patient and/or family to develop an appropriate patient educational plan.

• Recognizes symptoms, establishes priorities and responds to patient’s changing needs.

• Engages support personnel by delegating appropriate tasks per the Illinois State Nurse Practice Act and provides support and feedback.

• Demonstrates a commitment to UI Health’s values through teamwork and effective communication to achieve quality outcomes, patient safety, customer satisfaction and a clean, safe and therapeutic environment.

• Other duties as assigned.

Professional/Leadership •

Advocates for patients, families, and their significant others, the community, and the nursing profession.

• Integrates theoretical knowledge, evidence-based research, current standards of practice and clinical experience to provide “quality” patient care as measured by established nursing quality standards and other governing/accrediting health care bodies.

• Utilizes the hospital approved acuity tool and electronic scheduling tool, to facilitate optimal staffing, and scheduling and patient assignments.

• Recognizes and supports Shared Leadership as the selected method of nursing governance

• Participates in organizational, departmental and shared leadership activities; supports department and unit/clinic goals in daily behavior.

• Demonstrates accountability for job performance by: (1) seeking opportunities to enhance job skills and knowledge; (2) maintaining conditions of employment (RN licensure, BLS and other required unit-specific certifications).

• Participates in staff meetings, monthly nursing unit advisory committee meetings, hospital-wide nursing councils and other meetings as directed by the Clinic Director or Administrative Nurse III

• Assumes role of Charge Nurse when assigned, utilizing appropriate resources and tools.

• Receives and provides feedback to members of the health care team regarding performance/practice.

Organizational

• Adheres to UI Health’s Code of Conduct.

• Treats patients/families, staff, students and visitors with respect and dignity.

• Adheres to Nursing’s time, overtime and attendance policies.

• Completes electronic learning modules and related programs as assigned by UI Health by established date

• Complies with University Health Services TB, flu compliance and fit-testing requirements

• Utilizes established communication channels/chain of command to escalate or resolve patient care problems.

• Identifies recurring clinical practice and/or related unit problems and participates in problem solving and resolution

Education/Research

• Collaborates with other nurses to identify, promote, and provide positive learning experiences for staff and students.

· Serves as preceptor and/or resource to other nursing staff and students.

· Accesses UI Health intranet/Outlook for relevant communication and to review and interpret changes in policy, procedure, and other information pertinent to practice.

· Supports nursing and multidisciplinary research efforts conducted in the clinic/unit and UI Health.

· Takes responsibility for continued professional growth/development by identification of learning needs and initiates strategies to meet such needs.

Reporting Structure
· This person works independently within the scope of nursing practice. The Clinic Director and Administrative Nurse III, acting as coach and mentor, provides direction, guidance, and feedback regarding practice and
performance. The employee’s performance is evaluated annually in writing and more frequently if needed. The employee and Clinic Director and/or Administrative Nurse III, meet on an as needed basis for coaching and mentoring where support, guidance and direction can be given.