January 1993 Revised June, 2000, July 2004, June 2007, June 2008 UNITY JOB EXPECTATIONS REGISTERED NURSE Position Summary: A professional registered nurse is responsible for care of the patients and families of Unity utilizing the nursing process. The RN executes and maintains high quality standards of nursing while directing the activities of other nursing personnel and working in conjunction with interdisciplinary team members. Competence based nursing in hospice and palliative care includes expert assessment skills, critical thinking, comprehensive pain and symptom management and the acquisition of knowledge, attitudes and skills in areas related to the phases of wellness and illness in this population. Report to: Director of Patient Services Qualifications: Current RN licensure from the State of Wisconsin. Valid Driver s License, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance coverage and proof of the same. Internet access to accommodate charting and laptop synchronizing capabilities. One year RN experience preferred. Key Job Duties: Provider A. Assessment: 1. Obtains nursing histories which address the following: a. Past medical history. b. Safety needs. c. Learning needs and capabilities of patient and family. d. Systems review. e. Medication Regimen. 2. Initiates an ongoing physical assessment. a. Demonstrates skill in head-to-toe assessment. 3. Obtains and reviews available data. 4. Identifies and verifies reimbursement source(s). B. Nursing Diagnoses: 1. Establishes nursing diagnoses based on clinical findings.
Job Expectation Page two C. Planning: 1. Establishes an individualized nursing care plan. a. Identify problems. b. Establish expected outcomes. c. Establishes appropriate nursing interventions. d. Integrates the medical plan of care. e. Establishes priorities. f. Collaborates with teammates to develop POC. 2. Documents the patient, family and/or others involvement in developing the care plan. 3. Coordinates plan of care with reimbursement source. 4. Shares in providing 24-hour, seven days-a-week coverage to patient/families. D. Implementation: 1. Establishes priorities and provides care based on nursing care plan. a. Directs care of other nursing personnel. b. Performs nursing skills according to policies and procedures, protocols, guidelines and checklists. c. Alters POC according to patient need. 2. Implements medical plan. a. Administers medications within established guidelines/protocols. b. Reviews, clarifies and/or transcribes physician orders. c. Notifies physician promptly of significant changes in patient's condition. 3. Functions in emergency situations as indicated in nursing guidelines, protocols, and checklists. 4. Documents according to established policies and procedures. E. Evaluation: 1. Evaluates and documents the response of patient/family/other to the plan of care. 2. Collaborates with other disciplines to revise the Plan of Care. 3. Prepares for and participates at IDT meetings. Manager: A. Utilizes problem-solving/decision-making process. 1. Identifies problems/issues. 2. Utilizes appropriate resources. 3. Resolves problems or recommends actions for resolution. 4. Provides feedback to involved individual. B. Utilizes human and material resources effectively and efficiently. 1. Completes assignments within designated time frame. 2. Delegates and seeks assistance to complete assignments in allocated time.
Page three C. Promotes and maintains a positive work environment. 1. Utilizes effective communication skills. a. Discusses issues with appropriate persons. b. Adheres to proper lines of authority and uses proper channels of communication. 2. Functions as a team member including rotation of call. Educator: A. Collaboratively develops and documents a teaching plan in the plan of care to meet the learning needs of the patient/family/others. 1. Evaluates and revises teaching plan. 2. Coordinates teaching plan with other disciplines. 3. Documents patient understanding and response to teaching. B. Serves as resource for staff and students. 1. Assists in orientation of new staff. 2. Informs new staff, students and faculty of learning opportunities. 3. Shares knowledge with peers, students and other hospital and facility staff. Professional: A. Identifies own clinical limitations. 1. Seeks assistance and supervision. 2. Uses appropriate resources, e.g., PDR, P&P, Pharmacy, etc. 3. Accepts responsibility for own development. B. Maintains skills and improves professional competency. 1. Attends mandatory in-service programs. 2. Attends mandatory staffing and discipline meetings. 3. Attends continuing education programs/seminars as requested. 4. Attends mandatory programs, e.g. fire, infection control, CPR, etc. 5. Maintains records of attendance. 6. Reads bulletins, memos, minutes, P&P s. C. Safeguards patients and family rights. 1. Informs patients/families of their rights and responsibilities upon admission. 2. Maintains patient/family confidentiality. 3. Reports violations of patient information confidentiality to Supervisor or Compliance Officer. 4. Provides privacy for patient/family during provision of treatment or care. 5. Identifies and reports concerns about colleague s practice. D. Complies with personnel policies. 1. Uses sick time responsibly. 2. Consistently reports to work on time. 3. Maintains professional appearance. 4. Presents verification of current licensure at time of employment and renewal.
Page four 5. Maintains staff confidentiality. E. Supports colleagues and nursing profession. 1. Participates in peer evaluation process, as requested. 2. Act as role model of professional nursing. 3. Responds in a professional manner to issues and concerns. 4. Abides by Wisconsin Nurse Practice Act. Researcher: A. Participates in the department Quality Improvement activities. 1. Identifies and reports Quality Assurance issues. 2. Assists in data collection, as requested. B. Participates in the research process. 1. Assists in the collection of data for research projects. 2. Incorporates research findings into practice. Customer Relations: 1. Strives for superior service to the extent we exceed our customers' expectations/needs. a. Recognizes the needs and expectations of internal and external customers. b. Responds to identified needs and expectations producing positive customer outcomes. c. Treats customers (internal/external) with respect and integrity. Team: 1. Demonstrates support for the key organizational values relative to people: a. Treats other members of the team with respect and integrity. b. Demonstrates partnership which works toward common team goals. 1) Accepts responsibility for additional shifts to assure safe staff levels. 2) Anticipates and responds to needs. c. Applies effective interpersonal communication skills. d. Responds to people and issues with knowledge/facts. e. Recognizes contributions of team members and provides support/feedback. Continuous Improvement: 1. Support organizational efforts focused on continuous improvement. a. Identifies issues as related to process improvement and customer satisfaction. b. Maintains ongoing involvement with system improvement. c. Follows through with system improvement changes.
Page five Note: This position description includes, but is not limited to, the duties and responsibilities stated herein. HIPAA Categories for Access for Employees and Volunteers Full Access: Routine access to patient information as needed to do your assigned job and potential disclosure of patient information with appropriate releases and/or consents. I can perform the above essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodations. Yes No Initial Here I have read and understand the requirements of this position. I further understand that this is a summary of job responsibilities and does not imply contractual relationships of any type and furthermore is subject to change in order to meet organizational needs. Employee Signature Date Supervisor Signature Date