RN Charge, PACU

Responsibilities:

• Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  Clinical Practice

  1. Provides age appropriate care for the population served. Gives consideration to growth & developmental phase of life, to age related factors such as thermal regulation, medication administration, nutrition, safety and functional needs of the patient.
  2. Uses appropriate resources for patients with special needs such as language barriers, sensory problems, altered cognition, cultural and religious needs.
  3. Ensures attention to patient’s physical, spiritual and emotional well being.
  4. Demonstrates competency in assessment and re-assessment skills of the Surgical and Medical ACC patient, plans and initiates care, and evaluates the effectiveness of interventions taking appropriate actions to move patient toward reaching goals of care. (Includes admission and post procedure assessments and updates needs of Medical ACC patient with each subsequent visit).
  5. Performs pain assessments and intervenes to optimally meet patient’s needs for comfort.
  6. Plans clinical care based on patient’s needs and uses available resources.
  7. Performs clinical care in accordance with policy and procedure.
  8. Performs peripheral venipuncture and peripheral and central vascular access care according to policy & procedure.
  9. Performs phlebotomy with IV starts and/or with venipuncture according to policy and procedure.
  10. Identifies situations that warrant patient rescue and takes appropriate action, e.g. Rapid Response or Code Blue/Pink.
  11. Adheres to the 5 rights of medication administration and uses the Medication Administration Check (MAK) system per policy and procedure.
  12. Integrates principles of infection control & infection prevention into practice.
  13. Adheres to aseptic technique as appropriate.
  14. Uses resources and references for reviewing policies and procedures, medications, and clinical information.
  15. Prioritizes and organizes work effectively within assigned shift.
  16. Performs post procedure telephone calls to all discharged patients and documents in chart.

  Communication

  1. Uses effective communication during hand-offs (e.g. Shift report, transfer report, etc).
  2. Organizes information into a meaningful format, such as SBAR.
  3. Delegates appropriately to unlicensed personnel and team members.
  4. Communicates patient care information to the interdisciplinary care team in a timely manner.
  5. Provides patient and family education in a manner that is understood and gives the patient and family handouts, brochures and resources that can be taken home for future reference.
  6. Accepts assignments and performs as a team member to provide best outcomes for patients.
  7. Introduces self to patient and explains procedures to patient and family.

  Documentation

  1. Demonstrates writing skills clearly that are appropriate for healthcare communication.
  2. Utilizes only approved medical abbreviations.
  3. Documents patient care in an accurate, professional and timely manner using the electronic medical record, MAK, and paper documentation forms according to policy and procedure.
  4. Documents patient care that is relevant to patient’s diagnosis, problems and reflects patient’s status.
  5. Obtains results from Soarian, CDC labs, Quest, Lab Corp, Interdoc, etc.

  Professional Role Development

  1. Develops own nursing knowledge via practice, observation, professional literature, networking and attending continuing education programs.
  2. Promotes best practice by demonstrating a commitment to quality patient care and the profession of nursing.
  3. Promotes innovation and creativity in the practice environment.
  4. Serves as a preceptor and mentor for new employees.
  5. Mentors student nurses.
  6. Accepts constructive feedback about performance or behaviors and shows evidence of change.
  7. Adheres to the Department of Nursing Dress Code and maintains a professional appearance according to policy standards.

  Department of Nursing and Organization Support

  1. Attends assigned committee meetings and contributes to the committees.
  2. Communicates support of organizational values and strategies.
  3. Supports the following organizational programs: Magnet®, Joint Commission Disease Specific Certification, Nursing Councils, and integrates their standards into clinical practice.
  4. Reviews nursing quality data, e.g. NDNQI and identifies how to apply best practice into own practice and mentor others towards meeting quality target goals.

  Departmental Support

  1. Maintains equipment in working order. Uses equipment appropriately, cleans equipment, follows Department policies for equipment and supply use and maintenance.
  2. Performs assigned duties to maintain unit in a state of survey readiness and maintain quality initiatives. For example, quality control measures, emergency equipment checks, medication preparation area cleanliness, monthly outdates, refrigerator logs, etc.
  3. Adheres to unit programs to support patient care such as maintaining a quiet environment, hourly patient rounds, customer service, etc.
  4. Attends staff meetings on a regular basis.
  5. Keeps patient care area and work environment neat and organized.

  Education Training and Experience

  Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required.

  Experience preferred, however training and specialty specific education programs are provided during orientation, and must be successfully completed as scheduled.

  Basic computer skills: keyboard, mouse use. Ability to complete data entry on clinical documentation screens. Ability to use email and internet. Ability to successfully complete on the job training for CCH computer programs. Ability to practice critical thinking and organizational skills. Ability to speak, read, write and understand English.

  Licensure/Certification

  Current Pennsylvania RN License

  CPR certification required.

  Certification in clinical specialty preferred

  Must meet specialty specific competency requirements

  Urine pregnancy certification