JOB SUMMARY Responsible for the provision of high quality, cost effective patient care in the Emergency Department. Coordinates the provision of age specific patient care that is consistent with the policies, procedures and standards of professional nursing practice and consistent with the policies and procedures in place at NTMC. Consults with staff, ED physicians, and the CNO on nursing problems and interpretation of hospital policies to ensure that patient needs are met. Participates in performance improvement activities within the department.
SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS - Responsible for the cost-effective management of human resources in the department. Staffs according to patient volume and acuity; monitors overtime and agency utilization and assists with scheduling staff to fill open shifts as necessary
- Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors. Ensures that staff support a culture of quality and safety.
- Knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and their clinical condition.
- Ability to perform a head-to-toe assessment on all patients and reassessments as per policy. This includes neonate, pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients and the general patient population.
- Uses triage process to ensure timely and appropriate care to patients. Accurately assigns triage categories.
- Uses triage process to ensure timely and appropriate care to patients. Accurately assigns triage categories.
- Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.
- Ability to monitor hemodynamic status of patient and correctly interpret the results.
- Demonstrates knowledge of cardiac monitoring; identifies dysrhythmias and treats appropriately.
- Ability to perform waived testing (point of care testing) per Clinical Laboratory's and the patient care unit's policies and procedures.
- Ability to interpret the results of waived tests; Ensures that appropriate action is taken on waived test results.
- Maintains current knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and his/her clinical condition.
- Follows the six (6) medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.
- Promotes staff involvement in training, recruitment and retention
- May assist with the orientation of new employees on shift and with competency evaluation and in meeting training needs.
- May administer disciplinary action in compliance with NTMC's progressive discipline policy
- Consults other departments as appropriate to provide and collaborate in patient care and performance improvement activities.
- Develops and maintains monthly staffing schedule for Emergency Service Department, Respiratory Therapy and Telemetry
- Provides education to staff on performance improvement. Ability to plan and organize orientation and in-service training for unit staff members. Participates in guidance and educational programs.
- Facilitates patient flow by coordinating admissions and bed allocation to ensure efficient hospital operation
- Investigates incidents that are reported on shift and resolves to the extent possible
- Ensures that departments supervised are clean and provide a safe environment in which employees and patients are protected from physical, chemical and biomed hazards
- Responsible for ensuring that supplies and other inventory needed to provide patient care is available, appropriate to the task, within acceptable dating and unexpired
BASIC SKILLS EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE - Graduate from an accredited school of nursing, baccalaureate degree or current enrollment in a program.
- Current state Registered Nurse Licensure in the State of Texas
- Current BLS
- Current ACLS
- Current PALS
- Current TNCC Certification
- NIHSS certification within one year
- CEN or CERN preferred
- Three (3) or more years of previous experience in all aspects of critical care nursing and a minimum of two (2) years supervisory experience. preferred
LANGUAGE SKILLS - Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
- Additional languages preferred.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS - Ability to lift 50 lbs. alone and 150 lbs. with assistance
- May be required to assist with patients or equipment up to 500 lbs.
- Ability to push, pull, lift, bend, kneel twist and reach above shoulder level.
- Must be able to sit, stoop, bend and reach above head.
