Job Summary
Provides age and developmentally appropriate direct clinical care to preemie, neonate, infant, pediatric, adult, and geriatric patient populations according to SJH Scope of Service and within Wyoming nursing license. Cross trains and floats to Medical-Surgical, Long-Term Care, OB Postpartum and Inpatient Physical Rehab according to scope of practice. First to float to a different unit as the staffing needs of the hospital change. Obtains advanced training and certifications to maximize versatility and proficiency in multiple units and across the lifespan. Adheres to and St. John’s Health Corporate Compliance Program and participates in performance improvement activities.
Essential Functions
1. Patient Care
Obtains and reviews all patient data using observational, interviewing, interpretive, and critical thinking skills in an age-specific, population, and developmentally appropriate manner. Organizes and prioritizes care of multiple patients with varying levels of acuity in a timely, efficient and positive manner. Identifies changes in patient status, exercises critical thinking and independent judgment within the context of a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care. Develops plan of care that is unique to each patient’s needs. Evaluates patient’s response to plan of care and reflect measurable goals that are mutually set with the patient. Maintains, develops and updates nursing skills, certifications, and licenses to implement ideal patient care. Practices autonomously and consistently with professional nursing standards. Documents consistently according to standard of care for unit.
2. Patient & Family Education
Assess patient and family education needs based on: a) age/population, b) developmental level, c) readiness to learn based on patient perception, educational level and expectation of care, d) patient understanding, e) available coping mechanisms, and f) outcome expectations. Initiates and incorporates patient/family education into plan of care and nursing practice. Identifies continuity of care needs for discharge and follow-up using appropriate resources. Communicates up-dated status report and clear information to patient/family to make informed decisions.
3. Patient Safety
Identifies risk factors and provide for patient safety. Implement measures to prevent injury from environmental hazards. Demonstrates knowledge and awareness of medication action side effects and protocols. Using 2 patient identifiers, gives medication safely and accurately according to policy and procedure. Manages specimen collection, handling and disposition according to hospital policy. Labels blood specimens at patient bedside. Uses supplies and equipment within safe parameters. Ensures equipment is functioning properly before use. Reports equipment malfunction following the appropriate reporting procedure. Initiates and completes computerized Event Reports for unusual events consistently. Reports near misses.
4. Teamwork
Assists and completes daily routines (i.e. crash cart checks, narcotic counts, glucometer controls) as directed. Keeps department clean, orderly and stocks daily. May function in charge nurse role and accepts increased supervisory responsibilities as requested. Acts as a resource to others. Delegates responsibly.
5. Floating
Works regularly scheduled shifts but receives unit assignments on a day-to-day basis. May be reassigned during shift according to SJH floating policy. Rotates to cross train in all inpatient units during slower periods to maintain skills and familiarity with multiple unit layouts and workflows.
Job Requirements
Minimum Education
Required ASN
Preferred BSN
Minimum Work Experience
Required: Demonstrated critical thinking skills and a professional style of communication. Basic computer skills.
Preferred: At least 1 year acute care nursing experience strongly preferred.
Required Licenses: Current RN license with authority to practice in the state of Wyoming, BLS required at the time of hire and ACLS and PALS within 6 months of hire. CPI required within 6 months of hire. NRP preferred. NRP required if floating to OB within 6 months of hire.
Functional Demands
Working Conditions: Hospital units including Medical-Surgical, Inpatient Rehab, Obstetrics, and Long Term Care. 12-hour shifts including days and nights, irregular meals and breaks. Fast-paced and noisy at times. Stressful situations, frequent interruptions. Must be on site at the SJH campus or other facilities to fulfil the responsibilities of this role.
Physical Requirements: 90% of the time standing or walking. Long hours with irregular breaks and meals. Must possess sight/ hearing senses to fully perform job functions. Must possess the ability to lift, push, pull or move patients, equipment, and supplies. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Intermittent sitting, phone and computer use.
Direct Reports: none
Reports to: Clinical Manager RN PCU
Internal and External Contacts: all hospital staff, physicians, patients, families, visitors, vendors and the community.
Leadership Capabilities
Patient Focus
- Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of patients
- Gets firsthand patient feedback and uses it for improvements
- Establishes and maintains effective relationships with patients and gains their trust and respect
Attention to Detail
- Completes tasks in a way that ensures there are no errors
- Methodically and patiently reviews work to identify any mistakes or discrepancies
- Creates and stores documentation in a way that is thorough and easy to access
Quality Decision Making (Nursing)
- Considers many factors and sources when making decisions
- Is correct and accurate with most of his/her solutions and suggestions when judged over time
- Is sought out by others for advice and solutions
- Spends his/her time and the time of others on what's important
- Quickly zeros in on the critical and few and puts the trivial many aside
- Handles risks and uncertainty with composure
Interpersonal Skills (Nursing)
- Steps up to conflicts, seeing them as opportunities
- Finds common ground and gains cooperation
- Builds appropriate rapport
- Taking responsibility for the consequences of one's own actions and decisions
