Clinical Nurse - Acute Observation

Summary

The Registered Nurse is a clinical practitioner who coordinates and implements patient care specific to the age of the patient population served on the assigned units. He/she ensures that quality care is provided in an efficient and safe manner, consistent with the unit’s standards of care. He/she demonstrates performance consistent with the mission, philosophy and goals of the unit and organization. Demonstrates quality and effectiveness in work habits and clinical practice. Treats staff, physicians, patients and families with consideration and respect.

Responsibilities

• Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.

• Obtains and records initial assessment and establishes priorities according to patient age, symptoms and psychosocial needs.

• Re-assesses patients systematically to identify progress and trends that require intervention.

• Develops and implements a measurable individualized plan of care for the patient within the time frame established by Nursing Standards of Care.

• Makes comprehensive nursing decisions based on the interpretation of facts and evaluations of patient outcome; modifies the plan of care based upon the evaluations.

• Participates in patient/significant other health education and discharge planning.

• Implements and documents timely interventions appropriate to patient needs.

• Evaluates the plan of care.

• Performs various Point of Care testing procedures.

Staff

Responsibilities

• Utilizes effective communication strategies, which result in intended outcomes.

• Delegates unit work assignments appropriately to ensure completion of required patient care support activities.

• Coordinates team assignments and makes adjustments based upon patient and unit needs; follows up on delegated patient care tasks for quality and completeness.

• Utilizes the appropriate chain of command for resolution of difficult issues.

• Participates in orientation of new staff/students on the unit.

• Functions as a resource to visitors, physicians and staff; greeting them promptly and courteously.

• Promotes a positive work environment as evidenced by demonstrating a professional, supportive attitude for the unit staff.

• Being receptive and responsive to new ideas.

• Participates in the unit’s growth and development through various mechanisms to improve organizational performance.

• Collaborates by working with others to achieve unit and organizational goals.

Job

Requirements

Education/Skills

• Graduate of an accredited program for Registered Nursing

• Current knowledge and skills appropriate to age/type of patient population served

• Knowledgeable and sensitive to patients’ rights in the delivery of care

• Communicates in a clear concise manner appropriate to the developmental age of patient.

Experience

• All newly hired nurses with two or less years of experience as a Registered Nurse will be hired in at a CN I status. A new hire can be considered for a higher clinical ladder level (level II and III only) based on years of relevant experience to the clinical area, national professional nursing certification, achievement of additional nursing education (B. S. N. and MSN).

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• Current New Mexico RN license or current Compact state license. BLS Certification required or within 2 weeks of hire date. All other required certifications must be obtained within 6 months of hire date. If nurse has the required certifications at time of hire, they must maintain the certifications and will not have a grace period to renew.

In accordance with the CHRISTUS Health License, Certification and Registration Verification Policy, all Associates are required to obtain the required certifications for their respective positions within the designated time frame.

Work Schedule

Multiple shifts available

Work Type

Full Time