31-bed Emergency Department Observation Unit (EDOU) that provides urgent focused care to individuals 16 years of age and older. Typical diagnoses can include chest pain, syncope, dehydration, TIA, falls, and asthma. The goal is discharge within 48 hours with a small percentage of patients requiring admission to inpatient units. This is a fast-paced environment with patient and family focused care provided by a multidisciplinary team.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1) Provides competent, compassionate patient- and family-centered nursing care based on scientific principles and the use of the nursing process and interdisciplinary teamwork.

a) Provides and maintains a therapeutic environment for patients and families.

b) Articulates the professional nursing role to the patient, family and health team members.

c) Identifies, plans and implements nursing interventions. Facilitates, and evaluates outcomes of nursing care for an individual patient or group of patients.

d) Coordinates involvement of the patient, family and health team members in patient care, including patient/family education, teaching and discharge planning.

e) Documents relevant patient data / information.

f) Communicates the plan of care and other pertinent information to/from other health care team members. Promotes continuity of care through effective hand-offs.

g) Helps define standards of excellence for patient care; participates in improvement of patient care services in a cost-effective way.

h) Performs specific functions as described in the unit Scope of Service.

i) Provides care appropriate to age group of patients on assigned unit(s) as described in relevant unit Scope of Service.

j) Participates in, and contributes to, performance improvement activities.

k) Integrates the six aims of performance improvement into care delivery:

(a) Safety - no needless death, injury, pain or suffering for patients or staff.

(b) Effectiveness - care and service will be based on best evidence, informed by patient values and preferences.

(c) Patient Centeredness - all care and service will honor the individual patients - their values, choices, culture, social context and specific needs.

(d) Timeliness - waste no one's time; no unnecessary waiting.

(e) Efficiency - remove all unnecessary processes or steps in a process; streamline all activities.

(f) Equity - all care and service will be fair and equitable - the system will treat all patients equally.

l) Exhibits compliance with regulatory and quality and safety requirements.

2) Collaborates with other professionals and directs support staff and nonprofessional nursing personnel in maintaining recognized standards.

a) Teaches and directs all nonprofessional nursing personnel for whom she/he is responsible.

b) Participates in orientation of new permanent and temporary staff members.

c) Appropriately utilizes nursing resources.

d) Interprets hospital and departmental policies and procedures to nurses and other health team members.

3) Participates in daily operational activities necessary for safe patient/staff environment.

a) Utilizes resources efficiently to facilitate optimal patient care.

b) Provides input to the Nursing Director regarding unit needs.

c) Participates in unit and departmental committees for formulation of nursing and hospital policies and procedures.

d) Professional Development:

i) Maintains and updates clinical knowledge and skills based on current nursing education practices.

ii) Within the framework of the nursing Scope of Service (NPM 5.0 Guidelines-Patient Care: Statement of Accountability and Scope of Practice) and The Clinical Recognition Program (See guidelines, http://www.mghpcs.org/IPC/Programs/Recognition/Index.asp), collaborates with nurse manager / nursing director / clinical nurse specialist / nursing practice specialist to identify his/her level of practice and with clinical leadership, identifies appropriate learning experiences to enhance their professional development.

iii) Adheres to Department of Nursing requirements for required training.

iv) Identifies specific learning needs and goals and develops a plan to meet them.

v) Contributes to relevant committees, professional meetings, continuing educational and/or formal academic programs.

Qualifications

Qualifications - External

BSN required.

Full-time position available with a day/night rotation schedule including weekends and holidays requirements.

EEO Statement

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.