Staff Nurse

Department: Outpatient Infusions SVH
Exempt: No
Schedule: DAYS - VARIABLE
Position Type: Full Time 0.6 FTE or More
FTE: 0.750000
Base Wage $35.82 to $66.24
Location: Skagit Valley Hospital

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information:

Job Summary
The RN is responsible and accountable for providing bedside care, during an assigned shift, utilizing the nursing process for all patients assigned. Emphasis is upon multiple disciplinary collaboration, prioritization and clinical judgment based upon current approved scientific knowledge. Cares for patients of all ages.

Essential Functions
Utilizes O2 pulse oximetry for therapeutic outcomes. Performs skin integrity assessment utilizing appropriate tools. Monitors vital sign normal in pediatric patient. 1) weight 2) blood pressure/pulse 3) temperature 4)respirations. Conducts mobility assessments. Uses the fall precaution program. Matches activity to tolerance levels. Institutes post-surgery mobility programs. Utilizes principles of growth and development when delivering care. Demonstrates a willingness to work with appropriate health disciplines toward achievement of patient goals. Performs wound management: Communicates and follows through on the treatment plan. Identifies and responds appropriately in all code situations. Assembles and monitors chest tube drainage systems. Collects specimens correctly. 1) timed 2) containers 3) processing. Administers blood products. Appropriately inserts NG tubes; Monitors feeding tubes; and Monitors TPN infusions. Performs a complete physical assessment by system: cardio-vascular, gastrointestinal, GU/GYN, musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory. Uses Cardiac Rehab Phase I care interventions. Demonstrates awareness of own Nurse Practice Act & SVH Structure Standards. Conducts Epidural validation. Processes paperwork for patients including admissions, transfers and discharges. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of wound drainage devices. Teaches patients in identified areas of need and evaluates the learning process and effectiveness. Accurately charts patient's progress in EHR system. Starts, monitors and maintains peripheral IV sites and administers IV fluids. Fulfills contact hour requirements specific to pediatrics and cardiovascular related care. Maintains current knowledge of drug dosage variations necessary for pediatric patients. Administers medications safely and documents accurately. Provides care in the most cost-effective manner and maintains an awareness of costs to patient and SVH. Completes work and leaves the nursing unit only when proper coverage is in attendance. Coordinates patient care with the appropriate referral. Complies with all SVH Policies and Procedures. PATIENT SATISFACTION - Assists patients, family members or other clients with concern and empathy; respects their confidentiality and privacy and communicates with them in a courteous and respectful manner. Answers and refers telephone calls or other inquires to ensure accurate and timely communications are facilitated. Identifies him/herself in a pleasant and positive manner. Takes responsibility for helping the caller and/or visitor. TEAMWORK - Assists in the orientation/training of new Team Members. Consistently works in a positive and cooperative manner with fellow Team Members. Assists other Team Members in the performance of their assignments. Seeks out opportunities to help rather than waiting to be asked. Considers the impact of his/her actions on Team Members throughout SVH. Recognizes the need for variations in staffing and volunteers to fill open shifts, whenever possible. Takes direction and initiates actions (cross/additional training) that will allow the assumption of cross-functional duties to ensure seamless patient care. Demonstrates flexibility to perform duties wherever volume deems it necessary within SVH. PROBLEM SOLVING- Demonstrates sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns. Investigates and follows through on unusual orders or requests for service or information. Follows proper reporting procedures for actual or potential accidents and/or incidents so follow-up and/or prevention can occur. Records/reports the need for service maintenance or repair of equipment and removes any faulty equipment from service. Contributes to the achievement of Quality Improvement and participate in QI activities. Consistently evaluates work and determines if further steps are needed to meet client expectations. Takes initiative to do or redo inadequate or incomplete work, even if it is not yours. Ensures compliance with regulatory standards. PRODUCTIVITY/EFFICIENCY - Consistently demonstrates the ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, such as reprioritizing work as necessary. Minimizes non-productive time and fills slow periods with activities that will enable you to prepare to meet the future needs of SVH (education, organizing, housekeeping, assisting others). Organizes job functions and work area to be able to effectively complete varied assignments within established time frames. Consistently demonstrates the ability to take the initiative to make decisions/choices without direct supervision. PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT - Attends required annual in-service programs. Participates in continuing education activities and obtains required contact hours. Meets 100% attendance requirement to annual mandatory skill updates. Attends a minimum of 75% of scheduled staff meetings and reads and signs all minutes of meetings not attended. ADHERENCE TO SVH AND DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES - Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all policies and procedures and ability to reference them from appropriate sources. Complies with SVH's infection control policies and procedures including Body Substance Isolation (BSI) and the Exposure Control Plan which reflects OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard to ensure a safe working environment for self and others. Ensures that SVH is operated in an efficient and cost effective manner by adhering to SVH and departmental attendance policies as documented on the Employee Attendance Record. Demonstrates adherence and support of SVH-Wide Service Standards and SVH/Department Safe Practices Standards. Performs other duties as assigned by Manager or Designee

Education
Graduate from an accredited school of nursing. Bachelors degree preferred. Working knowledge of fundamentals of nursing practice for medical surgical patients.

Experience/Training
One (1) year of nursing experience in direct patient care in an acute hospital setting. Experience in Med/Surg or Oncology patient care preferred.

License/Certifications
Current RN license to practice in the State of Washington. Current AHA (American Heart Association) BLS required. Chemo/biotherapy ONS validation required within 90 days of date in position. OCN certification preferred.

Other Skills
Must be able to communicate effectively, demonstrate delegation skills, and develop good interpersonal relationships with patients, staff, physicians and visitors.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. This position is very active and requires standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing all day. The employee must frequently lift or move objects and patients weighing over 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus.
Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.