Provides individualized, high-quality nursing care to patients of all ages.  Uses a team approach to delegate and coordinate patient care at admission, transfer, and discharge.  Independently delivers nursing care using the Nurse Practice Act, Mercy Medical Center policies, nursing standards, ethical principles, and professional judgment.  Job duties may vary by shift or may be unit-specific as this position floats to cover all areas of Perioperative Services

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Administers nursing care to patients; includes assessment, planning, implementing, and evaluating the patient’s care plan in coordination with the physician.
• Provides nursing care guided by physician orders, unit protocols and professional judgment.
• Communicates effectively and appropriately with staff, physicians, patients, families and other healthcare team members.
• Participates in ongoing educational activities related to clinical knowledge and professional issues.
• Contributes to the professional development of peers and colleagues by sharing knowledge and skills.
• Delivers care in a manner that preserves and protects patient autonomy, dignity and rights.
• Considers factors relating to safety, effectiveness and cost in planning/delivering patient care.
• Provides patient/family or caregiver education and counseling in recognition and solution of physical, emotional, and environmental health problems.
• Utilizes hospital information system to process orders/data and retrieve patient information.
• Maintains knowledge of documentation requirements needed for patients’ records.
• Works independently with limited direct supervision using the Nurse Practice Act, Mercy Medical Center policies, nursing standards, and professional judgment.
• Maintains knowledge of equipment set-up, maintenance, and use (i.e., IV pumps, monitoring equipment, and drainage devices).
• Initiates emergency support measures (i.e., cardiopulmonary resuscitation, protecting patient from injury).
• Complies with OSHA/JCAHO and other regulatory agency recommendations and guidelines. 

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists with clerical duties (i.e., maintenance of charge, patient record, answering phones and call lights, processing physician orders.
• Maintains patient care supplies, equipment, and environment.
• Provides orientation/education for staff, students, and other hospital and community organizations as requested.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Possession of a current or compact state license as a Registered Nurse issued/defined by the State of Iowa. 
• Basic Life Support certified within six (6) weeks of hire. The acceptable credentialing body is the American Heart Association. 
• Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter abuse training specific to populations served within three (3) months of hire.
• Ability to read, write and speak English language.

• Supports and participates in departmental Performance Improvement projects.
• Attends departmental and other meetings as assigned.