Staff Nurse

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary

The Registered Nurse plans and provides professional nursing care for ambulatory patients in accordance with physician orders, established policies and protocols. 

Job Responsibilities

• Examines patient's physical, psychological, and emotional condition on admission and documents the same.
• Withholds foods and fluids before the surgery / Cath procedure as ordered by the physician.
• Consults the anesthetist regarding the administration of medications, if any on the day of surgery.
• Ensures that billing consent is obtained.
• Prepares the patient and family psychologically; reduces their fear and anxiety by effective explanation of all the procedures in prior.
• Takes specimens and blood samples for testing.
• Informs the laboratory reports to the physician and follows critical values reporting protocols.
• Hand over the patient along with medical records to the operating room nurse/ cath lab nurse.
• Initiates cardiopulmonary resuscitation or other emergency response activities and codes in case of a medical emergency.
• Demonstrates commitment to patient safety by speaking up about safety issues and changing nurse practices to enhance safety. Shares errors through system reporting mechanisms, and demonstrates shared accountability for safe practices. 
• Receives the patient from the operating room nurse / cath lab nurse and stabilizes the condition of the patient.
• Evaluates and carries out physician's orders ensuring that they are appropriate such as not causing allergic reactions and given in proper dosages.
• Administers medical and nursing regimens including monitoring of vital signs, carrying out physician’s orders, administration of medications, skin preparation, insertion and monitoring of IV lines, and use of sophisticated medical equipment that keeps track of major bodily functions.
• Coordinates all patient health services by communicating with doctors, pharmacy, laboratories, and other services.
• Educates the patient or family regarding discharge instructions, which includes diet, activity, medications, and incision site care and follows up.
• Ensures efficient use of Evidence Based Practices and demonstrates commitment to, and participation in, research and audit.
• Ensures cost effective usage of organization’s resources in the delivery of patient’s care.
• Coordinates with the day care secretary regarding admission, transfer, and discharge; and billing related issues. 
• Keeps accurate legal written records through charting, nursing care plans, and case records of such things as: patient's health status and any changes; treatments; medications administered; unusual incidents involving patient; patient family education, objective data such as patient or family’s requests or instructions to nursing staff on following shift; laboratory data; known allergies; height; weight; vital signs; and documentation of preoperative care and procedures; and postoperative care and instructions given.
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service and interacts effectively with physicians, patient, visitors, staff and the broader health care community.
• Participates in own professional development by maintaining required competencies, identifying learning needs and seeking appropriate assistance or educational offerings. Acts as preceptor and supports the development of nurse associates.
• Guides and supervises the work of nurse associate.
• Delegates tasks to the nurse associate and other health care assistants rationally.
• Adheres to the hospital policies.
• Participates in the hospital quality improvement program.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient information.
• Adheres to the safety protocols of the hospital and ensures safety of the patient.
• Follows strict infection control protocols and takes responsibility in ensuring quality control related to quality monitors.
• Demonstrates responsibility for professional practice through active participation in continuing education. Enhances the body of knowledge of nursing or area of specialization through exchange of ideas and knowledge in CNE sessions and top 10 modules.
• Participates and contributes to departmental quality initiatives.
• Possesses BLS certification. 
• Performs any job / task as and when assigned by the superior.
• Maintains accreditation standards at all times.