Wilbarger General Hospital
Vernon, Texas
Job Description
Job Title:
Registered Nurse
Department:
Western Trail Behavioral Health Unit
Job Summary:
Executes comprehensive nursing care activities and provides nursing
staff leadership. Assesses patient needs, plans and implements patient
care activities and evaluates the patient’s response to treatment.
Manages activities within the therapeutic milieu and directs the delivery
of nursing care by other members of the nursing treatment team.
Maintains and performs basic nursing skills competently to include, but
not limited to, collection of specimens, insertion of peripheral IV, set-up
and use of IV pump, calculation and administration of medications,
airway and suctioning, and urinary catheterization.
OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Class I.
Job Qualifications:
A.
Education:
Graduate of accredited School of Professional Nursing.
B.
Personal Job-Related Skills: Effective oral and written communication skills.
C.
Licensure, Registry or Certification: Registered Nurse currently licensed by the
State of Texas Board of Nursing. ACLS preferred (must obtain certification
within 12 months of hire date).
D.
Experience:
1.
Prior work experience: One year experience as a professional
Registered Nurse preferred.
2.
Technical Training:
Revised 09/22/2011
Current CPR Certification.
E.
Physical and Mental Requirements: Duties of the position require extended
periods of standing and walking. Bending, stooping, twisting, reaching and lifting
up to 50 pounds. Occasional heavy lifting when moving or supporting patients
who may become weak or helpless.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
A.
Patient Care
1.
Assess the patient on admission and formulates a plan of care derived from a
comprehensive physical-psychosocial assessment.
2.
Serves as the primary nursing care coordinator for assigned patients.
3.
Develops comprehensive nursing care plans which take the patient’s total
needs into account. Utilizes assessment data and integrates the medical care
plan.
4.
Plans, implements, and coordinates nursing care activities for assigned
patients.
5.
Participates in multidisciplinary treatment staffing. Participates in the
development of treatment plans.
6.
Performs treatment interventions requiring a physician’s order and
registered nurses licensure for administration, i.e. medication administration,
medical treatments.
7.
Maintains medical skills for assessment and performance of basic nursing
skills such as performing venipunctures for IV fluids, set-up IV pump,
wound and skin assessments.
8.
Interprets the nursing and treatment needs of the patient to non-professional
staff members assigned to the patient.
9.
Accept and transcribes verbal and written physician orders and incorporates
them into the treatment plan.
10.
Participates in individual, group, and family psychotherapy, and educational
seminars, as appropriate.
11.
Evaluates the appropriateness and quality of nursing care in a continuous
fashion.
Revised 09/22/2011
B.
C.
12.
Provides comprehensive patient and family health education.
13.
Monitors and enforces utilization of proper nursing techniques and
procedures.
14.
Provides for patient safety, privacy, and confidentiality.
15.
Enacts the counseling role of the nurse.
16.
Documents continuous assessment, interventions, and evaluations relative to
patient process.
17.
Attends patient staffing and assumes responsibility for communication of
treatment goals to pertinent staff members.
18.
Participates in the conversion of telephone assessments into assessment
appointments or admissions.
Management Function
1.
Provides continuous education to Unit paraprofessional staff.
2.
Coordinates the function of the therapeutic milieu.
3.
Acts as liaison between patients, families, and other health care providers.
4.
Assesses the clinical performance of nursing staff under his/her direction in
collaboration with the Program Director.
5.
Orients new employees.
6.
Implements hospital policies and procedures.
7.
Supervise LVNs, Mental Health Technicians, and other RNs when
performing the tasks of Charge Nurse.
Professional Function
1.
Models for other staff effective communication with families, agencies, and
hospital personnel.
2.
Models for other staff appropriate telephone etiquette and intervention
techniques.
3.
Actively functions as a contributing member of the treatment team.
Revised 09/22/2011
4.
Provides consultative services to nursing staff on other units relative to
mental health issues.
Other Significant Requirements:
A.
Maintains confidentiality while working with confidential matters on a daily
basis.
B.
Provides service direct to patients while maintaining a positive patient
relationship and a supportive atmosphere.
C.
Interacts with patients, family members, Medical Staff members, and other
department personnel with a respectful attitude and promotes a cooperative
manner.
D.
Performs duties that are consistent with patient advocacy as mandated by the State
of Texas Board of Nursing.
E.
Follows aseptic technique and established procedures for using precautions when
involved in direct patient contact or handling potentially infectious materials.
F.
Provides care to patients based on standards recognized and approved by the
administration, the physician, and the licensing authority.
G.
Responds to emergency situations as needed.
H.
Assists with securing medications as directed by the Pharmacy Policy.
I.
Directs the delivery and administration of medications in a safe manner that is
acceptable to the State licensing authority and is aware of consequence of failure
to adhere to medication administration standards. Consequences of failure to
perform medication administration in a safe manner may result in (but may not be
limited to) Peer Review, reporting to the State Board of Nursing, performance
restrictions or employment termination.
J.
Adheres to and enforces Administrative policies regarding attendance and
performance.
Revised 09/22/2011
STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING:
I have read and understand the above JOB DESCRIPTION and understand the essential duties
outlined and required in this position. I understand that I should contact my Department
Manager if I have any questions or concerns regarding the job duties and requirements as
outlined above. I acknowledge that I have received a copy of this job description.
Employee Signature
Date
Department Manager Signature
Date
Revised 09/22/2011