Provides a wide variety of support services for the unit(s). Provides clerical support by maintaining patient records, unit supplies, equipment, and serving as a facilitator for communications for the assigned area. Performs patient care within the scope of defined practice and interacts with patients, public, and employees throughout the institution. Functions under the direction of a registered professional nurse. This position will care for patients in the adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups. Employee performs duties in accordance with population specific guidelines and adheres to National Patient Safety Goals as outlined in policy and procedures.
Obtains and reports basic patient physiological data (such as vital signs, weight, skin condition. Color and character of urine and
stool.
Utilizes proper body mechanics, provides for positioning, mobility, hygiene, ADL, and/or comfort needs according to procedure and direction.
Monitors fluids intake and "poo" and urine output, recording amount on appropriate forms.
Promptly identifies and reports physical and mental status changes to licensed staff assigned to the patient.
Organizes patient care and sets appropriate priorities by implementing physician and nursing orders within prescribed time frames.
Performs therapeutic procedures within the parameters of the job description; reporting patients response to supervising nurse.
Makes frequent rounds to patients room in addition to responding without prompting to patient call lights, instituting appropriate
actions.
Explains procedure or care to be provided to patient prior to start of procedure.
Accurately & timely records patient data and forwards to supervisory staff within established time frames.
Promptly answers patient intercom and responds by directing patient's request to appropriate staff, filling requests as defined by Unit routine, and following up with patient/family to be sure request was completed.
Notifies appropriate nurse of "stat" and "now" orders immediately.
Makes necessary diet requests and/or notifies, through MIS the Dietary Department of changes.
Performs emergency procedures (i.e. CODE, fire, or disaster codes) according to policy.
Accurately updating patient tracking board related to patient information & location as required including entering of nurse assignment & contact number. Reports to oncoming secretary/staff.
Processes daily reports, i.e. patient condition report, floor census for Medical Records and physician lists, in accordance to unit procedure.
Serves as a front line resource to physicians related to new MIS processes & programs related to patient care.
Enters request into MIS for needed supplies/services, places transport courier printouts in designated area (i.e. SPD, Medical Records, blood pickup, ambulance services, etc.)
Completes and maintains a current patient profile in MIS.
Transcribes all physicians' orders according to procedure: dates, times, and signs all entries, writes room number on all orders, and stamps each sheet containing medication orders and promptly faxes with allergy information to pharmacy.
Prepares copies of charts as requested and makes necessary arrangements for patient transfer/discharge. Enters the time of patient discharge in the MIS system. Completes housekeeping D/C sheets. Ensures completeness of D/C's patient chart before sending to Medical Records.
Contributes to patient safety by: Utilization of Universal Precautions for all patients. Careful adherence to NGHS Hand Hygiene policy. Providing a safe patient environment (i.e. call light within reach, side rails up, etc.) Obtaining and restocking isolation supplies for patients in Infection Precautions. Completing and documenting equipment cleaning responsibilities as well as maintaining properly functioning equipment. Promptly reports equipment issues to Charge Nurse.
Places supplies from storeroom in designated areas, as appropriate.
Notifies appropriate departments of needed repairs and follows through on requests.
Distributes linen and ice to patient as needed in addition to frequently offering refreshments as patient's diet permits.
Performs patient transport functions as needed by the unit.
Cleans and restocks the nursing district offices and treatment room.
Orients patient/family/SO to unit & room. Greets patient & family in a positive pleasant manner with each encounter.
Answers the telephone in a polite and courteous manner. Screens and refers all calls appropriately to ensure accurate communication. Refers all calls to leave orders for patient care to licensed staff. Relays telephone, verbal, and written requests accurately to the appropriate individual(s).
Places reports (i.e. x-ray, etc.) in patient's chart or insures reports are sent to appropriate units.
Removes MIS scheduled printouts from printer and distributes to appropriate areas in a timely manner.
Ensure an adequate supply of assembled charges are ready for new admissions.
Maintains patient's chart by: Thinning charts as needed. Replenishing forms as needed. Placing reports on appropriate chart location.
Makes recommendations to unit Director for purchase of new equipment of supplies as appropriate.
Completes daily/weekly requisitions to accurately reflect the unit's needs.
Daily records refrigerator temperature on appropriate sheet.
Maintains printers by changing ribbons, replenishing paper and reporting problems to information systems.
Replaces telemetry batteries according to unit.
Changes out sharps containers located in patient rooms and district offices when containers are two-thirds full.
Replaces glove boxes and Cal Stat in patient rooms when supply is low.
Changes out sharps containers located in patient rooms and district offices when containers are two-thirds full.
Replaces glove boxes and Cal Stat in patient rooms when supply is low.
Participates in staff meeting with no more than two absences.
Maintains proficiency with Outlook in reading and responding to e-mails in timely manner.
Exhibits flexibility in scheduling to meet dept staffing needs.
Completes unit specific annual competency assessment requirements (Learning & Clinical Competency Checklist) within specific timelines.
Supports performance improvement activities, participating in department monitors (data collection) & identifying in writing one PI suggestion to improve patient care or unit efficiency annually.
May provide interpretation for patients and family members if determined to be competent to perform this service through the Customer Care Resource Center.
