Registered Nurse

WEST PARK HOSPITAL DISTRICT dba Cody Regional HealthJOB DESCRIPTION

Provide rapid assessment and treatment to patients in the initial phase of illness or trauma and often in life-threatening situations. Participate in the daily operation of the department. Attend required in-service, yearly education day, and mandatory department meetings. Assist in the collection of data for PI. Maintain good relationships with other staff, ancillary departments, managers, directors, and physicians.

The most important responsibility for an emergency nurse is understanding triage, which is a method of prioritizing injuries based on medical need. Nurse must have the ability to make quick and accurate assessments about incoming patients, including both physical and mental health conditions.

Time management is crucial in this position. Along with triage assessing ESI level, RN must quickly ascertain the following information from incoming patients:

Identify medical problem; Document medical history; Check for any allergies and review current medications;

Obtain height, weight, body temperature, heart rate, SPO2, pain score and blood pressure;

Other responsibilities include moving patients, taking blood samples, cleaning and bandaging wounds, administering medications and maintaining proper supplies of medical equipment.

As with other health care professionals, the emergency nurse is expected to comply with the protocols, procedures and safety policies of West Park Hospital

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span. Will possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs. Is able to provide the care needed as described in the unit's/area's/department's policies and procedures.

Newborn

Infant

School Age- Birth through 1 Month

1 Month through 5 years

6 years through 12 years

Adolescent/Teenager- 13 years through 17 years

Young Adult- 18 years through 34 years

Middle Adult- 35 years through 50 years

Mature Adult- 51 years through 69 years

Geriatric Adult- 70 years +

CULTURE/RELIGIOUS ASPECTS

Employee will work with patients/employees of all cultural and religious backgrounds.

Employee performs within the prescribed limits of Cody Regional Health’s Ethics and Compliance Program. Is responsible to detect, observe and report compliance variances to their immediate supervisor, or upward through the chain of command, the Compliance Officer or hospital hotline.

All employees must adhere to the Mission, Vision and Key Values of Cody Regional Health.

• Provide direct patient care, evaluate outcomes and adjust the nursing care process as indicated to ensure optimal patient care.
• Able to perform a focus and head to toe assessment and reassessment. This includes pediatric, adolescent, geriatric and the general patient population.
• Able to monitor the hemodynamic status of the patient and correctly interpret results.
• Knowledge of cardiac monitoring, identifies arrhythmia, and intervenes using ACLS, PALS, TNCC algorithms and physician orders.
• Prepare patient for examination or procedure and assist the physician.
• Maintain accurate and continued nursing documentation including patient history, condition, vital signs, treatment, response to intervention and change of status.
• Treat patient and their family with respect and dignity. Function as a liaison for the patient between the physician and other health care providers.
• Teach the patient based on identified learning needs; evaluate the effectiveness of the patients learning. Include the family in the teaching as appropriate. Review discharge instructions with the patient or responsible party.
• Accurately triage patients. Explain delays and waiting time. Round in reception area.
• Maintain current knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age and patient clinical condition. Calculate, prepare, hang, monitor and discontinue IV fluids and medication drips.
• Complete nursing charges.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Arrange for patient transfer to other departments and facilities, complete required documentation.
• Follow departmental policies and procedures, objectives, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Participate in monthly outdating of medications and supplies. Complete daily essential items check list, order and stock supplies according to par level.
• Behave in a professional manner and maintain good interpersonal relationships with other staff, departments, manager and physicians.
• Assist the physician with suturing, thoracentesis, chest tube insertion, central line placement, arterial line, intubation, transvenous pacemaker, paracentesis, lumbar puncture, OCL splint application.
• Assist with the orientation of new employees to the department. Supervise Patient Care Tech or Unit Clerk.
• Supervise and provide nursing students, EMT students, and high school med-tech students the opportunities to observe and learn.
• Triage and document telephone requests for advice and treatment according to the department standard.
• Attend mandatory in-service, yearly education day and department meetings. Enhance professional growth by attending educational offerings pertaining to Emergency Nursing.
• Participate in discharge phone follow ups.
• Draw legal blood alcohol. Preserve evidence in assault/abuse/rape cases and complete documentation.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Current Wyoming Registered Nurse License

Minimum of one (two to three preferred) emergency nursing experience or three-four years of clinical nursing in a medical or surgical unit or a combined medical/surgical unit. Experience in pediatrics, obstetrics and surgery desirable.

Effective communication skills. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw conclusions. Good knowledge of emergency nursing and strong ability in performance of nursing procedures.

BLS, ACLS, PALS and TNCC is required once orientation is complete.

1 0-20% of work time: standing, walking, lifting, carrying or pushing 20 pounds or less. Any lifting of 35 pounds or more requires the use of an assistive device and/or physical assistance. Up to 80% or more of work time: sitting.

X 2 15-85% of work time: standing, walking, lifting, carrying or pushing up to 35 pounds independently. When lifting, carrying or pushing greater than 35 pounds assistance or assistive devices will be used. 0-15% of work time sitting

3 15-85% of work time: standing, walking, lifting, carrying or pushing items up to 100 lbs. and occasionally 150 lbs. When lifting, carrying or pushing greater than 35 pounds assistance or assistive devices will be used. 0-15% of work time sitting

EXPOSURE CATEGORY

X 1 Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues. This includes all procedures or job-related tasks that involve inherent potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues, or potential spills or splashes of them.

2

Tasks that do not involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissue, but exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate protective measures are readily available to these employees when needed.

3

Tasks that involve NO exposure to blood, body fluids or tissue and tasks are not a condition of employment.