RN, RN Nurse, Healthcare Nursing

Registered Nurse

The RN implements professional nursing practice centered on the patient as a whole person. The focus is on creating a caring environment centered on healing and wellness. Nursing practices are based on evidence, current research, and regulatory standards. Clinical decision-making incorporates all four phases of the nursing process, critical thinking, and creativity. Nursing excellence is promoted through helping relationships among nursing staff and across other disciplines.

The RN coordinates, ensures, and provides direct patient care activities on the unit. This includes provision of nursing rounds, assessments, and treatments. Facilitates admission, transfer, and discharge activities as applicable. Provides patient and family-centered education. Coordinates care and individualizes treatment planning as applicable. Performs and documents a comprehensive assessment in accordance with the RN scope of practice. Considers the patient's culture, age, and developmental level.

Identifies patient risk factors and presenting complaints. Obtains patient health information from family or others as necessary. Collects objective and subjective data. Verifies initial admission assessment if obtained by other members of the healthcare team. Develops a problem list prioritizing patient needs based on input from the inter-professional team. Designs actions and interventions relevant to the patient's culture and age.

Determines desired outcomes in coordination with the patient and family in accordance with the medical plan of care. Fully implements patient care therapies and procedures with empowerment and clinical autonomy. Explains procedures, treatments, and processes to patient and family. Initiates action to alleviate patient stress and discomfort. Recognizes, responds to, and communicates changes in patient condition appropriately. Conducts and documents ongoing assessment and response to procedures and therapies using the nursing process.

Delegates tasks appropriately and oversees team members in the performance of patient care activities. Monitors the accuracy and completeness of delegated patient care provided by team members. Identifies and addresses educational needs of patients related to prioritized problems. Facilitates the patient discharge process by executing discharge orders in a timely manner. Provides input into patient/nurse assignments considering available staffing and patient acuity.

Demonstrates active participation in unit-based activities supporting organizational values/priorities. Promotes a positive group dynamic and healing environment through words and actions. Assures nursing excellence in accordance with accepted standards and evidence-based practice. Actively participates in department and/or unit quality improvement activities and core measures. Uses a holistic perspective regarding patient care.