RN 4G Progressive Care Unit

Job Summary

Supports, and is responsible for incorporating into job performance the Frederick Health (FH) mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy. Adheres to the FH Compliance Program, follows all regulatory requirements and the FH Standards of Behavior.

• Assess the biophysical, psychosocial, environmental, self-care, educational and discharge planning of patients according to nursing standards.
• Use knowledge and experience to identify patient needs and prioritize treatment. Recognize and accurately document and communicate subtle changes in patient assessment.
• Provide initial assessment and reassessments according to current organizational and department standards for assessment and nursing assessment, documenting as per policy.
• Anticipate potential changes in patient condition and respond appropriately.
• Anticipate needs based on assessment findings and proposed procedure or course of care.
• Ensure an effective plan of care for assigned patients based upon the standards for planning and providing care.
• Initiate individualized plan of care using nursing diagnosis based on identified patient needs and include all available resources such as family, caregivers, other disciplines and community agencies.
• Efficiently organize and prioritize patient care and seek assistance when necessary to meet the needs of individual patients.
• Actively participate in the development of standards of care according to departmental, organizational, professional or regulatory standards.
• Implement plan of care in compliance with hospital and nursing policies in accordance with all appropriate standards.
• Completely and accurately implement and document nursing interventions and patient response. Communicate pertinent information to patient and members of the health care team promptly.
• Assure that the patient/family are updated regarding the status of the patient and any changes in the patient or plan of care as they evolve.
• Demonstrate flexibility in giving and receiving patient assignments on the department and hospital-wide based on skill mix of the staff available and patient care demands.
• Evaluate nursing care, which includes tools and equipment related to patient care.
• Review, evaluate and document effectiveness of interventions, making modifications as needed on the plan of care.
• Evaluate new and existing equipment, policies, procedures and programs.
• Anticipate patient’s response to interventions and collaborate with patient/family and health care team to revise treatment plan accordingly.
• Identify variances from expected outcomes and make appropriate recommendations.
• Provide patient/family education.
• Assess patient/family for current knowledge of health status, barriers to learning, readiness, willingness and ability to learn.
• Assess patient/family for cultural, religious, financial and patient preference implications related to learning.
• Identify learning needs and establish goals using standardized or individualized teaching plans.
• Implement the plan through direct, interactive teaching with additional use of teaching aids and materials as appropriate. Evaluate effectiveness of teaching.
• Communicate patient/family progress toward learning goals and need for follow-up to other nurses and health care disciplines.
• Integrate discharge planning and referral into the teaching process. Document teaching per policy.
• Independently offer support to less experienced staff to aid in patient/family teaching.
• Demonstrate professional expectations as evidenced by incorporating suggestions for self‑development and/or performance into daily practice.
• Meet all requirements of clinical ladder level.
• Actively engage in department efforts to promote retention of staff and provide for a high level of employee morale.
• Utilize supplies, equipment, and technology to ensure quality of patient care.
• Float to other nursing units in the hospital as requested.
• Demonstrate leadership/accountability qualities.
• Consistently utilize communication style that sets department tone for positive professional behavior. Promote meaningful focused communication between all members of the healthcare team as appropriate.
• Encourage professional interactions between ancillary healthcare givers, including physicians.
• Demonstrate effective delegation skills pertaining to nursing staff in the delivery of safe nursing care and communication to peers.
• Demonstrate effective precepting and mentoring skills for RNs and ancillary staff. Adhere to program policies and participate in effective department orientation.
• Demonstrate accountability for reviewing quality assurance data for accuracy and completeness according to departmental standards and contribute to the evaluation/auditing process for CNAs, Technicians and peers.

• Clinical competency in the departmental area of practice.
• Ability to use technology and equipment to perform job duties.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective use of proper body mechanics when…