Registered Nurse – Float Pool

Responsible for providing primary nursing care to assigned patients in accordance with current FMC Standards of Care. Administers and monitors therapeutic interventions proficiently. Demonstrates proficiency in applying the nursing process to assigned patients and families. Assumes accountability for the outcomes of nursing care. Collaborates with health team members, and patients/families in the provision of care. Provides direct supervision to other health team members in the implementation of the patient care plan.

Effectively delegates care to peers, Licensed Practical Nurses, Nursing Assistants, Orderlies, and other direct caregivers consistent with their level of education and expertise. Acts as an advocate for patients/families/significant others.

Assumes accountability for own professional practice and for aspects of nursing care delegated to others.

Assumes accountability for own professional practice and aspects of nursing care delegated to others.

Practices within accepted ethical and legal parameters of nursing. This description covers the essential functions of the position.

Job Description:

1) Provides age-appropriate care to patients.

Demonstrates knowledge of developmental stages for the following age groups and applies developmental theories and concepts when planning and implementing care for patients

2) For each assigned patient, the nurse will proficiently perform a comprehensive nursing assessment and use professional judgment to obtain selective data to arrive at nursing diagnoses and discharge planning needs. The nurse will conduct a systematic comprehensive assessment of the health needs of all assigned patients 100% of the time. Ensures all assigned patients have a completed admission profile and health database/patient history.

Elicits relevant selective data for a comprehensive nursing history, incorporating patient strengths and limitations. Integrates various methods to collect relevant patient data (e.g., nursing history, observation, examination, communication with colleagues, and chart review) from formulating realistic nursing diagnoses. Anticipates appropriate health care needs beyond the acute care setting.

3) Performs a proficient ongoing assessment of assigned patients recognizing subtle changes in health status 100% of the time. Identifies changes that require immediate intervention. Anticipates consistently predictable changes in patient status. Determines the frequency of observation based on an ongoing assessment. Furnishes physician and appropriate health team members with pertinent assessment data. Documents relevant assessment data clearly and concisely.

4) For each assigned patient, the nurse will formulate a detailed, realistic care plan specific to each patient’s identified needs. Develops and updates a real care plan with measurable and achievable goals 100% of the time. Upon identification of an actual or potential problem, the nurse promptly initiates a care plan and updates per unit-specific guidelines. Reassesses priorities and makes appropriate changes in the plan of care with patient/family’s input.

Formulates realistic and attainable goals appropriate to the hospital setting and discharge needs.

5) Analyzes the psycho-social impact of illness & hospitalization on individuals and families 100% of the time. Collaborates and negotiates with patients and families to arrive at an agreed-upon care plan. Utilizes and communicates with physicians and interdisciplinary team members to establish goals. Incorporates psycho-social, spiritual, and cultural needs into the plan of care.

6) For each assigned patient, the nurse will proficiently implement the individualized plan of care. Demonstrates proficiency in clinical nursing skills 100% of the time. Independently organizes own assignment and prioritizes care plan accurately—delegates aspects of care to other personnel consistent with job description and skill 100% of the time. Consistently initiates interventions to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment 100% of the time, as evidenced by an absence of preventable incidents.

Anticipates outcomes of physician orders and nursing actions and seeks…