RN Registered Nurse Float Pool

Job Description Summary

Manages individualized, outcome oriented nursing care through the use of the nursing process. Provides care, treatment and services through the successful coordination and completion of a series of processes that include assessment, planning care, providing care, in accordance with departmental and hospital policies and procedures.

Assesses and diagnoses patient and family needs in order to provide quality care to assigned patients by:

• a – Initiating admission assessment within 8 hours of admission, identifies and documents patient/family/significant other teaching needs upon admission and throughout hospitalization.

Develops, discusses, and communicates a prioritized problem list/plan of care for each patient, in collaboration with designated support persons in order to address all identified needs.

• a – Develop, evaluate and update individualized plan of care for patients and documents outcomes.
• b – Actively communicates plan of care with the primary nurse assigned to care for the patient.
• c – Facilitates discharge/transfers by goal of 12:00 pm, communicating barriers utilizing the Chain of Command.
• d – Documents all patient care following the department of nursing policies, unit based standards and nurse sensitive indicators (falls, skin pain).
• e – Assesses/reassesses and documents patient's level of comfort utilizing the appropriate pain scale and the patient's response to each intervention both pharmacological and non-pharmacological per South Shore Hospital Policy.
• f – Works on behalf of patient/family. Seeks help to represent patient/family when they are unable to represent themselves.
• g – Raises ethical questions and concerns with clinical team. Seeks available resources to help formulate and understand ethical decisions.

• a – Demonstrates knowledge of and follows SSH policies and procedures for administering, transcribing, and recording medications.
• b – Demonstrates proper procedure for the documentation of narcotic withdrawal, administration, verifies count, wastes per policy and resolves narcotic discrepancy.
• c – Initiates and maintains IV access according to SSH policy and procedure.

Fosters a "Culture of Safety" through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.

• a – Verifies patient identification with two identifiers prior to the start of any invasive procedure, including "time out", administration of care, medications, labeled specimens and documents confirming the correct patient, procedure, site, equipment and consent.
• b – Complies with the current CDC hand hygiene guidelines through proper handwashing. Adheres to universal precautions, makes appropriate use of personal protective equipment at all times and appropriately disposes of hazardous materials. Maintains awareness of MSDS sheets and how to access them.
• c – Assesses each patient's risk for falling throughout hospitalization using appropriate interventions to prevent falls.
• d – Ensures environment meets regulatory requirements at all times (i.e., no cardboard boxes on floor, equipment cords are secured and plugged into foot of bed, etc.).
• e – Understands and is able to demonstrate individual roles and responsibilities in the event of hospital codes/emergency preparedness.
• f – Practices patient hand off utilizing the principles of SBAR – including walking rounds.

Assumes overall responsibility for own professional development by incorporating evidence-based practice, research, and performance improvement initiatives as a part of ongoing nursing practice.

• a – Obtains at least 5 contact hours per year in area of practice.
• b – Practices within the legal boundaries of MA Nurse Practice Act. Directs other licensed and non-licensed personnel as assigned.
• c – Active participant in unit based initiatives and/or hospital committees.
• d – Understands and demonstrates job responsibilities for charge nurse, preceptor and mentor role.
• e – Analyzes cause of problems, identifies and evaluates alternative solutions, and selects appropriate solutions and communicates appropriately and effectively…