The basic function of this position is to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate all nursing activities for a specific area of a nursing unit in conjunction with the head nurse or charge nurse of the unit.

 Accepts responsibilities delegated by the head nurse or team leader.
Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates the nursing care provided in the area assigned.

 Exhibits leadership in interpreting and applying the philosophy and objectives of nursing service at the facility assigned, in optimizing the skills of staff assigned to his/her responsibility, and in making team decisions.

 In a primary care nursing setting, is responsible for total patient care, including medications, orders, assessments, treatments, and individual patient care plan.

 Maintains accurate patient clinical records, executes physicians’ orders, keeps accurate problem-oriented nurse’s notes which reflect conditions, response to treatment, progress, and assessment in accordance with accepted nursing standards.

 Assists the physician with procedures and treatments, administers treatments including sterile procedures.

 Participates in team conferences.

 Guides personnel in evaluating patient needs and conditions.

 Performs patient care within the principles of nursing, reporting pertinent observations, complaints, or conditions to the team leader, head nurse, or physician.

 Assists head nurse or charge nurse in personnel work evaluation.

 Practices cost effective use of equipment and supplies.

 Attends and supports in-service education programs, seminars, and nursing education.

 Participates in, initiates, or coordinates BCLS when necessary.

Physical Demands:

The physical effort routinely required to accomplish work activities includes lifting and transferring clients (ability to lift at least 50 pounds), prolonged standing and walking, frequent bending and reaching, ability to move heavy objects, visual acuity, aural acuity, manual dexterity, the ability to write legibly, and the ability to perform and maintain CPR certification.

Hazards:

Exposed intermittently to infectious disease, radiation, and chemical and biological hazards.

Accountability:

Must practice in accordance with the standard of nursing practice at all times.

Individual client job descriptions with unit’s specific requirements and instructions are generally available at each facility. Nurses are expected to review these upon assignment.

Working Conditions:

Client facilities of varied sizes and available equipment. Duties may vary depending upon client facility policy. Nurses may be exposed to communicable diseases and may be assigned to patients in isolation. Nurses may be exposed to infectious waste, including radioactive waste material from nuclear medicine.
Will have working knowledge of universal precautions.