Registered Nurse Float

Overview

The Registered Nurse is a member of the interdisciplinary team working in collaboration with the Physician. The RN utilizes the nursing care process consistent with their license and/or certification, including initiation of culturally competent continuum of care in inpatient, outpatient, and community settings. The RN oversees coordination of the interdisciplinary plan of care and ensures its consistency with the medical treatment plan.

The patient care process includes:

• Assessment - an orderly process of identifying, gathering, and organizing subjective and objective data pertaining to the patient/family/significant other, including physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and cultural factors.
• Planning - identification of actual or potential problems and desired outcomes (goals) resulting in a documented plan of care that provides direction for the patient/family/significant other and the interdisciplinary team.
• Intervention - the specific interventions or orders implemented in alignment with the plan of care and medical treatment plan.
• Evaluation - determining the effectiveness of interventions in achieving the plan of care and deciding if reassessment and revisions are needed; documentation of required actions.

Based on assessment findings:

• Patients have problems identified and prioritized relative to biophysical, psychological, environmental, self care, educational, and social status.
• Goals are identified consistent with the problems to provide direction for patient care and health promotion.
• Education is aligned with identified problems and goals and supports patient empowerment.
• Employees may be required to perform Limited Laboratory Services, including specimen collection, processing, quality control, instrument maintenance, and reporting results to clinicians, including critical values, while maintaining competency/certification of the tasks.

Licensed and registered care providers responsible for utilizing the care process relative to their scope of practice may document the assessment, plan, intervention, and evaluation. All patient care activities are administered according to standards, procedural guidelines, and organizational policy.

The RN actively supports performance improvement initiatives and provides leadership to other members of the patient care team. Through participation in educational activities, the RN assumes responsibility for continued professional and personal growth.

Education / License - Graduate of an accredited school of nursing; BSN preferred. Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of New Jersey or a current multi-state license required. BLS required. Valid NJ Driver's License is required for all employees in the Adult and Child Partial Programs.

Experience - Proficiency in Clinical Applications preferred at time of hire; incumbents will be trained and then required to demonstrate competency within 30-60 days from date of hire.

Specialty Experience / Certification - Various specialty assignments listed with related certifications and experience expectations (e.g., Emergency Room, ACLS, ATCN/TNCC, PALS/ENPC, NIHSS, etc.). See original description for full, role-specific requirements by department. The role may include multiple specialty areas across labor & delivery, NICU, mother/baby, perinatology, operating room, critical care, radiology, oncology, PACU, PAT, pediatrics, and more. Certification requirements include ACLS within specified time frames and ongoing education hours as described in the source material.

Notes - Valid New Jersey driver’s license and related checks may be required for certain programs.

Demonstrates the ability to perform department-specific competencies as listed on the Assessment and Evaluation Tool.

Potential for exposure to hospital hazards and risks, including blood borne pathogens, infectious disease, hazardous substances, and potential injury. May involve the following:

• Reaching, stooping, kneeling, crouching
• Extensive standing and walking, including stairs
• Lifting 25-50 pounds frequently; 50-100 pounds with assistance occasionally
• Pushing and pulling heavy equipment
• Color vision requirements in some departments

Essential functions are listed on department-specific Assessment and Evaluation Tool.

Work Environment – Electrophysiology Lab - Additional hazards include radiation exposure; responsibilities include leaded attire, patient transport on stretchers, instrument handoffs, and movement in tight work areas with cords and equipment. Color vision requirements apply in some roles. Essential functions are listed on the department-specific Assessment and Evaluation Tool.

Unit Populations Served - Core competencies are assessed across multiple patient populations and service lines, including but not limited to Bariatric, Cath Lab, Critical Care, Behavioral Health, Dialysis, Endoscopy, Emergency Department, Medical/Surgical, Telemetry, Wound Care, Structural Heart, Radiology, PACU/SDS, PAT, and…