registered nurse

REGISTERED NURSE

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Registered Nurse (RN) is a professional nurse who administers skilled nursing care to clients requiring professional nursing service and teaches and supervises the family and other members of the nursing team.Each staff nurse performs nursing services for residents within a specific area.These services are performed in accordance with the physician's orders and under the direction and supervision of the Director of Nursing (DON), and the supervisor.

 QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing and currently licensed in the State of New Mexico. 
• Must have a minimum of one-year experience in the State of New Mexico. 
• Must have a minimum of one-year experience in an acute care facility as a staff nurse and a minimum of six (6) months experience and/or additional training for private duty. 
• Must have at least two (2) references from previous employers. 
• Must possess, and maintain current certification in CPR, and screening for tuberculosis. 
• Must display good emotional health and be able to tolerate physically such as: standing, stooping, bending, and heavy lifting. 
• Must comply with all agency regulations. 
• Must be self-directed and able to work with little supervision, displaying good observation/nursing judgment and communication skills.
• It is preferable that the RN has completed a baccalaureate degree program approved by the National League for Nursing for public health nursing preparation.

Responsibilities:

• Conducts the admission of the client to the Agency by:Obtaining a medical history, particularly as it relates to the present condition, from the client and/or family member(s)
• Conducting a physical examination of the client, including vital signs, physical assessment, mental status, appetite and type of diet, etc.
• Evaluating the client, family member(s) and home situation to determine what health teaching will be required
• Evaluating the client's environment to determine what assistance will be available from family members in caring for the client
• Evaluating the client's condition and home situation to determine if the services of a home health aide will be required and the frequency of this service
• Interpreting nursing and other services of the Agency to client's and families as a part of planning for care
• Developing and implementing the nursing care plan

Planning skilled nursing care as outlined in the nursing care plan to include the following:

• Nursing services, treatments and preventative procedures requiring substantial specialized skill and ordered by the physician
• Initiating preventative and rehabilitative nursing procedures as appropriate for the client's care and safety
• Observing signs and symptoms and reporting to the physician reactions to treatments, including drugs, and changes in the client's physical or emotional condition
• Teaching, supervising and counseling the client and caregivers regarding the nursing care needs and other related problems of the client at home
• Is responsible for the care given by the home health aide to clients in her care by:
• Supervising and evaluating the care given by the HHA/HMK as needed
• Submitting to the HHA/HMK department written evaluations of the HMK/HHA's who are providing service to the clients in his/her geographical area
• Participating in periodic conferences with the HHA/HMK supervisor concerning the HHA/HMK's performance
• Charts those services the RN has rendered to the client, changes noted in the client's condition and/or family and home situation, makes revisions in the nursing care plan as needed, records supervisory visits conducted with the HHA/HMK, evaluates client care and progress and closes charts of discharged clients
• Prepares and presents client's record to the Professional Advisory Committee as indicated
• Evaluates the effectiveness of her/his nursing service to the individual and family
• Consults with the attending physician concerning alteration of the plan of treatment in consultation with the supervisor
• Submits clinical notes no less often than weekly, and progress notes and other clinical record forms outlining the services rendered as indicated
• Submits a tally of visits made each day
• Participates in case conferences
• Discusses with the supervisor problems concerning the clients and how they may best be handled
• Discuss with the supervisor the need for involvement of other members of the health team such as the HHA/HMK, physical therapist, occupational therapist, social worker, etc
• Obtains orders for paramedical service and submits referral to appropriate personnel
• Coordinates total client care
• Cooperates with other agencies providing nursing or related services to provide continuity of care and to implement a comprehensive care plan
• Participates in staff development meetings
• Participates in the educational experiences for student nurses
• Continually strives to improve his/her nursing care by attending in-service education, through formal education, attendance at workshops, conferences, active participation in professional and related organizations and individual research and reading
• Participates in the planning, operation and evaluation of the nursing service
• Participates in the development and periodic revision of the physician's Plan of Treatment and processes change orders as needed
• Submits clinical notes no less often than weekly, and progress notes and other clinical record forms outlining the services rendered as indicated
• Maintains an on-going knowledge of current drug therapy
• Prepares the care plan for the HHA/HMK

Organizational Relationships

• The RN reports directly to the D.O.N.

Special Requirements

• Must have a car with current insurance coverage, a state driver's license, and a state nursing license

Functional Abilities

• Must be able to read 12 point font or larger type
• Must be able to hear and speak in a manner understood by most people
• Must be able to stoop and bend; must be able to lift and transfer clients
• Must be able to travel to prospective clients' residences