Job Description
The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to: Providing direct care to patients on assigned unit using the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The functions should be within the framework of established policies and procedures of the hospital. Responsible for managing care of assigned patients and guiding and directing the activities of ancillary staff. May function as a charge nurse.
1. Assesses and analyzes the health status of patients in a comprehensive manner.
1.1 Verifies operative permit, checks history and physical, laboratory values, diagnostic studies and communicates findings to other members of the health care team.
1.2 Performs on-going assessments and documents according to surgical services standards.
1.3 Performs and/or assures completed assessment on all surgical patients.
1.4 Determines mobility of patient’s body parts, notes skin condition and injuries and/or previous surgery.
1.5 Identifies presence of internal/external prosthesis and implants. Notes sensory impairment, verifies allergies.
II.
2. Plans patient care in collaboration with patient, family and health care team.
2.1 Confirms identity of patient, correct procedure and surgical site.
2.2 Selects personnel for transport as determined by need, providing emotional and physical support during transfer.
III.
3. Directs and implements patient care activities to assure the delivery of quality care.
3.1 Adheres to hospital safety plan (i.e. fall prevention, body mechanics, electrical and air powered equipment operation according to manufacturers recommendations.)
3.2 Assures that emergency equipment and supplies are available at all times.
3.3 Performs sharps, needles and instrument count following established guidelines and initiates corrective action when counts are incorrect.
3.4 Assists anesthesia during induction and emergency phases. Assists with monitoring output and blood loss. Notes physical and behavioral changes in patient condition and initiates nursing action according to physiological changes.
IV.
4. Responsible for maintenance and management of surgical area.
4.1 Monitors and controls OR environment by regulating temperature, controlling bio-wastes and practicing concurrent cleaning.
4.2 Maintains traffic control and adhere to electrical safety and OR sanitation policies and procedures.
4.3 Demonstrates reliability in taking call as assigned and by being readily available for emergency situations.
4.4 Assists in the orientation and training of new OR personnel.
4.5 Assists in operating room staff development and education. Maintains current surgeons’ preference cards and updates accordingly.
4.6 Notifies nurse supervisor 2 hours prior to duty time if he/she will be absent/tardy.
V.
5. Adheres to standards established in the nursing department proficiency program
5.1 Maintains copy of current licensure on file
5.2 Satisfactorily completes OR skills checklist within 6 months of hire date and yearly
5.3 Attends 100% of hospital-required in-services.
5.4 Attends 50% of unit meetings.
5.5 Maintains current BLS, PALS and ACLS certification.
VI.
6. Evaluates quality and effectiveness of patient care and nursing activities
6.1 Evaluates the appropriateness of care of the nursing intervention by recognizing the patient outcome and reviewing the intervention when the desired outcome is not achieved.
6.2 Recognizes change in patient’s physical and mental status and informs physician and/or other health care professional as indicated in a timely manner.
6.3 Evaluates quality of patient care through observation, patient and family interviews, and initiates corrective measures on identified procedures.
6.4 Reports to the charge nurse, head nurse or nurse manager any problems regarding housekeeping, maintenance, adequate supplies, scheduling of surgical procedures or clarification of physician’s orders.
VII.
7. Demonstrates a commitment to professional accountability and growth
7.1 Identifies own learning needs, goals, and seeks direction to meet those needs.
7.2 Maintains proper professional appearance by adhering to the established nursing service dress code policy.
7.3 Demonstrates ability to use channels of communication to transmit information, address concerns, and solve problems.
7.4 Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality
VIII.
8. Adheres to and follows the principles of quality customer relations.
8.1 Promotes quality guest relations by identifying both internal and external customers; acknowledging customers promptly; and, using expressions that reflect respect, understanding, and enhance self-esteem
8.2 Creates a positive impression through effective use of telephone skills such as answering the phone by the third ring, identification of self and department, listening attentively, personalizing the conversation and verifying information
8.3 Creates a supportive climate for customers by allowing customers to express themselves, addressing their concerns as being real and encouraging two-way communication.
8.4 Promotes therapeutic interaction with customers by identifying behaviors resulting from dissatisfaction, then, allowing customers to respond openly, showing empathy and discussing options.
8.5 Promotes quality guest relations by periodically contacting external customers by telephone through out procedure according to surgeon’s preference.
IX.
9. Performs age specific patient assessment, demonstrating awareness of growth and development for each age group. Demonstrate knowledge of age specific assessment, recognizing psychosocial levels and developmental patterns. Provides for age-appropriate stimulation and learning needs.
9.1 Understands importance of family involvement when addressing needs of pediatric patient. Includes family in planning of patient care. Recognizes main target of teaching is family, and considers family’s anxiety over sick child.
9.2 Performs nursing skills specific to pediatric patient. Demonstrates commitment to obtaining knowledge of all routine and emergency procedures.
9.3 Recognizes and reports suspected cares of child abuse. Demonstrates awareness of signs and symptoms of child abuse and reports to supervisor and authorities as indicated.
9.4 Applies knowledge of age appropriate needs when assessing/caring for adolescent patient. Recognizes and addresses possible adolescent developmental problems in care plan. Understands need for emotional independence.
9.5 Performs nursing skills specific to adolescent patient. Demonstrates knowledge of routine and emergency care specific to adolescent patient.
9.6 Applies knowledge of age appropriate needs when assessing/caring for elderly patient. Addresses concerns of adult and elderly patients according to psychosocial and developmental needs.
9.7 Applies knowledge of age appropriate needs when assessing/caring for elderly patient. Addresses concerns of adult and elderly patients according to psychosocial and developmental needs.
SUB SECTION STANDARDS TOTAL:
X. Philosophy, Mission & Values Accountability
10. Shares responsibility as a team member in developing and maintaining a supportive work environment.
10.1 Develops positive relationships with those whom we serve, ensuring privacy, confidentiality, and individual dignity at all times.
10.2 Meets tensions and resolves conflicts in constructive manner leading towards reconciliation.
10.3 Understands and supports the hospital’s philosophy to treat everyone with special concern.
10.4 Reports improper, unjust, or unethical situations to appropriate leadership.
XI. Customer Service
11.2 Is a resource and positive role model for others, demonstrating willingness to teach and share knowledge with other departments/personnel.
11.1 Consults and works collaboratively with all staff.
11.2 Demonstrates support for the hospital’s Heart First Service Promises-Healing Hands, Exceptional Care, Attentiveness, Respect and Trust
XII. Safety/Patient Safety
12. Adheres to infection control/universal precaution standards.
12.1 Familiar with and adheres to established guidelines of regulatory agencies.
12.2 Intervenes with proper technique and procedure to maintain a safe environment.
12.3 Demonstrates compliance with National Safety Goals
12.4Completes mandatory education (annual or otherwise) requirements (i.e., fire safety, HIPPA, Compliance, etc…). (Rated either 5 or 1)
12.5 Maintains required certification (i.e., CPR, ACLS) if applicable. (Rated either 5 or 1)
XIII. Interpersonal/Communications/Relationships
13. Effectively utilizes verbal and written communication skills. Ability to read and communicate effectively.
13.1 Keeps manager informed of department based needs.
13.2 Understands cultural diversity and demonstrates an understanding of the value of all members of the healthcare team.
13.3 Ability to take action and get things done independently. Assumes responsibility promptly and effectively. Identifies the issue, develops steps and participates as needed to resolve the issue.
13.4 Demonstrates tact when dealing with patients, colleagues and the public
13.5 Demonstrates ability to address issues and find a solution while at the same time achieving consensus with the individuals involved.
13.6 Adheres to the proper “chain of command” within the organization. (Rated either 5 or 1)
XIV. Information Management/HIPAA
14. Maintains confidentiality required in patient and peer relationships in the hospital community as relevant to position.
14.1 Knowledge of procedures for maintaining security, confidentiality and integrity of patient medical information.
14.2 Demonstrates skills and accuracy in collecting and inputting data into hospital computer system as relevant to position.
XV. Equipment/Resources
15. Demonstrates skill in use of equipment relevant to position, knowledge of appropriate safety procedures.
15.1 Diagnosis equipment problems, repairs or seeks out someone to repair.
15.2 Consistently inform appropriate person of problems encounter with repairs or calibration of equipment
Requirements
Education: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing with a current license to practice nursing in PA. Minimum: Associates Degree or BSN or Diploma
Training/Experience: No previous O.R. experience required. Orientation/training will be provided by the surgical service department. The staff education department provides new nurse orientation. Must obtain ACLS, BLS, and PALS
Company Overview
Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center is dedicated to providing the latest and the best in health and wellness services to our community. It's our caring nurses, physicians, technicians, specialist, staff members, and volunterrs who help us do that each and every day. As you look for that special place to share your skills, talent and confidence, look to Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center. In addition to a great place to work, we offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package. Take a closer look, make a better choice!
Heart of Lancaster is a full service community hospital that opened in August of 2004. We pride ourselves on providing the highest quality care in all service areas. Our intense focus on customer service and patient safety has created a unique healing environment.
In addition to our personalized care, we offer “state-of-the-art” technology and a medical staff consisting of the finest physicians in the area. We pledge to provide you with emergency care in 15 minutes or less. We provide free, convenient parking in a safe neighborhood.
We have also achieved top scores from the JCAHO and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Our patient satisfaction scores are the highest of the 62 hospitals that we benchmark ourselves against. We are proud of what we do and we take your care personally.
Contact Information
For information on this and other employment opportunities please contact:
Melissa Wolf
H.R. Generalist/Employment Coordinator
F: 717-625-5619
melissa.wolf@hma.com