PLEASE NOTE - This position may require temporarily relocation to other TONHC Facilities: Sells Hospital, Santa Rosa Health Center, San Simon Health Center, and San Xavier Health Center.

Position Summary:

Provide direct patient care services to the Inpatient Unit, including various tasks requiring specialized and non-standard procedural knowledge.

Scope of Work:

This position's work setting is in the inpatient unit and may be organizationally located and duty stationed at any one of the Tohono O'odham Nation Sells Hospital and related facilities. Direct clinical assignments received from the Supervisory Nurse Specialist or Charge Nurse.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (Depending on the area of assignment, an incumbent may not be required to perform some of the duties listed below):

• Determine the nature and extent of health care required, including; interpreting signs and symptoms specific to conditions reported by patients.
• Takes immediate action to report abnormal vital signs, capillary blood glucose, or any symptoms or distress to the Charge Nurse or inpatient provider and arrange priority care.
• Sets up and operates specialized equipment for the care of patients.
• Perform EKGs and other monitoring equipment, such as oxygen saturation and non-invasive blood pressure.
• Performs intravenous (IV) cannula insertion as ordered.
• Administer IV fluids and pre-mixed IV antibiotics utilizing the IV infusion pumps.
• Administers medications orally, intramuscularly, intravenously, and subcutaneously according to the five rights of medication administration, physician orders, and dosage standards.
• Performs finger stick to perform capillary blood glucose.
• Completes collection of bacteriologic specimens such as sputum, urine, feces, throat, and wound cultures.
• Performs nursing procedures such as nasopharyngeal gastric suction, insertion of NG tubes, venipuncture, nebulized medications, and placement of indwelling Foley catheters, monitors oxygen therapy, monitors patients receiving IV therapy.
• Applies practical knowledge of pharmacology to compute various units of measure and assess effects of multiple medications.
• Sets up and performs specific treatments as ordered by the provider.
• Assists with the application of splints, casts, and other orthopedic equipment to treat orthopedic injuries.
• Assist medical personnel with the setup of sterile procedures such as suturing, spinal taps, special tests, procedures, and minor surgical procedures.
• Assists with emergencies by performing CPR and assisting medical personnel by managing equipment or supplies requested.
• Maintains a clean and safe work environment by preparing examination rooms and tables.
• Cleans used instruments and disposes of waste materials.
• Participate in nursing/clinic committees and performance improvement activities.
• Transfer/accompanies patients via wheelchair or stretcher to other clinic areas for further care or diagnostic testing.
• Participates in patient and family teaching by interpreting plans of care to patients and their families.
• If capable, interprets for physician or nurse in languages such as Tohono O'odham or Spanish.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary health care team by interpreting the plan of care and interventions.
• Utilizes the RPMS system to make appropriate follow-up appointments and enters information into RMPS patient care packages.
• Assist nursing staff in the orientation of new personnel.
• Coordinates patient care services with additional resources, agencies, or hospitals in the community.
• Participate in the preparation of patient transfer, discharge planning, and discharge summaries.
• Maintains professional knowledge by conducting research, attending seminars, educational workshops, classes, and conferences, reviewing professional publications, establishing networks, participating in professional societies, conferring with representatives of contracting agencies and related organizations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Tohono O'odham culture, customs, and traditions.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, tribal laws, regulations, and requirements, including HCFA Medicare, ALTCS, and AHCCCS.
• Knowledge of nursing theory and practice as a Practical Nurse with broad work experience demonstrates skill sufficient to resolve a range of problems.
• Practical knowledge of and skill sufficient to understand nursing principles, practices, and procedures.
• Practical knowledge of pharmacology and skill sufficient to administers prescribed medication.
• Practical knowledge of and skill sufficient to recognize deviations from normal to warrant an immediate modification to plan of care.
• Practical knowledge of patient's behavior's physical, emotional, spiritual, and socio-cultural aspects is sufficient to understand and promote interpersonal relations with patients and family members.
• An understanding of diseases and illnesses and skills sufficient to teach patient self-care.
• Knowledge and skills to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.
• Knowledge of various facility services and clinic days to properly arrange patient appointments and coordinate travel through the referral systems.
• Knowledge and skill of computer usage and care management programs on RPMS and other systems.
• Knowledge of the implication of the Privacy Act and HIPAA in situations where confidentiality is entrusted of patient records.
• Knowledge of back safety principles of ergonomics.
• Knowledge of safety and infection control standards.
• Computer skills are essential for the use of the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy with the multidisciplinary health care team, patients, visitors, and outside services to accomplish patient care services.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively verbally and in writing.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of an accredited program in Practical Nursing or completion of a two-year degree program from an accredited community college, college, or university in practical nursing, and
• One (1) year of work experience in the medical inpatient unit, or equivalent.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Must possess a current license and registration as a licensed practical nurse in a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth, or Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States.
• Must have current healthcare Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
• Must possess Intravenous Therapy (IV) certification.
• Must have a current immunization statement to include proof of a non-reactive tuberculosis skin test within the last year, proof of immunity for hepatitis B (Documentation of immunization does not prove immunity only a titer with a positive result is proof), within three months of hire.
• Upon recommendation for hire, a criminal background and a National FBI fingerprint check are required to determine suitability for employment, including a 39-month driving record.
• May require possessing and maintaining a valid driver's license (no DUIs or major traffic citations within the last three years).
• If required, must meet the Tohono O'odham Nation tribal employer's insurance requirements to receive a driver's permit to operate program vehicles.
• Based on the department's needs, incumbents may be required to demonstrate fluency in both the Tohono O'odham language and English as a condition of employment.