Registered Nurse (Critical Care Unit) - Government of the Virgin Islands

JOB CLASS CODE: REGISTERED NURSE	FLSA STATUS: NON-EXEMPT
POSITION  REPORTS TO: Head Nurse	SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No
CLASSIFIED/UNCLASSIFIED: CLASSIFIED	BARGAINING UNIT: VISNA

 
POSITION SUMMARY
Registered Nurse works under the general supervision of the Head Nurse. Provides professional care and coordinates care with other disciplines.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES

1. Maintains established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, performance improvement programs, safety, environmental and infection control standards. 
2. Writes initial nursing histories, assesses patient’s condition and develops individual care plans for patients. 
3. Administers and controls narcotics and medications. 
4. Assists in formulating and screening Performance Improvement criteria and providing in-service training for staff. 
5. Evaluates outcomes of patient care, consults with other specialists as required and adjusts nursing care plans as necessary to ensure optimal patient care.
6. Maintains patient documentation, to ensure accuracy of patient medical treatment. 
7. Maintains a safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patients and families in accordance with hospital standards. 
8. Assists other members of the nursing team and other supportive disciplines. 
9. Promotes emotional stability of patients, expresses interest in their progress related to direct patient care. 
10. Assists physician with examinations, procedures and other processes related to direct patient care. 
11. Arranges for patients’ diagnostic and therapeutic services. 
12. Demonstrates sensitivity to patients/families comfort and privacy. 
13. Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-service education and workshops. 
14. Attends meetings as required. 
15.  Performs other related duties. 

 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS (Please List Education/Experience/Credentials)

1. Must possess a current Virgin Islands license as a Registered Nurse and have graduated from an accredited A-A Degree in Science or Nursing Program.
2. Must have two years of professional nursing experience in the adult inpatient care setting is required.
3. Must possess and demonstrate a high degree of leadership, organizational ability, and communication skills.
4. Knowledge of adult inpatient care management, policies, budgeting, personnel management, and census development is required. 
5. Current CPR certification is required, ACLS preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of the policies, procedures, rules and regulations that apply to the practice of nursing in an inpatient care setting.  
2. Knowledge of nursing philosophy, objectives and goals of the department.
3. Knowledge of specifics and the requirements involved in promoting a safe environment and therapeutic milieu within the unit.
4. General knowledge of health services and programs offered through JFLH in order to coordinate and obtain services requested.
5. Skill in the application of techniques needed in interviewing, observing, recording and reporting signs and symptoms of patients’ health status.
6. Skill in applying basic nursing practices and methodology.
7. Ability to (or possess the skill level to gain ability to) define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; also apply mathematical concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
8. Ability to give, understand and follow oral and written instructions.
9. Ability to establish and maintain effective communication with patients and members of the health care system.
10. Ability to develop, implements, evaluates and modifies nursing standards and procedures.
11. Ability to identify potential health and safety hazards.
12. Ability to work with a wide variety of other professionals and staff engaged in the delivery of health care services.
13. Ability to gain the confidence and respect of the public to be served at JFLH & Medical Center.
14. Knowledge of analytical and grammatical skills necessary to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. 
15. Participates in staff development and continuing educational programs.
16. Organizational, multi-tasking, and time management skills are essential.
17. Knowledge of hospital/departmental policies and procedures, emergency protocols, JCAHO and CMS standards
18. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationship with staff, other employees, patients and relative of the health care facility.
19. Ability to work independently, as part of a team and be available for overtime.
20. Other duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work in a climate-controlled and well-lighted environment with a smoke-free policy. Employee will work throughout the hospital building daily. Universal precaution applies; individual will be exposed to blood and other body fluids. Has Category 1 risk of exposure to infectious diseases, but receives training in hand hygiene practices, Universal Precautions and has access to personal protective equipment if direct exposure is anticipated; is subject to interruptions and noise daily.
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  
The physical demands below are typical of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for individuals with disabilities.