Registered Nurse - Beacon Health System

The Registered Nurse under general supervision, provides nursing care and performs nursing procedures specific to the specialty practice in support of medical care as directed by the physician. Prepares patients for examinations, records patients medical histories and symptoms, performs diagnostic tests, operates medical equipment, administers treatment and medications. May assist a physician in minor surgery and with patient follow-up. Completes laboratory duties as necessary. Routinely communicates with patients and physicians in a professional and courteous manner.

• Providing care and treating patients as directed by the physician.
• Preparing the patient for an examination and assisting the physician as needed.
• Facilitating the initial patient assessment by taking and recording vital signs, weight, height, documenting the reason for the visit, etc.
• Administering and recording medications as ordered.
• Calling pharmacies regarding prescriptions.
• Collecting specimens for lab and analysis and performing routine lab tests as ordered.
• Directing patients to the laboratory, x-ray or other Hospital departments as needed.
• Interpreting physician instructions for patients and providing instructions to patients regarding their care as prescribed.
• Assisting with educating patients, when applicable; also teaching students from other health care fields who are assigned to the specialty practice.
• Maintaining an orderly and timely flow of patients, ensuring preferences are given to patients in emergency situations.
• Maintaining and reviewing patient records and charts, posting test results after review by the physician and tracking test results. Also informing patient of their test results and recommendations.
• Charting all phone calls, advice and other contact with patients according to established BMG guidelines.
• Completing HMO referral forms; also transmitting information to insurance companies for pre-admission screening or utilization review.

Performs nursing functions specific to the specialty practice and as directed by the physician by:

• Assisting physicians with procedures specific to the specialty practice such as minor surgeries, pacemaker device interrogation and reprogramming, stress testing and associated patient monitoring, and nuclear medicine stress testing.
• Performing various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures as ordered by the physician (i.e., typanograms, non-stress tests and EKGs).
• Assembling equipment and supplies in preparation for various diagnostic or treatment procedures performed by a physician.
• Preparing, starting, maintaining and discontinuing intravenous (IV) lines as ordered by the physician.
• Administering therapies and treatments, observing the patient and recording those observations; also consulting with the physician(s) and other health care clinicians as needed.
• Signing off on lab orders, medication changes and chart preloads under the directions of the physician.
• Assigning back-office staff as needed according to schedules and office staffing needs.
• Completing periodic chart audits for staff and providers.
• Checking with staff during the day and monitoring the workflow (i.e., the status of messages, documents, electronic medical record flags / beakers) to make sure work is completed on a timely basis and providing assistance if needed.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Maintaining the records and charts of patients according to established guidelines.
• Answering the phone and relaying messages.
• Cleaning and sterilizing instruments and equipment and maintaining a stock of supplies.
• Checking the emergency cart, on a monthly basis, for expired medication and ensuring that a sufficient quantity of medication is available (as assigned).
• Auditing narcotics and reporting any discrepancies to the Practice Manager (as assigned).
• Maintaining the cleanliness of the exam rooms and the proper clean-up of spills with special attention to body fluid precautions and contaminated waste per the OSHA guidelines; also following universal precautions.
• Informing the proper personnel when medications and supplies need to be ordered.
• Preparing reports as required by established guidelines.
• Completing other job-related assignments and special projects as directed.

Education and Experience:

• The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a nursing program from an accredited school of nursing. A current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Indiana is required. A minimum of two years of experience is required. Certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is required and must be maintained. Certification in CPR is required and must be maintained.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Requires knowledge of, and competency in, performing nursing care procedures, observations, treatments and techniques.
• Requires the comprehensive knowledge of professional nursing theory and practice necessary to provide and evaluate patient care; also requires competency in performing nursing care procedures, observations, treatments and techniques used at the clinic.
• Requires the advanced analytical skills necessary to assess the patients condition and needs, interpret data, solve patient-related problems, provide patient care throughout the planned treatment and to recognize medication allergic reactions (i.e., anaphylactic shock, adverse reactions, fever, chills, etc.).
• Demonstrates competency in conscious sedation.
• Requires advanced knowledge of peripheral intravenous (IV) access procedures (i.e., the use of cannulation devices, monitoring patient access, etc.). Also demonstrates proficiency in starting IV's.
• Demonstrates the ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergency situations and to do so in a sincere and caring manner
• Demonstrates the communication skills (both verbal and written) necessary for clear and effective communications with a variety of internal and external contacts.
• Demonstrates the high-level interpersonal skills that are necessary to interact with patients, physicians and visitors in an effective and professional manner. Also must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Strives to achieve SBSSC goals.
• Requires the organization and office/computer skills (i.e., filing, record keeping system, etc.) necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Also requires the ability to work effectively with minimal supervision, take initiative and pay close attention to details.

Working Conditions:

• Works in a clinical environment.
• The ability to work a flexible schedule is required.
• May possibly be exposed to biohazards when providing patient care.

Physical Demands:

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e., to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs, lift up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds without assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.

PI239868472