Essential Functions
CLINICAL PRACTICE
Organization of Patient Care
• Accountable for assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating a plan of care for a specific patient assignment.
• Sets priorities when organizing care for patients with varying acuity.
• Maintain continuity through clear and concise (verbal and written) communication.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge of growth and development of the adult and geriatric patient.
-Quality of Care
• Documents patient care in a manner that is clear, complete, concise and in compliance with nursing documentation standards.
• Develops a comprehensive plan of care based on data from an initial assessment of patient and family, information from other members of the health care team, intra-agency referral and previous medical records.
• Develops a comprehensive educational plan for the patient and family, utilizing appropriate resources and documents according to the department’s documentation standards.
• Develops a comprehensive discharge plan utilizing appropriate resources and referrals including community resources.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of the plan of care, and documents progress in meeting stated goals. Revises plan of care as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
• Participates actively in the unit-based and organizational quality management and/or quality improvement programs.
• Provides a safe environment for patients, staff, family and visitors.
• Administers medication safely according to established policies and procedures.
• Performs nursing procedures safely and efficiently.
• Uses equipment safely and efficiently.
• Demonstrates awareness of potential/actual risks of infection and modes of transmission.
• Utilizes universal precautions in nursing practice.
-Coordination/Collaboration
• Interacts with patients, families, and colleagues in a professional manner.
• Collaborates with other discipline(s).
• Develops, utilizes and evaluates unit-specific standards of care.
• Upholds the A.N.A. code of ethics and acts as a role model to other staff members.
• Participates in determining and implementing goals and objectives for the unit.
• Participates in determining goals and objectives in the periodic review and evaluation.
• Serves on unit-based and organizational committees and disseminates information to peers.
-Education
• Assumes responsibility for personal and professional growth through identification of own learning needs.
• Shares knowledge and experience with colleagues.
• Participates in unit-based and organizational educational programs.
• Seeks and accepts guidance for additional learning needs.
-Research
• Utilizes nursing research findings in clinical practice.
• Contributes to nursing and/or medical research endeavors by supporting investigators.
-Budget
• Utilizes time and materials in an effective and economical manner.
• Provides suggestions which support the delivery of cost-effective health care.
• Assesses patient’s acuity accurately when making decisions regarding staffing, transfers and assignments.
• Demonstrates awareness of the need to manage within established budgetary boundaries.
-Personnel
• Participates in the orientation of new staff members, students and others as appropriate.
• Provides input into the clinical evaluation of other staff, as appropriate.
• Assumes responsibility for the unit in the absence of leadership personnel.
• Adheres to hospital and nursing policies and aids in their interpretation to others.
• Recommends change in policies and procedures through appropriate channels.
• Participates in the cooperative effort and peer support required for the smooth running of the unit, e.g., flexibility in relation to patient assignments, shift assignment, or work schedule.