FLOAT RN

The Float Pool RN I is a flexible and experienced professional RN who is competent to work within and between Specialty Units (ER, ICU).  The float RN is a clinical nurse who utilizes the nursing process to provide safe and therapeutic care to patients on assigned units. S / he functions as a productive member of the interdisciplinary team, carries out established policies, procedures and standards to meet the needs of high acuity patients. S / he advocates forward movement of the mission, vision and values of the organization, i.e. promotes patient throughput, the optimal patient experience and integrates evidenced based nursing into clinical practice.

Major Responsibility

• Clinical Inquiry and Critical Thinking - Challenges and evaluates practice, role modeling informed practice to the bedside. Creates practice changes through research utilization and experiential learning.
• Communication  - Communicates with RN's, Physicians, and other members of the health care team in a professional and collegial manner. Utilizes SBAR communication format when appropriate. Patient Discharge Process - Provides ongoing discharge instruction and education to patient / family based on individual patient needs. Adheres to MCH discharge process and applies necessary standards of care.
• Confidentiality  - Maintains strict confidentiality at all times. Follows HIPAA and MCH policies for confidentiality at all times. Conducts daily activities within the appropriate ethical and legal guidelines as defined by the Compliance program and in accordance with Mission Community Hospital’s mission, vision and values. Maintains confidentiality, security, and integrity of patient and hospital data.
• Delegation  - Delegates tasks according to the BRN legal scope of practice and effectively supervises patient care.
• Documentation and System Utilization  - Utilizes information technology and tools to document processes of care in a timely manner.
• Evaluation of Care -  Evaluates the effectiveness of the care plan through observation of the patient's physical condition, psychosocial behaviors, signs and symptoms of illness, and reactions to treatment, through communication with the client and the health team members, and modifies the Plan of Care as needed.
• Flexibility- Reports to assigned unit.  Recognizes that patient care demands may require changes to daily assignment with short notice. May not receive assignment until they report to the facility. May float between departments in a single shift.
• Infection Control  - Demonstrates knowledge of and adheres to Universal Precautions, and MCH infection control standards; including hand sanitation before and after each patient contact.
• Information Seeking and Validation of Care Standards  – Helps develop and monitors policies, guidelines, and current practice, seeks resources and information to improve patient care and safety.
• Medications / Safety  - Administers medications per hospital and department policy and role-modeling patient medication rights with proper identification of patient prior to administration. Reports medication errors to Charge Nurse, Manager, and utilizes quality / risk reporting process. Promptly notifies physician of any medication error to patient. Serves as a safety role model for prevention and all other safety initiatives.
• Nursing Process, Assessment, and Diagnosis  - Collects and accurately interprets complex patient data using the nursing process to provide for total patient care needs, patient / family issues or problems. Provides highly effective physical, technical, interpersonal and organization skills to problem solve. Formulates a nursing diagnosis through the observation of the patient's physical condition, behavior, and through interpretation of information obtained from the patient and others, including the health care team. Consistently completes accurate, up to date care plans and / or treatment plans. Performs skills in a highly competent manner based on patient need, explains the treatments to the patient and family and teaches the patient and family how to care for their health needs.
• Patient Advocate  – Represents the patient and family, advocating in support of their values and, beliefs. Recommends and implements best practices and standards.
• Patient Experience  - Demonstrates caring and compassion : uses a warm approach; maintains a kind attitude; provides a gentle touch. Anticipates patient and family needs so waiting is avoided when possible. When waiting is required, keeps patient / family informed and provides a comfortable setting for waiting. Apologizes for unanticipated delays in service. Promotes individualized patient care plans, hourly rounding, and individualized discharge teaching for patients. Functions as a team player, eager to offer assistance with an approachable attitude.
• Patient Throughput  - Supports patient throughput efforts to place, transfer, and discharge patients in a safe and timely manner. Assists case management personnel in preparing the patient for a timely discharge and facilitating next level of care needs are met.
• Preceptor – Orients new staff. Actively and willingly participates as a preceptor for new RN's, nursing students, and other clinical personnel.
• Performance Improvement  - Actively participates in achieving unit or hospital quality initiatives such as patient satisfaction, core measures, DNV / regulatory compliance, DHS requirements, and PI projects (i.e. fall prevention, decreasing the use of restraints, preventing hospital acquired pressure ulcers, and pain management)
• Relief Charge Nurse  – May serve in the Charge role (with documented competencies for the role).
• Must be able to fulfill the essential functions of the position and other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Licensure / Certifications :

Required