The incumbent performs nursing procedures to patients of all ages independently within the framework of established policy within the Emergency Department (ED) at the Cherokee Indian Hospital, Cherokee North Carolina. The Registered Nurse is a licensed professional nurse responsible for assessment of patients, development, implementation and evaluation of a patient plan of care; administration of therapeutic measures; teaching and counseling of patients and families; and participating in the development of nursing policies and procedures and quality assurance standards. The Registered Nurse is responsible for the delivery of comprehensive health care to patients of all ages, utilizing standards of care and practice, policies, protocols, and procedures. The purpose of the work is to perform the full range of the nursing process from assessment to evaluation. The work affects the physical and psychosocial well being of the patients and their families.
evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. May be required to rotate shifts and be subject to on-call and callback.
Performs nursing interventions including, but not limited to
Job Knowledge
Preadolescence (10-12 years), Early Adolescence (13-15 years), Adolescence (16-20 years), Adult (21-64 years), and Elderly (65-+ years).
Complexity of Duties
The nurse provides a full range of comprehensive nursing care that includes assessing patient needs, development of a plan of care, administration of medications and therapeutic measures, operation of specialized medical equipment, evaluation of the plan of care to ensure that the physical and psychosocial needs of the patient are met and counseling and teaching of patient and families. The nurse must recognize and respond appropriately to patient conditions that deviate from normal and identify, analyze, and report on causative factors and reactions.
Guidelines consist of professional standards of practice as determined by the nurse practice act, nursing and medical policy and procedures, standing orders, and hospital and agency policies. Complies also with federal, state, accrediting and local regulations. These guidelines are not always specifically applicable to the individual patient or situation and independent judgment is required in selecting the most appropriate guideline, and applying the intent of the guideline to the specific situation at hand. The nurse receives assistance from the Emergency Department Nurse Manager or his/her designee with difficult or unusual problems.
Supervision Received
The nurse independently plans, schedules, and provides nursing care in coordination with the medical care plan and attempts to solve problems only within established procedures. This is done under the supervision of Emergency Department Nurse Manager or his/her designee. The work is evaluated for technical soundness and adherence to professional standards.
Responsibility for Accuracy
Contact with Others
Contacts are with patients, families, hospital personnel, and community agencies. Contacts with patients, families, and hospital personnel are to exchange, provide, and obtain information concerning the patient’s physical and psychosocial health care problems, and needs. The nurse uses teaching and counseling methods to influence and motivate patient and family behavior. Contacts with other health care or related disciplines within the hospital are for the purpose of collaboration and consultation.
Confidential Data
The incumbent has access to highly confidential patient medical and personal information. The Privacy Act of 1974 mandates that the incumbent shall maintain complete confidentiality of all administrative, medical, and all other pertinent information that comes to his/her attention or knowledge. The Act carries both civil and criminal penalties for unlawful disclosure of records.
Violations of such confidentiality shall be cause for adverse action.
Mental/Visual/Physical
Work in the various services within the nursing department requires considerable walking, standing, bending, pushing, and lifting in helping patients to and from beds, wheelchairs, and stretchers. These same activities are required in moving equipment and medical supplies. May occasionally move more than 15 pounds.
Environment
The work environment involves moderate risks of exposure to infectious disease, radiation, electrical hazards, irritant chemicals and explosive gases.
Customer Service
Consistently demonstrates superior customer service skills to patients/customers by demonstrating characteristics that align with CIHA’s guiding principles and core values. Ensure excellent customer service is provided to all patients/customers by seeking out opportunities to be of service.