Position Summary

Provides care in the ambulatory setting directed toward meeting both the psychosocial and physical needs of the patient. Is a resource person and teacher. Care given reflects initiative and responsibility indicative of professional expectations. Utilizes initiative and strives to maintain steady level of productivity. Is a self-starter. Is compatible and supportive, and a team player. Communicates on behalf of the patient, reflects the mission, ethics and goals of the facility, as well as the focus statement of the department.

Primary Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary responsibilities.

1. Coordinates and supervises patient care.

2. Approaches patient in a kind, gentle and friendly manner. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Practices good guest relations.

3. Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and family.

4. Gives patient explanations and verbal reassurances consistently, gives explanations and teaching to patient/family as necessary.

5. Formulates a teaching plan based on identified patient learning needs, and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate, from pre-op to discharge.

6. Adapts procedures for treatment to meet individual needs of neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.

7. Demonstrates knowledge of pre-operative and intra operative factors that alter immediate postoperative phase.

8. Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of facts, knowledge of diseases/surgical conditions, care required, and good judgment.

9. Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly.

10. Utilizes nursing procedures as a media for communication and interaction with patient.

11. Identifies physical symptoms and changes and takes appropriate action in a timely manner.

12. Consults other departments as needed and as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs. Maintains a good working relationship and effective communication both within the department and with other departments for the benefit of the patient.

13. Completes treatments as ordered.

14. Demonstrates ability to assess cardio-respiratory systems for changes and provides appropriate treatment.

15. Observes behavioral and physiologic changes due to medications, takes appropriate actions and documents. Adjusts expectations of patient behavior and acts according to the effect medication has on patient.

16. Carries out established techniques for safe administration of medications and parenteral fluids, according to hospital policies and procedures.

17. Assessments and reassessment of the patient are clearly and concisely communicated in charting. Documentation meets current standards, policies and procedures and is completed within the shift.

18. Maintains regulatory agency requirements, hospital and nursing policies, procedures and standards. Counts narcotics at end of the shift per policies and procedures.

19. Organizes and manages nursing activities reflecting due consideration for patients/ needs and the needs of the facility and staff.

20. Ability to perform a “head to toe” preoperative assessment on all patients and reassess as needed postoperatively. This includes pediatric, geriatric, and the general patient population.

21. Preform lab draws and EKG.

Competencies

1. Communication Proficiency.

2. Problem Solving/Analysis.

3. Leadership.

4. Teamwork.

5. Thoroughness.

6. Decision Making.

Supervisory Responsibility

1. Coordinates and supervises patient care

2. Organizes and manages nursing activities reflecting due consideration for patients/ needs and the needs of the facility and staff.

3. Organizes and manages activities reflecting due consideration for the needs of the department and staff.

Required Education and Experience

1. Graduate from an accredited school of nursing.

2. Current registered nurse licensure in the state of Louisiana.

3. Current BCLS certification.

Preferred Education and Experience

1. Current ACLS certification or Basic EKG/Arrhythmia-identification preferred.

2. Current PALS certification preferred.

3. For SDS, two (2) years nursing experience preferred.