Ambulatory Registered Nurse-Dhk

Under general supervision of the Nursing Team Leader, Clinical Leader and/or the Department Director and under the general direction of the department physicians, perform as a member of the healthcare team to apply the nursing process when making nursing judgements and decisions specific to assessment, planning, implementation/delivery, and evaluation of patient care, and documenting relevant data and care processes. Use effective interviewing and physical assessment skills to perform patient/family health status assessments by collecting and analyzing physical and psychosocial data, identifying needs, problems and patterns/trends, rendering an appropriate nursing diagnosis/intervention, and evaluating patient#s response to plan of care.

Exercise professional nursing judgment when performing a broad range of procedures and treatments appropriate to the level of care needed, and prioritizing patient acuity and workload demands. The RN will function with greater autonomy by consistently demonstrating independent clincial decision making abilities. Perform phlebotomy and IV duties as needed. # Must be a Registered Nurse currently licensed in the State of New Hampshire with minimum of one year of nursing experience preferred. Current certification in BCLS required.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Under general supervision of the Nursing Team Leader, Clinical Leader and/or the Department Director and under the general direction of the department physicians, perform as a member of the healthcare team to apply the nursing process when making nursing judgments and decisions specific to assessment, planning, implementation/delivery, and evaluation of patient care, and documenting relevant data and care processes.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.Meet or exceed the standards of performance as established for employment at Dartmouth

Hitchcock Keene.

2.Use effective interviewing and physical assessment skills to perform patient/family health status assessments by collecting and analyzing physical and psychosocial data, identifying needs, problems and patterns/trends, rendering an appropriate nursing diagnosis/intervention, and evaluating patientâ€s response to plan of care.

3.Exercise professional nursing judgment when performing a broad range of procedures and treatments appropriate to the level of care needed, and prioritizing patient acuity and workload demands. The RN will function with greater autonomy by consistently demonstrating independent clinical decision making abilities.

4.Provide patient care in a manner that demonstrates nursing knowledge and technical competence; recognize significant changes in patientâ€s condition/situation and take appropriate action. Communicate with patient/family including but not limited to relaying physician orders, changes in the plan of care, reporting test results, etc.

5.Document in patientâ€s medical record all relevant data obtained in person or over the phone, including signs and symptoms, nursing assessment and diagnosis/intervention, instructions/advice given and patient/familyâ€s response to instructions/care.

6.Communicate with providers/other healthcare professionals relevant patient information

to provide appropriate patient care.

7.Provide health teaching and counseling to a defined group or population of patients and family members; serve as advocate for patients and family.

8.Assist and provide guidance to other staff members by acting as a nursing resource; appropriately delegate duties in accordance with NH Nurse Practice Act and professional standards of nursing practice; promote team collaboration in meeting the needs of the patient/family.

9.Maintain skills and knowledge necessary to perform daily department operations including scheduling, patient flow, coverage (within own or other departments in need)

and ensuring a healthy and safe work environment.

10. Demonstrate proficiency and act as an expert role model in the performance of patient

care.

11. Perform phlebotomy and IV duties as needed.

12. Recognize subtle changes in patientâ€s behavior or physical condition that suggest an

impending crisis/emergency and take appropriate action.

13. Take a lead role in orienting, precepting, and mentoring clinical support staff members of

their department; assist with training and staff development activities, particularly in

areas of clinical expertise. Serve as a resource for colleagues and other members of the healthcare team.

14. Take an active role in strengthening the climate for acceptance of positive change

Initiatives that improve patient care outcomes and/or promote healthy work team behaviors.

15. Comply with all DHK and departmental policies and procedures.

16. Comply with all DHK OSHA Occupational Exposure Control Plan.

17. Perform other duties as appropriate or assigned.

REQUIREMENTS OF POSITION:

Education:

Experience: Minimum of one year of nursing experience preferred.

Credentials: Registered Nurse currently licensed in the State of New Hampshire. Current certification in BCLS required.

ESSENTIALS OF THE POSITION:

Skills: Excellent assessment, communication, interpersonal, and organizational/ time management skills.

Demonstrated ability to work well as a member of a team and respond calmly and effectively in a fast paced environment and during a crisis and/or emergency. Computer skills required. May be required to participate in evening, weekend and holiday coverage according to the needs of the department.

Flexibility, tolerance, and demonstrated ability to take initiative and to prioritize multiple tasks with attention to details. Function at a fast pace and continually interact with a wide variety people and situations while maintaining a customer focus. Able to remain focused and function effectively in a crisis situation. Aware of scope of practice boundaries, comfortable seeking direction and assistance from appropriate resources.

Physical Requirements: Daily demands may vary dependent on specific duties performed.

Up to 80%-100% of day may be spent seated while talking on the phone, attending meetings, completing or reviewing paperwork or working on the computer. Up to 75% of day may be spent working in a repetitive motion activity including use of computer and keyboard to access and input information. Must be able to effectively communicate in person and over the telephone.

Visual and auditory skills essential to perform patient assessment duties. Fine motor control may be important to perform injections or other procedures. May bend, stoop, or reach to retrieve materials or supplies, push or pull up to 60 pounds, and assist in lifting patients.

Must be able to respond to emergency situations. Some travel may be necessary to attend meetings or training.

EXPOSURE/SAFETY CLASSIFICATIONS:

Body Fluids: -- --

Back Safety: -- --

Other:

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURES:

(Dept Mgr) Date

Manager, Compensation Date

Revised 6/10