Summary:

Observation unit nursing is a specialized form of nursing care that requires a nurse to provide high quality care to patients in the ED observation unit in coordination with emergency providers using established observation care pathways and protocols. Under the supervision of the Emergency Department (ED) Clinical Manager and within hospital and departmental policies and procedures the observation unit nurse acts as a patient advocate in the application of the nursing process. All essential functions performed in this position reflect the age specific needs of the patients.

Responsibilities:

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides direct comprehensive care to patients monitoring their condition while providing education and support to the patient and their family or loved ones.

Recognizes and reports deviations from patient or established norms. Identifies deviations from established norms not related to chief patient�s complaints and reports them to the provider. Reports patient�s responses to treatment(s) and documents nursing interventions.

Provides basic comfort and support according to patient needs. Fosters patient(s) and family participation in achieving optimum level of patient�s functioning and performing activities of daily living. Sets priorities in individual patient�s assignments. Seeks guidance and resources when necessary in management of patient care.

Provides care that is highly organized and detail oriented.

Adapts to quick turnover of patients with short lengths of stay facilitating a flexible environment

Identifies and assesses emergency situations. Initiates appropriate response and intervention. Plans for potential needs during emergency situations.

Defines nursing diagnosis and expected patient�s outcomes. May modify nursing plan of care based on diagnosis and/or outcomes. Documents on appropriate nursing assessment forms.

Implements nursing interventions and evaluates based on patient�s outcomes. Modifies plan or care accordingly including documentation.

The observation nurse maintains knowledge of contemporary professional nursing practice within the legal framework of the Rhode Island Nurse Practice Act. Attends training and retraining as needed to maintain current knowledge of hospital and patient�s care practices and procedures.

Utilizes established observation protocols and collaborates with the health team to facilitate therapeutic interventions and attainment of desired patient outcomes.

Participates in quality improvement processes and risk management activities. Attends unit-based or hospital meetings to facilitate patient care management.

Functions in a cooperative and productive manner collaborates and communicates effectively with other healthcare professionals in the work environment.

Integrates complete physical assessment with nursing assessment and records reviews in developing a comprehensive and individualized plan of care.

Documents the administration of care in the patient medical record in a timely and thorough manner while following documentation guidelines per policy and procedure.

Maintains quality assurance safety environmental and infection control in accordance with established hospital department policies procedures and objectives. Maintains safe environment for patients visitors and staff.

Demonstrates self-direction in maintaining and advancing clinical and professional competency.

Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span with consideration of aging processes human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.

Provides functional guidance and direction to LPNs CNAs and other licensed personnel as required.

Performs other nursing duties as assigned.

Other information:

BASIC KNOWLEDGE:

Graduate of a Baccalaureate School of Nursing preferred.

Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Rhode

Understanding of the provisions of the Nurse Practice Act of the State of Rhode Island.

Current BLS certification.

EXPERIENCE:

At least one year of RN experience required. Medical surgical experience preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Healthcare environment such as acute care hospitals physicians� offices and ancillary healthcare enterprises. Works with medical equipment and has direct patient contact. Any potential hazards are minimized by adherence to established safety procedures and precautions including use of safety equipment and protective clothing.

Walks and stands intermittently throughout the day. Subject to electrical and energy hazards. May lift and position patients and lift supplies up to 50 pounds.

INDEPENDENT ACTION:

Plans and organizes priorities for effective patient care within the scope of existing departmental policies generally refers specific problems to supervisor where clarification of departmental policies and procedures may be required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None. 

Lifespan is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age ethnicity sexual orientation ancestry genetics gender identity or expression disability protected veteran or marital status.   Lifespan is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Location: The Miriam Hospital USA:RI:Providence

Work Type: Full Time

Shift: Shift 3

Union: Non-Union