Minimum Qualifications: 

RN with two years of clinical RN experience. Must possess and maintain a current license or valid permit to practice in Texas. Current BLS required.

Professional Practice

Nursing Process 

Proficiently and independently assesses, plans, implements, evaluates, and documents the daily care of assigned patients Proficiently identifies patient care needs, formulates appropriate nursing diagnoses, develops and individualizes care plan, and revises plan of care as needed Proficiently executes physician's orders for all assigned patients. Administers medications and treatments and delivers culturally congruent and specialty appropriate competent nursing care in accordance with UTMB's policies, procedures, and standards in a caring and compassionate manner • Proficiently and independently performs routine and complex technical procedures/skills in assigned specialty area

Patient/Family Teaching & Health Promotion

Provides uncomplicated and complex patient/family instruction and healthcare teaching based on identified learning needs (patient values, beliefs, barriers, and readiness to learn) Coaches others in strategies for patient/family inclusion and serves as a resource to others for patients/families with complex learning needs  Identifies potential impact of family dynamics Utilizes evidence-based resources to provide patient/family education Utilizes evidence-based teaching strategies such as Teach-Back, AskMe3®, return demonstration, etc.

Care Coordination & Delegation

Proficiently and independently plans, coordinates, and prioritizes patient care activities according to skill level and work complexity Maintains safety and continuity of care using methods such as bedside shift report, hand-off tools/processes, inter-disciplinary care rounds, etc.; Role models and coaches others to utilize these methods Demonstrates flexibility in time management to manage changing patient priorities; 
coaches and supports others to plan, coordinate and prioritize care Demonstrates competent use of technology in the delivery of patient care and serves as a resource and provides trouble shooting support to others Delegates appropriately; may seek guidance or clarification of non-routinely delegated tasks

Professional Performance Ethics (legal/regulatory), Advocacy & Culturally Congruent Care

Identifies ethical situations and initiates appropriate communication/consultation to address  Delivers culturally congruent care using available resources to meet the needs of patient/family; recognizes situations in which personal bias may influence Serves as a patient advocate; may seek guidance/assistance in difficult situations

Communication & Collaboration

Supports healthy work environment by demonstrating respectful verbal and non-verbal communication with all members of the healthcare team; may seek support with challenging communication issues; addresses behavior that does not support respectful environment Recognizes colleagues when they go above and beyond in demonstrating UTMB’s core values. Plans, coordinates, and prioritizes patient care activities in collaboration/communication with inter-professional team, including consult recommendations

Leadership

Recognizes informal and formal unit/hospital leaders and can educate colleagues regarding unit/hospital leadership Recognizes unit, nursing, and institutional strategic initiatives and health system goals Recognizes the importance of financial responsibility to promote fiscal health for the patient, unit and organization Demonstrates openness to change by actively seeking knowledge and needed information; uses positive communication and role modeling to promote understanding of change to colleagues  Functions as a unit leader, providing direction and assistance to team members. Mentors others and promotes professional development of less experienced colleagues

Education, Evidence-Based Practice & Research

Actively attends/participates in unit meetings/activities and supports the philosophy and goals of the unit/department and UTMB  Actively participates in shared leadership at the unit level; encourages colleague participation Attends presentations, professional development activities; encourages attendance/participation of colleagues Participates in one journal club annually Shares educational findings, experiences, and ideas with colleagues through shared leadership meetings, presentations, professional development activities Mentors others and develops learning opportunities Demonstrates commitment to lifelong learning (evidence-based practice, specialty certification, advanced degree) Demonstrates knowledge and utilization of evidence-based resources to guide patient care; coaches colleagues to utilize evidence-based resources

Quality, Resources & Safety

Identifies patient safety concerns, and reports appropriately; addresses immediate safety concerns appropriately Coaches others regarding unit quality metrics/outcomes data and improvement activities; actively engages in discussion, activities related to unit goals; Participates in systematic processes to achieve quality outcomes Demonstrates self-care through practices that support personal well-being, personal safety and injury prevention Serves as a resource to colleagues regarding the Electronic Health Record; identifies opportunities for system improvements and communicates ideas via appropriate channels  Participate in EOC audits and maintains compliance standards related to environment of care Knowledgeable of Joint Commission National Patient Safety Goals

General Requirements:

Completes required specialty specific Competency Based Orientation (CBO) tools by the initial performance evaluation due date for placement in employee file.  Actively participates in the initial and ongoing evaluation of competency using Competency Based Orientation (CBO) tools and e-performance nursing evaluation.  Completes the annual self-evaluation on time for competency and performance evaluation.  Performs and reports point of care testing (POCT).  Prioritizes and organizes work so that required assignments are completed within a specified time frame. Provides and maintains a clean, safe environment and performs and/or assists others to perform proper aseptic technique, isolation procedures and infection control measures.  Demonstrates acceptable productivity and practices cost containment for the unit/hospital and the patient.  Competently and consistently completes accurate, concise and legible documentation on all patient, unit and hospital records (including care delivery and telephone patient related interactions). Competently utilizes electronic forms of communication and documentation. Meets periodic UTMB and unit specific compliance requirements for health screening, training, attendance, safety and CPR. Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure

Working Environment/Location of Position: 

Work environment is located in a comfortable indoor area. Conditions such as noise, odors, cramped workspace and/or fumes could sometimes cause discomfort. Moderate to extreme physical effort may be required, such as walking, standing, squatting, reaching, pushing, puling, performing CPR and lifting materials, equipment, objects and/or patients. Lifting may be heavy and awkward, over 50 lbs.  Vision, hearing, talking and sense of touch abilities must be adequate to enable one to quickly and accurately perform tasks such as reading small print, reading from monitoring equipment, defining details, sending and receiving clear and accurate oral and written communication.  Frequent periods of concentrated or focused attention will be needed to interpret visual, auditory and sensory inputs. Shift work may be required. Alertness and careful attention to detail will be required to avoid injury. May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, bloodborne pathogens, ionizing & non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients or others. May be required to be on standby and work extended shifts in situations deemed necessary by the Chief Nursing Officer, Nursing Director and/or Nurse Manager.

Salary Range:
Commensurate with Experience

Equal Employment Opportunity

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Compensation