ENTRY REQUIREMENTS + Currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Michigan. + For those hired into an RN position prior to January 1, 2009, it is encouraged to obtain a BSN. Certification in the specialty area of p ractice is also encouraged. + For those hired into an RN position after January 1 st , 2009 , it is required to obtain a BSN within 10 years of start date. + For those hired into an RN position after January 1 st , 2015, it is required to obtain a BSN within 5 y ears of start date. + Experience in the clinical area in which application has been made is desirable. + Is a self-directed professional with the ability to make independent judgments directing patient care. + Demonstrates ability in using the computer with W indows format preferred. ORGANIZATION + Accountable to the Unit Manager or designee of the assigned patient care unit; ultimately accountable for the practice of nursing to the Vice President, Patient Care Services. + Provides direction to and supervision o f LPNs, Techs, Clerks, Nursing Assistants, and/or other categories as needed. + Works collaboratively and effectively with all members of the Patient Care Team. AGE OF PATIENTS SERVED Cares for patients in the age category(s) checked below: Neonat al (birth-1 mo) Young adult (18 yr-25 yrs) Infant (1 mo-1 yr) Adult (26 yrs-54 yrs) Early childhood (1 yr-5 yrs) Sr. Adult (55 yrs-64 yrs) Late childhood (6 yrs-12 yrs) Geriatric (65 yrs & above) Adolescence ( 13 yrs-17 yrs) X All ages (birth & above) No direct clinical contact with patients Age of Patients Served is dependent on the specific populations cared for on the Unit. SPECIFIC DUTIES + Supports the Mission, Vision and Values of Munson Heal thcare + Embraces and supports the Performance Improvement philosophy of Munson Healthcare. + Promotes personal and patient safety. + Has basic understanding of Relationship-Based Care (RBC) principles, meets expectations outlined in Commitment To My Co-worke rs, and supports RBC unit action plans. + Uses effective customer service/interpersonal skills at all times + Follows Scope and Standards of Practice from American Nurses Association as listed below. + Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned. STANDARDS OF PRACTICE + Assessment  Collects health data in a systematic and ongoing manner involving the patient, family, and other health care providers as appropriate.  Determines the priority of data collection based on the patient’s immediate condition or needs.  Documents relevant data in a retrievable form. + Diagnosis  Derives diagnoses from the assessment data. Validates with the patient, family, and/or other healthcare providers and documents. + Identification of Outcomes  Involves the patient, family, and other healthcare pr oviders in formulating outcomes from the diagnosis that are individualized and includes a time estimate for attainment.  Determines outcomes that are culturally appropriate, realistic, attainable and measurable.  Documents expected outcomes as measurable goals. + Planning  Individualizes a plan of care with the patient, family, and other health care providers that prescribe interventions to attain expected outcomes.  Develops a plan of care that establishes priorities, provides for con tinuity, and is documen ted. + Implementation  Implements the plan of care in a safe, timely, and appropriate manner and documents interventions.  Coordinates and collaborates in care delivery.  Employs health teaching and health promotion strategies. + Evaluati on  Evaluates the patient’s progress toward attainment of outcomes and includes the patient, family, and other health care providers as appropriate.  Documents the patient’s responses to the interventions. PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE STANDARDS + Quality of Care  Systematically evaluates the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice.  Embraces and supports the Performance Improvement philosophy of Munson Medical Center. Participates in quality improvement activities.  Acknowledges that safety is a self-responsi bility. Knows the physical requirements of the job and works within those guidelines. Performs job duties safely at all times, utilizing body mechanics and transferring/lifting techniques.  Plans actions to promote safety. Reports any uns afe situation/eq uipment according to Hospital procedure.  Participates in quality of care activities at the unit level.  Supports and participates in Shared Governance activities.  Utilizes the results of quality of care activities to initiate changes in nursing practice. + Practice Evaluation  Evaluates own nursing practice in relation to professional practice standards and guidelines, relevant statutes, rules, and regulations.  Engages in performance appraisal on a regular basis, identifying areas of strength as well as area s for professional development. Takes action to achieve identified goals.  Acquires and maintains current knowledge and competency in nursing practice. + Education  Participates in ongoing educational activities related to clinical knowledge and professional issues.  Complies with mandatory continuing education requirements to maintain licensure and meet job requirements.  Seeks experiences that reflect current clinical practice in order to maintain current clinical skills and competence. + Colle giality  Interact s with, and contributes to the professional development of peers and other health care providers as colleagues.  Contributes to an environment that is conducive to the clinical education of nursing students, other health care students, and other employees a s appropriate.  Contributes to a supportive and healthy work environment. + Ethics  Utilizes the American Nurses Association’s Code of Ethics for Nurses and the hospital ethics committee to guide practice.  Maintains patient confidentiality within legal and regulatory parameters.  Acts as a patient advocate and assists patients in developing skills so they can advocate for themselves.  Delivers care in a manner that is culturally sensitive and preserves patient autonomy, dignity, and rights.  Maintains a therap eutic and professional patient-nurse relationship with appropriate professional role boundaries.  Reports illegal, incompetent, or impaired practices. + Collaboration  Collaborates with the patient, family, and other healthcare providers for provision of seam less delivery of services.  Consults with other health care providers for patient care as needed.  Participates, as appropriate, in the organization’s structures and processes. + Research  Utilizes current research findings and current practice guidelines to s trengthen patient care.  Participates in the identification and implementation of suitable research activities, which man include identification of a r esearch question, participating in the conduct of research, and incorporating research as a basis for lear ning.  Uses research findings in the development of policies, procedures, and quality improvement efforts. + Resource Utilization  Considers factors related to safety, effectiveness, and cost in planning and delivering patient care.  Assigns or delegates tasks consistent with organizational policies, procedures, legal, and regulatory requirements, according to the knowledge and skills of the designated care giver. + Leadership  Provides leadership in the profession and the professional practice setting.  Supervises LPNs, techs, clerks, nursing assistants, and/or other appropriate categories for the care assigned to the patients for whom the RN is accountable.  Serves in the Charge Nurse role when needed on the unit.  Promotes advancement of the profession through invo lvement with professional organizations. Resource: Nursing: Scope and Standards of Practice ; American Nurses Association, 2003. Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements ; American Nurses Association, 2001.