IMAGIN SERVICES TECH AIDE

Job Description Summary

Manages individualized, goal-directed nursing care through use of the nursing process and the principles of primary nursing in accordance with departmental and Hospital policies and procedures.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1 - Assesses and diagnoses patient and family needs in order to provide quality care to assigned patients.

   a - Performs admission assessment within 8 hours of admission or in accordance with specific unit standards.

   b - Identifies and documents nursing diagnosis on patients plan of care within 8 hours of admission.

   c - Identifies and documents patient/family/significant other teaching needs upon admission.

   d - Identifies and documents patient/family/significant other teaching needs upon admission.
 

2 - Develops, discusses and communicates a realistic problem list (plan of care) for each patient, in collaboration with each patient/family/significant other in order to address all identified needs.

   a - Plan of care will include nursing diagnosis statement for each identified problem.

   b - Develops patient/family/significant other teaching and discharge plan as per unit standard.

3 - Demonstrates the skills and judgment necessary to implement medical plan of care, nursing interventions and procedures as necessary for the care of the patient.

   a - Demonstrates knowledge of SSH&EC policies and procedures for administering, transcribing and recording medications.

   b - Demonstrates knowledge of commonly used meds:  action, dose, and side effects.

   c - *Observes 5 R's for administering meds:
                *right patient
                *right drug
                *right dose
                *right method
                *right time

   d - *Demonstrates proper procedures in all methods of medication administration.

   e - Administers blood and blood products following SSH&EC policy and procedures.

   f - Initiates and maintains IV access according to SSH&EC policy and procedures.

   g - Assesses and documents IV site q8o or per unit standard.

4 - Evaluates the identified problems, care provided and patient's responses are reassessed in order to meet patient and family needs to assure overall quality of care delivered.

   a - Reassessment of plan of care is done every 24 hours or per unit standard.

   b - Assesses the patient/significant other's response to teaching plan in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan.

   c - Based on reassessment, plan of care will remain the same or be modified to meet the patient/significant other's identified needs.

5 - Maintains up-to-date and accurate documentation of nursing care provided to assure the integration of information for use by the healthcare team, in order to assure quality care.

   a - Flow sheets and I & O sheets must be accurate and signed with name and title each shift.

   b - Medication administration record must reflect full signature and title of nurse administering med, time given, reason for omission, and site for injection (if applicable).

   c - Discharge plan and documentation includes patient and/or significant other's ability to manage care after discharge.

   d - Referrals are made based on identified needs.

   e - Interagency communication referral forms (pg. 2) are complete and accurate.

   f - Demonstrates use of narcotics according to Hospital policy and procedure.
 

6 - Maintains current knowledge/certification/licensure.

   a - Practices within legal boundaries of nurse practice act and according to Hospital policy and procedures.

   b - Attends continuing education programs in order to maintain licensure.  Obtains at least 5 contact hours per year in your area of practice.

   c - Attends Hospital sponsored training programs as required by department.

7 - Functions as a role model for current and new staff.

   a - Accepts assignment as preceptor for new staff.

   b - Facilitates problem resolution among peers as observed by Nurse Manager and peers.

   c - Demonstrates a constructive approach during all interactions with staff and Nurse Manager  towards the organization

8 - Assumes responsibility for daily personnel assignment/monitoring patient care and overall unit activities in accordance with established standards.

   a - Prepares assignments based on patient acuity, skill mix, and primary nursing model.

   b - Assumes a lower acuity/workload.

   c - Serves as a clinical resource to all staff members.

   d - Identifies clinical and patient satisfaction issues, and communicates pertinent patient and unit information to the Nurse Manager.

9 - Effectively performs managerial responsibilities.

   a - Assesses overall staffing needs of the unit based on patient census and workload.

   b - Collaborates with the Nurse Manager to provide feedback for performance evaluations.

   c - Meets with staff to review performance evaluations if required.

   d - Represents Nurse Manager at clinical meetings as needed.

   e - Reconciles payroll under the direction or absence of the Nurse Manager.

   f - Assumes responsibility for the day–to–day operations of the unit in the absence of the Nurse Manager.

10 - Demonstrates leadership behaviors in a professional manner.

   a - Communicates in a constructive manner with colleagues to decrease conflict and promote teamwork.

   b - Recognizes and explores own impact on others.

   c - Utilizes problem solving techniques to prevent conflict and promote team development.

   d - Demonstrates initiative in pursuing own professional development.

   e - Guides and assists other staff members in growth and development; i.e., resource, preceptor, role model, conducts conferences.

11 - Directs other licensed and non-licensed personnel in the provision of care to patients.

   a - Based on patient care needs and skills of caregiver, delegates responsibilities accordingly.

   b - Assignment sheets are made out with the appropriate coverage for LPN's and non–licensed
personnel.

   c - Is a member of a shared management council and/or Hospital committee.

12 - Performs selected managerial duties as delegated by the Nurse Manager.

   a - Under direction of Nurse Manager, prepares staffing schedules that meet unit standards.

   b - Attends meetings in absence of Nurse Manager, as required.

13 - Assumes all other duties and responsibilities as necessary.

   a - Identifies and/or assumes activities relative to the developmental needs of the unit and Hospital.

   b - Demonstrates dependability/flexibility in meeting scheduling needs of the unit and Hospital.

   c - Participates in CQI activities as assigned by the CQI Representative.

14 -  Embraces technological solutions to work processes and practices. 

15 - Fosters a “Culture of Safety” through personal ownership and commitment to a safe environment.

   a - Prior to the start of any invasive procedures, a final verification to confirm the correct patient, procedure, site, and information is done.

   b - Abbreviations on the hospital DO NOT USE list are adhered to, an evidence through ongoing concurrent medical record review.

   c - Prior to use of any intravenous infusion pump assures free flow protection is in place.

   d - Verifies patient according to policy prior to administration of care/procedures/medications.

   e - Follows approved procedure for verifying MD orders including a verbal readback to the licensed independent practitioner after receiving a telephone order.

   f - Complies with the current CDC hand hygiene guidelines through proper handwashing , as observed by nurse manager and peers.

   g - Assures that alarms are activated with appropriate settings and are sufficiently audible.

   h - Assesses and periodically reassesses each patient’s risk of falling utilizing the approved fall risk assessment tool, according to policy.

   i - Consistently follows the South Shore Hospital policy to mark surgical sites.

   j - Adheres to current process for identification and follow up of crucial values.

   a - Makes appropriate use of personal protective equipment at all times.

   b - Adheres to respiratory etiquette guidelines.

   c - Adheres to universal precautions.

   d - Appropriately disposes of hazardous materials.

   e - Adheres to electrical safety guidelines.

1 - Technology and Learning

   a - Participates in continued learning and possess a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization.

   b - Embraces technological advances that allow us to communicate information effectively and efficiently based on role

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education - Preferred

Graduation from an accredited school of Nursing.

Minimum Work Experience

Experience as an acute care nurse.  PACU experience.

Required Classes/Skills -

PALS or ENPC - Pediatric Advanced Life Support or Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course
ACLS

Required additional Knowledge, and Abilities

Demonstrated proficiency in acute care nursing knowledge and skills.