|
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
|
|
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
|
|
Position Number: 50290418 |
Description Activated On: 3/12/2025 10:56:51 AM |
Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. The Registered Nurse assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates patient care based upon standards of nursing practice and standards of patient care as directed by an approved prescriber. You are a designated essential employee of the Dept. of Human Services. |
|
Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor. The Registered Nurse (RN), directs and organizes the delivery of nursing care and treatment for patients on their assigned unit and treatment areas; assesses the patients’ physical, psychosocial and/or mental health status. The RN performs ongoing assessment of the patient and patient care needs; utilizes nursing interventions and individualized treatment in developing and implementing Individual Treatment Plans (ITP); complies with documentation of ITP goals; collaborates with other facility disciplines; provides ongoing orientation/education and on-the-job training to non-professional and paraprofessional nursing department personnel; utilizes the least restrictive measures when providing care and promotes independence; complies with hospital and nursing policy and procedures in the care of patients and documentation in the patient record; utilizes Commonwealth approved crisis prevention/intervention techniques; complies with the medication administration policy/procedures; maintains awareness of unit conditions, therapeutic milieu, and patient activities; acts as patient advocate; utilizes therapeutic communication; provides knowledgeable daily communication; participates in nursing and facility committees/activities; initiates, conducts and documents on effectiveness/understanding of nursing programing which provides health promotion and maintenance through teaching, guidance, and counseling; applies professional and psychiatric nursing concepts, assessments and procedures in patient care; interacts with others in a cooperative, professional manner to develop effective working relationships. The Registered Nurse ensures that the administration of services and maintenance of records is completed in accordance with established standards and practice. Work assignments are received in the form of oral or written instructions and employees exercise independent judgment in the application of professional nursing practices. The RN must have the ability to work on any assigned unit within the facility as assigned by nursing supervision which may include reassignment throughout the shift to accommodate unit needs to ensure adequate RN coverage. Exception to this is with administrative approval only. Work is reviewed and evaluated by a Registered Nurse Supervisor through observation, review of reports and conferences for quality and adherence to established standards in the application of professional nursing practices. Commits no acts of patient abuse. SUPPORTIVE ACTIVITIES: A. This position is directly responsible for the delivery of patient care, assessing physical, psychosocial and/or mental health. 1. The duties associated with this are, but not limited to: a. Oversees the delivery of quality nursing care and treatments by nursing staff. b. Monitors nursing care through observation, assessment and review of charts, records, and reports. c. Determines immediate nursing care and treatment plans, goals, staff utilization, supply and equipment needs. d. Provides professional nursing expertise to the Interdisciplinary Treatment Team. e. Identify actual or potential health and safety hazards. f. Observes, interprets, records and reports symptoms, vital signs, and the effects of pharmacological agents and therapeutic treatments to shift supervisor or prescriber. g. Administers medications utilizing facility selected medication dispensing system. h. Completes all required patient documentation utilizing only facility approved abbreviations at the frequency and in the form (paper and/or electronic) within the timeframes dictated by facility policy and procedures in a thorough yet concise manner to accurately portray patient events, needs and status. B. This position is responsible for the unit organization, as well as guidance to nursing staff on assigned units. 1. The duties associated with this include, but are not limited to: a. Directing, instructing, guiding, and leading paraprofessional and non-professional nursing direct care staff. b. Prepares a daily work assignment form for self and other assigned nursing staff members. c. Monitors and evaluates administration of nursing care and treatment methods and plans. d. Develops and maintains a therapeutic milieu and a safe environment. e. Monitors and assures attendance by nursing staff members at appropriate, assigned unit meetings, staff meetings, committee meetings, in-service sessions, and special meetings. f. Investigates employee injuries and assures that they are reported accurately and in a timely manner. Completes mandatory employee accident/injury documentation. g. Makes rounds with the preceding shift in accordance with hospital policy and procedure for hand off shift report with oncoming staff. h. RN will complete file notes throughout a paraprofessionals or non-professionals performance rating period, and at the conclusion of the rating period will compose a cumulative document addressing, at a minimum, the components of the Employee Performance Review template and forward same to the RN Supervisor to be reviewed for inclusion in any evaluation and/or disciplinary process. C. This position evaluates and is physically involved with the patients on assigned unit and is responsible for direct nursing care. 1. The duties associated with direct patient care are, though not limited to: a. Assessing the psychiatric and physical status of patients. b. Actively participates in the treatment team planning process. c. Interacts with patients in a group and 1:1 basis and actively participates in the development of therapeutic relationships and interventions between patients and staff. d. Actively provides and assures the provision of psychiatric nursing programs. e. Responds to the psychiatric needs of patients by actively providing, and assuring the provision of, such highly specialized psychiatric nursing interventions such as: 1) Alternatives to Restraint as per the Commonwealth’s approved crisis intervention techniques through the contracted vendor. a. Verbal de-escalation techniques. b. Non-Verbal (Physical) de-escalation techniques. 2) Suicide Precautions. 3) Special Levels of Observation 4) Provides nursing care for those patients that may require the therapeutic use of physical restraint while adhering to hospital policy and prescribers’ orders. 5) Assess for the need of protective devices f. Participates in and assists with patient discharge planning. g. Functions as a role model through teaching utilization of coping skill, understanding of medication education and promoting independence. h. Conducts medical and psychiatric treatments as ordered and evaluates the effectiveness. i. Monitors for and reports changes in a patient’s status to the prescriber and RNS. j. Position, move, lift and/or transfer non-ambulatory patients with assistance or use of a mechanical lifting devices as per the manufacturer’s recommendations . k. Administers prescribed medications and treatments as per prescribers’ orders; complies with facility and departmental policy and procedure for medication errors and medication administration/transcription of orders. l. Responds to medical emergencies and provides care. m. Assures the preparation of patients for scheduled imaging, procedures and laboratory studies. n. Assists patients with the performance of Activities of Daily Living. o. Assists in maintaining a clean environment on the assigned unit and in patient rooms. p. Escorts patients on and off grounds as needed. q. Assists pts. in a wheelchair to be secured in the wheelchair van. r. Lifts and carries up to 50 pounds. D. This position is responsible to practice and promote proper infection control measures and standards. 1. This is accomplished through recognizing, educating, promoting, and personally adhering to Infection Control practices during the delivery of all phases of patient care. The duties associated with this include, but are not limited to: a. Practicing proper personal hygiene. b. Uses standard precaution techniques, such as, but not limited to, handwashing, per policy. c. Thorough hand washing and wears gloves when performing direct patient care. d. Orders and replenishes supplies. e. Transports, folds and stores clean linen. f. Assures that patients have and utilize adequate personal supplies. g. Cleans treatment supply cabinets and refrigerators. h. Disinfects unit emergency equipment. i. Monitors refrigerator/freezer temperature. j. Follows personal protective equipment direction when issued. k. Maintains a clean environment in both patient rooms and common areas of the assigned unit, this includes but is not limited to cleaning of or assistance with incontinence episodes, spilled liquids/food, etc. Specifically, providing immediate clean-up to the area after an episode of patient incontinence. E. This position is responsible to contribute to the expansion of job knowledge and maintenance of competency. 1. The duties associated with this include, but are not limited to: a. Reads new policies and procedures and are responsible for content; assures that subordinate nursing staff members read and are responsible for content. b. Attends and participates in staff meetings, all scheduled mandatory educational programs, assigned committee meetings; assigned PI/QI activities and professional education. F. Assignment Completion 1. The duties associated with this include but are not limited to: a. Reviews and initials daily assignment sheet for work expectations for the shift and will seek clarification from the Charge RN. b. Organizes work to be done; sets priorities. c. Remains alert at all times. d. Completes assignments in accordance with CSSH and Nursing Department polices/procedures e. Reports issues to the Unit Charge RN. f. Participates in the nursing team effort by assisting coworkers. g. Reports to work as scheduled and follows CSSH/Nursing Department report off duty procedures. h. Must be able to work all units as assigned, exception to this is with administrative approval only. i. Accepts work/unit assignments as determined by nursing administration. G. Patients’ Rights: 1. The duties associated with this include but are not limited to: a. Acts as a patient advocate. b. Recognizes and protects the rights of patients. c. Identifies and reports patient abuse allegations as per established policy and procedure. d. Commits no acts of patient abuse. e. Maintains confidentiality of patient and hospital information. f. Promotes a safe, therapeutic environment for patients. H. Employee Conduct: 1. The duties associated with this include but are not limited to: a. Demonstrates ethical, professional, respectful conduct with coworkers/patients/visitors and staff. b. Abides by the Governor’s Code of Conduct and DHS Personnel Regulations, policies and procedures, and CSSH and Nursing Department policies and procedures. c. Employees are expected to be at their assigned clinical area, ready to work at the onset of their shift. d. Reports to the unit Charge RN upon arrival for start of shift, signs in on the attendance record upon arrival and on departure from the unit at the end of the shift. e. Leaves the unit only for assigned breaks, meals and as directed. Must notify the unit Charge RN upon departure and return to the unit. f. Adheres to scheduled work hours. g. Adheres to established procedures for reporting off work in accordance with policy and procedure. h. Has no unexcused instance of failure to contact the Registered Nurse Supervisor to notify of any absence. i. Establishes a record of prudent/sensible paid leave use which does not show evidence of any discernible pattern or documented instance of failure to comply with DHS #7173, Controlling Absenteeism, Time and Sick Leave Abuse j. Complies with leave/time request procedures. k. Participates in administrative and departmental investigations as required. l. Does not furnish contraband items to any patient and refrains from any monetary exchange with the patients. m. Cell phones are not to be used in patient areas. n. Adherence to the work apparel dress code policy. o. Commits no acts of insubordination. The duties listed above are not to be considered as all inclusive. Performs other related duties as assigned. |
Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature. Makes independent decisions of a routine nature based upon professional training, job knowledge and competency. Communicates and collaborates with Prescribers, RN Supervisors, Nurse Managers, and the Chief Nurse Executive for any unusual, high-risk, critical incident/situations. Will escalate unusual and/or critical situation/information to the RN Supervisor promptly. |
||||||||||||||||||||
Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License Experience: 1. Must possess a current Pennsylvania license as a Registered Nurse. 2. CPR certification. 3. Maintain a current certificate in the Commonwealth’s approved crisis intervention technique through the contracted vendor. Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. Registered Nurse 2. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate 3. N/A 4. N/A 5. N/A 6. N/A |
||||||||||||||||||||
Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
|