ACUTE CARE RN

This job description covers the most significant duties performed but does not exclude other 
occasional work assignments performed. 

Educational/Experience Requirements:

• Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing.
• Current licensure for the State of Iowa
• Maintains continuing education requirements consistent with the State of Iowa for re-licensure.
• BLS
• ACLS
• Participates in educational pursuits such as conferences and literature to maintain and 
  update professional knowledge, skills and management techniques.
• Understands HIPAA regulations and privacy of patient and employee information. 

Brief Description of Job: 
Assumes responsibility and accountability for assigned patients. 
Provides professional nursing care to these patients incorporating the nursing process, the environment, technical equipment and health care members. 
Responsible for meeting the Medicare requirements for Nursing Practice, Standards of Care and established policies and procedures. 
Works effectively with the health care team.

Essential Functions:

• Administers nursing care to patients; includes assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating the patient's care plan in coordination with the physician.
• Provides total patient care.
• Provides patient/family or care giver education and counseling in recognition and solution of physical, emotional and environmental health problems. 
• Supervises health care members (i.e., licensed practical nurses, nurse aides, EMT's) with patients.
• Maintains knowledge of documentation requirements needed for patient records.
• Utilizing the nursing process, plans and directs care of the emergency patient.
• Works independently with limited direct supervision using the Nurse Practice Act, Ringgold County Hospital Policies, Nursing Standards and professional judgment.
• Maintains knowledge of equipment set-up, maintenance and use, i.e., IV Pumps, monitoring equipment, drainage/suction devices, etc.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding all patient/personnel information.
• Initiates emergency support measures, ACLS, protecting patient from injury.
• Works assigned shift/shifts, weekends and holidays, as scheduled.
• Assists with patient care duties/tasks, i.e., hygiene, ambulation, elimination, etc.
• Assists with clerical/ward clerk duties, i.e., answering phones and call lights, maintaining patient record)
• Maintains patient care supplies, equipment and environment.
• Provides orientation/education for staff, students and other hospital and community organizations as requested.
• Effectively assumes job responsibilities of ancillary support during absence.