Registered Nurse (RN)

Job Summary

Under the guidance of the nurse manager, the Registered Nurse performs a variety of direct and indirect patient care activities in the Emergency Department, functioning independently while adhering to established standards. Strong assessment skills, critical thinking, and effective communication are essential, along with the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Essential Functions

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing interventions and patient care plans.
• Provide patient care in accordance with standards of care, practice protocols, and established policies.
• Respect each patient as an individual, promoting dignity and positive self-regard.
• Deliver patient and family education based on identified needs and readiness to learn.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team to prepare patients and families for discharge, incorporating necessary support systems.
• Delegate and supervise nursing interventions performed by other staff appropriately.
• Prioritize patient care effectively, seeking assistance and reassigning personnel as needed.
• Document all pertinent data and interventions accurately and timely to ensure continuity of care.
• Provide comprehensive reports on assigned patients during handoffs to ensure integration of services.
• Promote ongoing professional learning for self and colleagues, including preceptorship and training.
• Identify risks to patient safety and opportunities to reduce medical errors proactively.
• Address ethical issues in patient care with a clear strategy.
• Administer medications and intravenous therapy following physicians’ orders and protocols.
• Assess and reassess patient pain levels and adjust care plans as necessary, documenting responses.
• Perform initial patient assessments and implement triage protocols as needed.
• Identify potential abuse cases among patients and initiate appropriate safety plans.
• Fulfill mandated reporting requirements promptly and collect forensic evidence as required.
• Maintain knowledge and adherence to disaster policies and procedures.
• Recognize and address violent behavior risks in patients through non-violent interventions.
• Demonstrate understanding of monitoring and documentation concerning restraints.
• Identify and interpret abnormal laboratory and diagnostic results, notifying physicians promptly.
• Safely administer vasoactive medications while understanding their use and potential side effects.
• Monitor and document standards related to thrombolytic and anticoagulation therapy.
• Exhibit skills necessary for the care of intubated patients, including suctioning and troubleshooting.
• Conduct accurate assessments of arterial blood gases and other indicators of respiratory function.
• Complete necessary documentation for medication reconciliation for the attending physician.
• Implement components of the VAP bundle consistently, alerting supervisors of any deviations.

Physical Requirements

Exert between 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently. Regularly reach, handle, and perceive attributes of items. May involve bending, kneeling, and distinguishing colors.

Organizational Expectations

Required behavioral attributes include achievement motivation, flexibility, initiative, self-confidence, customer service focus, interpersonal effectiveness, teamwork, analytical thinking, and information seeking.

Job Requirements

• Minimum Education: Associate’s Degree in Nursing required; Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum Work Experience: 3-5 years of Emergency Department experience preferred.
• Licenses and Certifications: Current Registered Nurse license in MA required.
• ACLS certification upon hire or must have an active BLS card and obtain AHA ACLS within 60 days of hire.
• AHA PALS certification within six (6) months of hire.
• TNCC, ENPC, and CEN certifications are preferred.

Additional Information

Availability for holiday coverage and every third weekend is required.