The Registered/Staff Nurse is a registered professional nurse who is responsible for providing and supervising direct and indirect nursing care for age-specific groups of patients identified in the position responsibilities and is accountable for the delivery of quality nursing care.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

1. As described above, herein, and in the Position Responsibilities.
2. Accurate, appropriate documentation of all patient care performed as well as consistent completion of position responsibilities according to departmental and hospital standards of practice
3. May be required to work rotating shifts and workdays based on patient care needs.
4. Concisely and accurately complete all documents that pertain to patient care, professional practice, organizational function, and all others that may be required to fulfill all duties and responsibilities required in this position.
5. Consistently perform all functions described in the Position Responsibilities, and, preferable, exceed them.

6)   Must be prepared and ready to perform patient resuscitative measures if and when necessary.

Essential Duties and Responsibility

1. Deputizes in the absence of the Junior Shift Supervisor
2. Supervises auxiliary staff
3. Assesses, plans and implements nursing care
4. Assists in the evaluation of nursing staff
5. Provides physical and psychological support to patients, friends, and families.
6. Identifies patient care requirements by establishing personal rapport with patients and their families.
7. Maintains a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
8. Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols.
9. Responsible for the daily written Nursing Office report
10. Responsible for medication administration and storage procedures to include controlled substance (D.D.A.).
11. Maintains accurate documentation in patient records.
12. Assist the Shift Supervisor with responsibility for storing and maintenance of equipment and supplies; ensure operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs; and evaluating new equipment and techniques.
13. Plans and participates in patient and family education
14. Acts as liaison between patients, doctors and other health personnel.
15. Makes recommendations to the Ward Sister re changes in the ward environment and management.
16. Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by keeping confidential information.
17. Maintains nursing supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level.
18. Perform any other related duties as directed.

Qualifications:

1. Must be in good health and free from infection.
2. Skilled in providing age-appropriate patient care.
3. Must be able to perform all essential functions of a Registered Nurse, including, but not limited to, the following: -

1. ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, co-workers, supervisors, visitors, and personnel from other departments.
2. ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
3. ability to perform duties which may include strenuous activity and care for all types of patients as well as the operation of appropriate patient care delivery equipment.
4. ability to perform properly body mechanics, including lifting Patients while avoiding injury to patients, visitors, self, and co-workers.

(d.1) be able to walk and stand most of the workday

(d.2) be able to sit, reach, bend, turn, twist, crawl, climb, balance, run jump,

         crouch, stoop, kneel

(d.3) be able to lift and carry, push, pull, and handle all reasonable and customary objects at the level required to meet the demands of the job.

(d.4) have manual dexterity of fingers to pinch, gasp, hold, feels, write, type

(d.5) have near-vision acuity necessary for accurate reading gauges as well as having senses of hearing, touching and smelling.              

1. ability to function effectively in confined spaces.
2. ability to maintain mental and emotional stability,
3. ability to keep a safe environment by adhering to the standards outlined in handling and disposal of routine/toxic/irritating/bio-hazardous substance (per Hazard Communication Programme);
4. ability to maintain the confidentiality of all matters that are confidential, labeled as such in writing or in speech.
5. Must be able to adhere to all Hospital and departmental standards pertaining to the duties and responsibilities of a Registered Professional Nurse.

Education, Competencies, and Work Experience

Education

• BSN / Diploma in General Nursing

Work Experience

• 0-5years
   

Competency

A. Nursing Process

I. Assessment

- Collect relevant data

- Conduct physical assessment

- Interpret investigation results

- Identify patient acuity level.

II. Nursing Diagnosis

- Accurate interpretation of assessment data.

- Identify client problems.

- Developed nursing diagnoses.

III. Planning

- Prioritize client problems.

- Determine client goals and patient care outcomes.

- Identify appropriate nursing strategies.

- Determine required resources.

- Collaborate with other members of the healthcare team.

IV. Implementation of Care

- Apply principles of specific nursing skills/techniques.

- Document care accurately and in a timely manner.

- Make appropriate referrals.

- Record care.

- Report to appropriate member of healthcare team.

V. Evaluate Patient Care

- Determine if care measures implemented aligned with desired care outcome.

- Determine need for further nursing interventions to meet client care outcome.

B. Professionalism

I. Collegiality

- Good interpersonal skills

- Professional deportment in the care environment.

- Appropriate interaction with other members of the healthcare team.

II. Attitude

- Responses appropriately to feedback.

- Respect for authority/mutual respect.

- Ability to demonstrate compassion and empathy when providing patient care.

- Interest in continuing education.

- Accepts constructive criticism based on objective criterion.

- Identify lessons learned during the process of nursing care delivery.

III. Ethical and Legal Conduct

- Provide acceptable care within the agency’s policies and guidelines.

- Confidentiality of client’s information.

- Maintain client’s privacy.

- Perform within scope of practice.

- Practice within the ICN Code of Conduct.

- Demonstrate honesty, integrity and respect when interacting with clients and family and other members of the healthcare team.

- Respect client rights.

- Administer client care within the legal framework of the profession and jurisdiction.

C. Management of Patient Care

- Manage time and resources efficiently and effectively.

- Maintain a safe environment while providing care.

- Ability to use initiative in providing nursing care.

D. Communication

- Use appropriate language.

- Speak politely to clients, family and other members of the healthcare team.

- Demonstrate sensitivity to verbal and non-verbal cues from client when administering care.

- Utilize non-verbal communication techniques appropriately.

- Maintain clear, concise, accurate and legible records, using appropriate jargon.

- Adhere to agencies policies and guidelines for documentation.

Reporting Structure Relevant to Position

The Registered Nurse will report directly to the Departmental and Unit Managers on the unit and collaborate closely with other members of the healthcare team.

Performance Goals

Performance appraisals will be based on the following goals, with detailed targets established annually:

Core Goals

1. Assess and plan care needed for each patient
2. Provide patient care in a safe and timely manner
3. Address patient’s complaints in a timely manner
4. Supervise ward staff
5. Efficiently conduct patient handovers to peers
6. Mentor student nurses and healthcare assistants.
    

Educational and Employee Development Goals

• Effective mentorship and support for professional development of staff

Working Conditions

• Normal Hours: Shift Work - Weekdays and Public Holidays (7am- 3:00pm, 3:00pm-11:00pm, 11:00pm -7:00 am (with adjustments for clinical demands).

Certification

1. Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
2. Current registration with the Antigua and Barbuda Nursing Council
3. BLS certification