Overview

USA Health is Transforming Medicine along the Gulf Coast to care for the unique needs of our community. USA Health is changing how medical care, education, and research impact the health of people who live in Mobile and the surrounding area. Our team of doctors, advanced care providers, nurses, therapists, and researchers provides the region's most advanced medicine at multiple facilities, campuses, clinics, and classrooms. We offer patients convenient access to innovative treatments and advancements that improve the health and overall well-being of our community.

Responsibilities

Practices family centered nursing according to policies and Nurse Practice Act. Serves as charge nurse when assigned. Supervises, plans, evaluates, and coordinates patient care provided by other licensed and non-licensed staff. Demonstrates CPR according to American Heart Association standards. Abides by and enforces all compliance requirements and policies and performs these responsibilities in an ethical manner consistent with the organization's values. Adheres to hospital policies including confidentiality. Works the assigned schedule including overtime and call as required. Serves as preceptor for new employees and nursing students. The RN utilizes the Nursing process to:

• Assess the patient
• Plan individualized care
• Identify expected outcomes
• Implement and evaluate nursing interventions for patients and families

Provides direct patient care according to unit specific competencies: Performs therapeutic procedures and assists with diagnostic procedures required for the care of the patient. Administers medications including controlled substances by all routes. Administers blood and blood products. Responds appropriately to emergency patient situations. Starts IVs. Performs activities of daily living. Performs basic life support and management of arrest situations. Requires minimal supervision to safely perform patient care. When performing skilled procedures the RN can state the purpose, rationale, precautions and observations related to that procedure. Utilizes proper body mechanics when:

• Moving, positioning and transferring patients without assistance or with assistance when needed for patient safety
• Moving equipment that is necessary to perform essential functions

Provides patient and family education by planning, coordinating and delegating, as appropriate, the educational needs of each patient. Education documentation complete. Utilizes a personal computer or terminal to access the Hospital Information System. Communicates and uses appropriate customer relation skills with physicians, patients, families and healthcare team in person and via telephone. Responds to overhead pages. Maintains accurate and complete medical records by:

• Utilizing the correct documentation tools and procedures
• ADP complete within unit timeframe
• Flow chart complete with signature
• Discharge form complete
• Pain Assessment tool complete
• MAR complete
• Supervising, evaluating and finalizing the patient care record.
• Transcribing physician orders

Accepts and completes all duties positively and without conflict. Cooperates, helps others and improves the performance of the unit. Completes all mandatory unit, educational and hospital requirements. Utilizes cost effective practices in performing all aspects of the job. Demonstrates the ability to provide competent patient care to the following patient populations: Neonate, Pediatric, Adolescent, Adults, Geriatric. The Registered Nurse responsibilities as Charge Nurse:

• Identifies, organizes and directs activities to utilize resources, personnel, and materials to meet the needs of the patient and nursing staff.
• Communicates with the Nurse Manager and Nurse Administrator, on an ongoing basis, regarding:
• Changes in unit status
• Patient related issues
• Staffing issues
• Quality Management issues
• Other events as they evolve
• Acts as first line in problem resolution with other departments and any patient complaints.
• Assists with shift duty assignments or serves a staff nurse as needed.
• Verifies that emergency equipment is functional.
• Other duties as assigned/required, including reassignment to other units.
• Participates on committees as assigned.
• Participates in Performance Improvement activities through quality measurement or participation of iCARE process as assigned.
• Completes all mandatory department, educational and hospital requirements.
• Adheres to current Infection Control and Safety Standards.
• Regular and prompt attendance.
• Ability to work schedule as defined and overtime as required.
• Related duties as assigned.

Additional Information

Employees must be in a regular position, working 20 hours or more per week (.50 FTE or greater) to qualify for benefits.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited school of nursing Required. RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure in accordance with the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for Alabama Upon Hire Required. BCLS - Basic Life Support Upon Hire Required. Comparable combination of education and experience may substitute for the above requirements.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis. EO Employer – minorities/females/veterans/disabilities/sexual orientation/gender identity.