This role is reserved for the new graduate or nurse with less than 12 months experience. The nurse will utilize this time to learn the institution and nursing practice. It is expected that a nurse in this role successfully pass the probationary period within 12 months (18 months maximum with a defined action plan developed with manager). Utilizes the nursing process as the frame of reference for practice as a professional nurse. Participates in activities to develop own practice, and to support group practice goals at the unit level. Functions effectively as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team. Is accountable to patient, family and team members for care provided, and to the nurse manager for totality of work performance.  

Clinical Practice/Care Delivery

• Novice; focus of clinical practice/care delivery is on own learning
• Uses/applies evidence based practice; accesses appropriate resources 
• Follows hospital policies, procedures, documentation, etc.
• Involves patient and family in care
• Conducts patient/family needs assessment; initiates and documents patient/family education
• Assists with precepting students, may assist with share days or shadow days PRN

Professional Development

• Responsible for accessing education applicable to self professional development; focus on completion of competencies appropriate for patient care setting.
• Successful completion of orientation within 12 months (18 months for those with an identified development plan).
• Accountable for orientation e.g. assignments, goal setting, communication of needs, attending required meetings, etc).
• Accountable for achieving/maintaining requirements necessary for successful unit practice.
• Attends mandatory training and education classes specific to unit/department.
• Support and attend educational offerings such as in-services, etc.

Service Quality/Safety

• Follows unit policies, procedures, protocols and Best Practices.
• Supports hospital initiatives for process improvement plans, including data collection.
• Aware of patient/family satisfaction scores and contributes to unit initiatives for improvement.
• Recognizes potential/actual patient/family issues and seeks assistance to address if unable to resolve independently.
• Participates in some or all elements of research if applicable. 

Unit Operations

• Supports Charge Nurse role and demonstrates basic understanding of the role.
• Actively contributes to teamwork (collaborates with peers, flexible with assignments, takes admissions as required, etc).
• May orient to charge if needed (situation dependent upon unit and individual’s progress).
• Attends staff meetings (per unit protocols).
• Aware of and supports organizational nursing governance structure and opportunities.
• Participates in decision making via shared governance model; provides feedback as appropriate.
• Participates in organizational initiatives such as surveys (Employee Engagement, Safety Survey and others).
• Provides feedback for peer review as requested.
• Maintains standards for unit operations (equipment maintenance, scheduling guidelines, etc).
• Maintains regulatory requirements for TJC/CARF readiness; participates in tracer activities.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs. Provides the care needed as described in the unit/area/department policies and procedures.  

Qualifications

• Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the state of Maryland, or eligible to practice due to Compact state agreements outlined through the MD Board of Nursing, is required. 
• Associate’s degree required.
• Current CPR certification required. 
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.   
• Ability to learn and use computer systems in order to manage patient information. 
• Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills.

Working Conditions

• Weekend, shift work, holiday, on-call, and overtime may be required.  
• Work requires maximum lifting weight of 35 lbs when participating in patient care tasks 50% of the time to position and/or assist patients on to carts or into wheelchairs or beds, and generally, with ambulation. Work requires standing and/or walking for up to 100% of scheduled work time; maximum lifting weight of 50 lbs when lifting equipment and supplies.  
• There is potential for regular exposure to patients possessing infectious diseases requiring observance of universal precautions requiring wearing protective clothing, gloves, and mask as appropriate, and observance of safe work practices.

Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

• Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.
• Reports adverse events and near misses by entering information in the Risk Management reporting system (UMMS safe) and to manager/designee.
• Implements policies, procedure, and standards consistently in the performance of assigned duties.
• Develops effective working relationships and maintains good communication with other team members.
• Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.