Job Summary:
A registered professional nurse employed by Erlanger Health System is responsible for the practice of nursing according to the rules and regulations defined by the state's Nurse Practice Act, Erlanger's Models of Care/Practice, policies and procedures. The nurse is responsible for the delivery of patient care as assigned and for the supervision of other qualified staff to whom the nurse has delegated patient care in the exercise of his/her independent judgement. The nurse addresses physical, spiritual, emotional, and educational needs of the patient and coordinates the plan of care with other healthcare professionals. The nurse is responsible for participation in and completion of all patient safety initiatives appropriate to the position. In addition, the nurse conducts all job responsibilities according to the Mission, Vision, and Values of Erlanger Health System.

All bedside nurses will be place on a matrix system which includes five core competencies: Customer-Focus; Cost-Effective Care; Communication; Competent Care and Compassionate Care. This matrix will be a guide for nurses based on the Benner Model of novice to expert. It will be used to note staff's engagement, advancement and professional development.

Education:
Required: Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.

Preferred: Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN).

Experience:
Required:
None

Preferred:
Prior experience in the delivery of patient care in a similar care setting.

Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration
Required:
Current licensure to practice nursing in the State of Tennessee.
BLS completed prior to going to the unit/department and to maintain going forward.
NRP and Stable certification within 6 months of hire and maintain ongoing thereafter.
De-escalation training

See unit for additional certification requirements.

The Nurse Licensure Compact will not change how to obtain or renew a Tennessee license. However, the Tennessee nursing license will be a single state license for Tennessee Residents or non-compact state residents. Tennessee licensure or multistate licensure from a compact state must be obtained within three months of hire for non-Tennessee residents.

Preferred: Certification in maternal newborn nursing or Women's health field. Nurse expected to obtain within 1 year of eligibility.

Nursing Position Summary:
The professional nurse provides safe and effective patient care by using evidenced based best practices. The professional nurse at Erlanger:

Utilizes hand off communication and bedside shift report to effectively communicate with other members of the healthcare team.
Maintains a safe therapeutic environment by understanding and complying with hospital policies/procedures, and identifying and communicating risks that have potential impact to patient safety.
Performs and documents comprehensive and holistic assessments while interpreting and responding to abnormal diagnostic data.
Anticipates potential emergency situations and intervenes safely and appropriately with assistance if needed.
Develops a relationship with patient/family that facilitates mutual involvement in the planning of care.
Demonstrates basic critical thinking skills.
Documents in a concise, accurate, and complete manner reflecting adherence to hospital, regulatory and legal requirements.
Completes population-specific mandatory education competencies as defined by the unit specific scope of service.
Provides culturally competent care to patients and families.
Demonstrates awareness of evidence based practice.
Utilizes appropriate time management and meets the expectations for punctuality and attendance.
Demonstrates flexibility in scheduling to support the staffing needs of patient care areas.
Communicates effectively with patients, family members, and all members of the interdisciplinary team, seeking assistance for conflict resolution as needed.
Implements the plan of care and identifies resources to meet patient care needs.
Identifies and communicates changes in patient conditions that may impact unit staffing levels or the provision of safe patient care.
Contributes to a healthy work environment by exhibiting professional behaviors and seeking assistance in addressing interpersonal conflicts.
Takes responsibility for meeting education and mandatory programs by completing hospital and unit-based competencies.
Demonstrates knowledge of and contributes positively to unit based performance improvement outcomes.
Updates their individual matrix with specific information to reflect accomplishments.