POSITION SUMMARY:  Under general supervision, plans, directs, implements and evaluates nursing care and participates in the assessment and development of the nursing care plan, and participates in patient education and the evaluation of: nursing care.  Shares responsibility for individual patients or the entire patient population as assigned.  Responsible for contributing to appropriate orientation, training and management of personnel during assigned shifts, including Licensed Practical Nurses and Nursing Assistants/Aides.  Relates effectively with other shifts for continuity of care; maintains satisfactory relations with other nursing staff, departments and physicians.  Participates in QA/QM activities as assigned and participates in all phases of education, maintenance of records, and upgrades of policies, procedures, and skills of personnel per policies and procedures.


 REQUIREMENTS/SPECIFICATIONS:

A.  KNOWLEDGE:  Requires knowledge of nursing theory and practice in order to provide general patient care.  Requires knowledge of the growth and development of a variety of patients in order to meet the health care needs of the neonate, pediatric, adult and geriatric patient acquired through formal education, attendance of related seminars, conferences, certification courses and work experience.  Requires a good knowledge of reading, spelling, grammar, writing, math and computer operation in order to provide patient care.

B.  SKILLS:  Interpersonal skills are needed in order to clearly communicate with patients, physicians, medical personal, etc.  Analytical skills are necessary to develop and implement effective nursing care and problem solving measures for the patient’s physical, psychosocial, and spiritual well-being.  Skills in gathering and exchanging information with the physicians, patients, family, visitors and other hospital personnel are also necessary. 

C.  ABILITIES:  Ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail when planning, implementing and evaluating professional nursing care, resolving patient care problems, and dealing with patients and their families during stressful situations.  Ability to interact with tact and courtesy.  Ability to read medical records, calculate and administer medications, and record patient care. 

 D.  QUALIFICATIONS:  Current valid license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Nebraska.  Current ALCS certification.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  May be exposed to infections, communicable, and contagious diseases.  Regularly exposed to the risk of bloodborne diseases.  Exposed to hazardous chemicals, medications, body fluids, and waste.  Occasional exposure to unpleasant patients or unit elements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Frequent prolonged standing and walking.  Pushes/pulls or moves/lifts heavy equipment/supplies occasionally.  Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients frequently.  Extremely heavy physical effort (lifting 50 lbs or more) occasionally.  Intermittent exertion when performing treatments occasionally. Occasional reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, or crouching.