Registered Nurse RN Rapid Response Team Member

The Registered Nurse RN Rapid Response Team Member is responsible for coordinating the nursing care of assigned patients in the Unit in order to provide quality patient care to patients in applicable age specific populations. The RN applies knowledge of the principles of growth and development. Employee is responsible for knowledge and skill necessary to provide care based on physical, psychological, educational, safety and related criteria for the appropriate age populations.

• Supports the philosophy of Kingwood Medical Center by facilitating cooperation of hospital staff in a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care.
• Consistently provides outstanding service to all patients, physicians, fellow employees, and guests.
• Displays initiative to see processes through to completion and offers assistance without being asked.
• Maintains awareness of own limitations and seeks guidance from appropriate personnel as needed.
• Prioritizes activities of self based on demands for service.
• Remains alert to the detection of errors in own work and the work of others with appropriate corrective actions initiated.
• Demonstrates an understanding of patient rights, including those pertaining to confidentiality, informed decision-making, and privacy.
• Is aware of the resources available to patients, significant others and physicians for ethical concerns and makes the appropriate referrals when necessary.
• Practices cost-efficiency.
• Performs technical skills proficiently in accordance with established standards, as evidenced by annual validation processes.
• Utilizes specialized knowledge and skill to proficiently assess, plan, implement, evaluate and document the care of assigned patient.
• Adheres to Tardiness/Attendance Policy.
• Maintains the standards of nursing care and implements the policies and procedures of the hospital and Nursing Service Division.
• Assesses the patients condition and nursing needs utilizing the nursing process.
• Provides, directs and evaluates nursing care provided to patients and reports pertinent observations and reactions of patients to physicians and Charge Nurse.
• Assesses the need for advanced directive information and makes the information available if applicable.
• Provides appropriate patient and/or family education or training based on assessed needs.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to assist/provide services to patients in relation to growth and development over the life span, including the ability to assist in the identification of requirements relative to age-specific needs.
• Utilizes appropriate safety precautions and principles of good body mechanics in the provision of direct patient care services.
• Demonstrates an ability to operate all applicable equipment and reports malfunctioning equipment appropriately.
• Demonstrates an ability to perform in an accurate and precise manner in crisis and emergency situations when time is essential.
• Administers medications.
• Documents according to hospital policy.
• Communicates effectively with patients, physicians, hospital personnel, and others to fulfill position responsibilities.
• Actively participates in hospital and departmental group meetings.
• Consistently responds to requests in a positive, professional, and timely manner.
• Consistently demonstrates behavior which reflects that working as a team is more important than self-interest.
• Demonstrates interpersonal competencies such as effective problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict management skills.
• Consistently maintains a professional level of conduct.
• Facilitates communication with patients, physicians, guests, and coworkers.
• Consistently demonstrates courteous and positive behaviors, e.g. smile, pleasant tone of voice, positive eye contact.
• Utilizes appropriate lines of accountability for the continuous improvement of quality.
• Ensures that problems/concerns regarding departmental activities are communicated with Charge Nurse, Unit Manager, and/or Director.
• Ensures that problems/concerns regarding activities in the hospital are communicated appropriately.
• Protects confidentiality of patients/coworkers, respecting their dignity, privacy, and differences.
• Shows respect for hospital property and the property of others.
• Communicates and collaborates with peers in Nursing as well as other disciplines and physicians.
• Facilitates the effective delivery of competent, compassionate care by assisting, in monitoring and evaluating the patient care process and outcomes.
• Establishes and maintains interpersonal relationships with patients, visitors and other hospital personnel, while assuring confidentiality of patient information.
• Coordinates services as based on individual patient needs including but not limited to case management, dietary, pharmacy, cardiopulmonary, laboratory, and radiology.
• Enhances effective and efficient care delivery and achievement of organizational and divisional goals as evidenced by frequent verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrates the ability to give and receive report relaying vital information regarding the patient's status.
• Actively participates in hospital and departmental meetings with a focus on providing input regarding improving the quality of patient care services in the Unit.
• Assumes responsibility for professional growth and development of self, utilizing professional organizations, workshops, seminars, and other self-directed learning activities as applicable.
• Maintains awareness of current developments and trends in the provision of patient care services.
• Maintains awareness of current hospital and departmental operational policies and procedures which impact on responsibilities of position.
• Utilizes appropriate safety precautions and principles of good body mechanics at all times.
• Is knowledgeable of standards established by Kingwood Medical Center including, but not limited to: Fire, Safety, Infection Control, Disaster, and Universal Precautions.
• Assists with the development of all personnel on his/her shift, including unit specific orientation and continuing education.
• Assesses the patient/family/significant other's educational needs and develops an appropriate plan to meet the needs.
• Accepts assignments to different nursing care areas or other shifts when patient care needs are greater in those situations.
• Demonstrates knowledge of CPR, policies, procedures and techniques.
• Assumes responsibilities for professional growth and development by meeting educational requirements of Board of Nursing Examiners on an annual basis.
• Actively seeks ways to control costs without compromising patient safety, quality of care or the services delivered.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the occurrence reporting system. Uses system to report potential patient safety issues.
• Follows established guidelines for reporting a significant medical error or unanticipated outcome in the patient's care which results in patient harm.
• Attends inservice presentations, and completes mandatory education week, including, but not limited to, infection control, patient safety, quality improvement, MSDS, and OSHA standards (PPE, First Aide and Bloodborne Pathogens, Hazard Communications, Emergency Procedures and Job Safety).
• Uses Performance Improvement Plan to improve patient safety.

• Advanced Cardiac Life Spt must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date.
• Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date.
• Registered Nurse.
• Graduate from an accredited school of Nursing.
• Bachelor's of Science in Nursing preferred.
• One (1) or more years recent clinical experience as a RN preferred.