Staff Nurse (nights), Bridge

Schedule: Nights 7p-7a. 3, 12-hour shifts

Key Functions

Patient care 

1. Assessment and care planning –

1. Sets appropriate goals; including the physical, psychological, social, and continuing care needs of each patient; evaluates nursing actions to meet those goals; and makes recommendations for any changes. 
2. Demonstrates effective bio-psycho-social assessment skills
3. Develops comprehensive nursing care plans based on nursing diagnosis and standards of care, clearly written with expected outcomes
4. Effectively utilizes nursing process in directing and providing patient care
5. Modifies plan of care based on ongoing patient assessment
6. Insures effective health teaching for patients and families
7. Insures comprehensive discharge planning relative to nursing care needs

2. Effective member of interdisciplinary team 

1. Observes, documents and communicates patient responses and effectiveness of nursing intervention and medication; documents in patient’s medical record according to established policy and procedure
2. Insures safety by making patient and safety rounds according to policy, regularly assessing physical environments, and follow-up for identified concerns 
3. Seeks constructive feedback from co-workers regarding performance, interpersonal relations, nursing skills and abilities; recognizes limitations through self-appraisal and peer review. Effectively utilizes management and clinical supervision
4. Supports and encourages constructive working relationship with program and other disciplines / departments while valuing opposing ideas
5. Responds to patients, staff and visitors in professional manner
6. Demonstrates good judgment and behavior appropriate to the hospital, including such characteristics as grooming and personal appearance, speech, and personal hygiene
7. Participates in performance improvement activities
8. Relieves charge nurse in his / her absence as assigned

3. Provision of nursing interventions

1. Demonstrates knowledge of medication action, mode of administration, side effects and contraindications by successfully completing annual medication examination. 
2. Provides safe and timely administration of medication and prescribed treatments, insuring prompt reporting of all errors
3. Effectively engages patients in full participation of treatment program

Hospital operations

1. Seeks opportunities to participate in hospital committees, performance improvement  initiatives, and activities
2. Participates in orientation and training of students and new staff

Education Required:   BSN 

License/Certification:  Current license to practice as RN in state of Texas

Experience: Two years experience in psychiatric nursing