SUMMARY

The contract nursing personnel shall perform essentially the same duties as those required of any military or government civil service nurse of similar experience and in similar duty assignments.  The Registered Nurses report and are accountable to the Nurse Manager. 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Collect, interpret, record, and communicate pertinent patient data relevant to the patient’s care before, during, and after surgery. Actively observes patients and takes appropriate action as indicated by problems. Correctly and thoroughly uses and adheres to established protocols in preparing patients for examination, specialized tests, and surgery. Formulate nursing diagnosis based upon health status data by accurately interpreting assessment data and identifying patient problem/nursing diagnosis pertinent to surgical procedure. Develop a plan of care that prescribes nursing actions to achieve patient goals by establishing priorities for nursing actions. Effectively ensure patient procedures, treatments and medications are administered in accordance with (IAW) physician orders, sound nursing judgment and applicable guidelines. Accurately administers medications orally, intramuscularly, sub-cutaneous, intravenously, topically, etc., including narcotics and prescribed intravenous therapy, and maintains awareness of the effects of the medications on patients. Regularly ensures a safe, clean work environment is maintained for patients and staff.  Exercises the standard precautions set forth by the CDC when providing direct patient care. Provide for patient privacy through maintaining confidentiality and physical protection of patient information. The contract nursing personnel are required to generate and maintain proper medical records on beneficiaries to whom treatment is provided in accordance with Air Force Instructions on Medical Record Administration.  All records generated in the performance of the contract will remain the property of and subject to exclusive control of the Government. Facilitate collaboration with all levels of health care management to include outside agencies. Performs utilization management activities to optimize cost, quality, and access to care.  Adhere to medical group operating instructions (operating instructions provided during orientation).  Facilitate evidenced-based clinical practice.  Provide comprehensive professional nursing care to normal and high-risk patients, documents actions.  Ensure the appropriate equipment and supplies are available, based upon patient needs. Monitor and controls the environment to include temperature, sensory environment, and cleanliness. Accurately document procedures, results of medications, untoward effects from medical/surgical procedures and unusual occurrences as appropriate in the patient’s medical record. Prepare accurate reports and statistics as required. Uses tact and diplomacy when interacting with all personnel/patients/family members. Conduct patient/family interview and completes preoperative documents, progress notes and teaching. Fax prescriptions to pharmacy and enters lab and radiology orders and other functions in Composite HealthCare System (CHCS). Assist with orientation and training of other staff assigned to the ASU/PACU and Preop Clinic.  Ensure all equipment is properly cleaned and stored at the end of each work shift. Ensure preventive maintenance and routine cleaning are performed as directed. Ensure a safe work environment and employ safe work habits. Utilize available information management systems in daily practice for patient care and administrative duties. Maintain regular and punctual attendance. Perform all other duties as assigned.

 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing (BSN) from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (formerly the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission) or from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education accredited college or university. Possess a current, active, full, and unrestricted Registered Nurses (RN) licensed in Colorado or be able to practice using a nurse compact state or Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) license. Hold a national or state nursing license that is valid and current with no limitations, stipulations or pending adverse actions.  License must be unencumbered and remain in effect during contract employment. Have a current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certificate by the American Red Cross, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).  These certifications shall be maintained in a current status at all times while performing services under this contract at no expense to the Government.  Must have a minimum of two-years of Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)/Intensive Care Unit (ICU)/Emergency Room (ER) (medical or surgical) nursing experience within the last three years.  Must have completed and passed a required medication test, which is administered by the MTF’s Education and Professional Development unit.  The test is to determine ability to calculate medication dosage, and to verify familiarization with medications common to the MTF.  A grade of 80 is passing. Must successfully complete a competency-based orientation program which is based on medical surgical requirements. Must be familiar with various types of medical surgical equipment and current standards of care. Must obtain and maintain the site's required health screening and immunization requirements. Must obtain and maintain any necessary security access and/or background checks. Must obtain and maintain all required documents, certifications, licenses, etc. listed on the credentialling checklist, sent by Katmai’s Credentialing Specialist, for this position for initial hire. The registered nurse must possess sufficient initiative, interpersonal relationship skills and social sensitivity such that they can relate constructively to a variety of patients and staff from diverse backgrounds.

 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

Maintain a professional manner and displays a positive cooperative attitude towards patients and other MTF employees. Adhere to and enforces emergency, fire, safety, and infection control policies and procedures. Ability to recognize adverse signs and symptoms and react quickly in emergency situations. Be able to read, understand, speak, and write English well enough to effectively communicate with all patients and other health care providers.  Coordinate and communicates with facility staff members to facilitate patient care. Accurately review and confirm completeness of patient chart and reports any abnormalities to appropriate staff in a timely manner. Establish patient goals that are congruent with present and potential physical capabilities and behavioral patterns based on nursing diagnosis by developing outcome statements, criteria for measurement of goals and setting priorities for outcomes based on need. Effectively participate in planning care with other professional and nonprofessional personnel. Effectively take appropriate action to prevent deterioration and alleviate discomfort in patients. Effectively orient and serve as a preceptor of newly assigned nurses to these areas. Effectively set up, operate, and monitor therapeutic and emergency equipment such as cardiac monitoring devices, EKG units, vital sign monitors, and oxygen saturation monitors. Accurately document procedures, results of medications, untoward effects from medical/surgical procedures and unusual occurrences as appropriate in the patient’s medical record. Ensure that patients are adequately prepared for surgery, both physically and emotionally. Demonstrate awareness of the individual rights of the patient.