Northern Light A.R. Gould 

Department: Medical Surgical Unit

Position is located: Northern Light A.R. Gould Hospital-Presque Ilse, ME 

Work Type: Full Time

Hours Per Week: 36. Hour/Week 

Work Schedule: 6:45 PM to 7:15 AM

Summary:

The Staff Nurse is a fully competent practitioner of nursing. The incumbent is responsible for the practice of nursing according to the Rules and Regulations defined in the State of Maine Nurse Practice Act, Northern Light Health Standards of Care/Practice, policies and procedures. The Staff Nurse is responsible for the delivery of patient care to assigned patients on a Nursing Unit, and for the supervision of other qualified staff to whom the Staff Nurse has delegated patient care in the exercise of his/her independent judgment. The Nurse plans and evaluates the nursing care for patients and families and exercises independent judgment in implementing the care him/herself or assigning the care to other qualified staff. The nurse addresses physical, spiritual, emotional and educational needs of the patient, and coordinates the plan of care with other healthcare professionals. The incumbent performs duties and tasks in accordance with performance standards established for the job.

Responsibilities:

Promotes a safe and therapeutic environment by assisting with the planning and implementation of hospital policies/procedures and national safety goals and proactively identifies workarounds that have a potential impact on patient safety. (Patient Safety) Recognized by peers as an expert in location, operation, care and troubleshooting of unit equipment. (Patient Safety) Performs in-depth, discriminating assessments utilizing advanced knowledge and skills. (Clinical Assessments)Anticipate and detects subtle shifts in patient status and/or needs often before the presence of objective measurable signs, proactively responds and collaborates with providers. (Clinical Assessments) Demonstrates the ability to effectively handle actual or potential emergency situations calmly and directs others in such situations; is a person for difficult and emergency situations. (Clinical Assessments) Demonstrates the principle of nursing presence in all patient encounters. Approaches each patient as a unique human being to maximize patient involvement incorporating patient strengths to promote positive outcomes. (Code of Conduct) Utilizes critical thinking skills to assess each patient's care for missed opportunities. (Critical Thinking) Assists others in developing critical thinking skills for complex problem resolution. (Critical Thinking) Analyzes evidence based alternative methods to achieve optimal outcomes. (Critical Thinking) Documentation upholds the standard of practice reflecting adherence to hospital, regulatory and legal requirements. (Documentation)Recognized as a documentation systems expert. (Documentation)Completes population-specific mandatory education competencies as defined by the unit specific scope of service. (Population Specific Competency) Actively researches and implements population specific multidisciplinary care plans with patient and family involvement. (Population Specific Competency) Assists in development of population specific standardized care plans. (Population Specific Competency) Recognized as a unit or hospital resource on issues of cultural diversity and population specific care. (Population Specific Competency) Practice is consistent with policy and procedures. (Evidenced Based Practice & Research) Incorporates evidence and research to policy change and development. (Evidenced Based Practice & Research) Identifies opportunities to enhance clinical practice through evidence-based research and collaborates with interdisciplinary colleagues as needed. (Evidenced Based Practice & Research) Active in education of evidence-based practice changes. (Evidenced Based Practice & Research) Mentor others to develop appropriate time management skills. (Leadership and Professional Conduct) Meets the expectations for punctuality and attendance. (Leadership and Professional Conduct) Assists with the coordination of ongoing staffing needs, while demonstrating personal scheduling flexibility to support the needs of patient care areas. (Leadership and Professional Conduct) Contributes to a healthy work environment by holding all members of the healthcare team accountable for effective and professional communications. (Leadership and Professional Conduct) Takes leadership in identifying and actively resolving interdisciplinary conflict. (Leadership and Professional Conduct) Coordinates multidisciplinary plan of care while proactively anticipating potential patient care needs. (Collaboration and Teamwork) Serves as an interdepartmental resource for the coordination of internal and external resources to meet patient care needs. (Collaboration and Teamwork) Reassess, reprioritize, and coordinate the needs of the unit through collaboration with all members of the healthcare team. (Collaboration and Teamwork) Contributes to a healthy work environment by modeling professional behaviors and addressing conflict with the right person, at the right time, in the right location. (Collaboration and Teamwork) Identifies unprofessional behaviors and intervenes appropriately to facilitate positive conflict resolution. (Collaboration and Teamwork)Recognized as an interdepartmental resource in the care of complex patients / family interactions. (Collaboration and Teamwork) Resolves gaps within multidisciplinary care delivery. (Collaboration and Teamwork)Recognized as a positive, collaborative resource among colleagues, who is solution focused. (Collaboration and Teamwork) Acts as a resource and role model for effective resource management. (Resource Management) Takes responsibility for meeting education and mandatory programs, by completing hospital and unit-based competencies (CBO). (Professional Development) Obtains 24 Contact Hours or a 3-credit professional development course and 12 contact hours. (Professional Development) Serves as a role model for colleagues in the promotion and advancement of professional growth. (Professional Development) Takes leadership role to achieve at least one unit-based, Professional Practice, organizational or interdisciplinary goal. (Professional Development) Recommends/facilitates practice change based on evidence-based literature. (Professional Development) Maintains an up-to-date personal educational file on unit to demonstrate compliance with educational requirements. (Professional Development) Actively participates in the peer review process. (Professional Development) Achieves National certification in area of practice. (Existing PNIV - grace period- ending October 31, 2013, to obtain certification-no grandfathering) (Professional Development) Recognized as a resource to staff in regard to unit-based performance improvement priorities and nurse sensitive outcomes. (Performance Improvement) Participates in data collection, data analysis and implementation of performance improvement priorities. (Performance Improvement)

Other Information:

BLS Required.

Competencies and Skills

Achieves Results: Sets high standards for their own outcomes and seizes opportunities to engage others towards objectives. Consistently moves forward with direct actions in order to attain or exceed objectives. Manages their own time effectively to accomplish assigned tasks. Successfully prioritizes multiple projects and duties as needed.Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan. Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.Demonstrates Adaptability: Learns quickly when facing a new problem or unfamiliar task; is flexible in their approach with changing priorities and ambiguity. Manages change effectively and does not give up during adversity. Capable of changing one's behavioral style and/or views in order to attain a goal. Absorbs new information readily and puts it into practice effectively.Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits a high level of self-awareness, self-management, other awareness and relationship management. Conducts themselves in an empathic, appropriate way, with a sense of humor and stimulates a collaborative work environment. Is respectful of the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others and aware of the influence of their own behavior on them. Is aware of relevant social, political, system, and professional trends and developments and uses this information for the organization's benefit. Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences' level. Exercises Sound Judgment & Decision Making: Understands and processes complex information, which allows for appropriate and accountable conclusions. Does not react too quickly or slowly. Balances facts, goals, and potential approaches taking the appropriate criteria into account. Makes active decisions and commits oneself by communicating confidently and respectfully.Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved. Influences and Inspires: Builds enthusiasm and commitment among others to move in a desired direction and models it personally. Creates a compelling vision of success that motivates workplace initiative and energizes others to follow. Provides direction and guidance to encourage cooperation between team members in order to attain an objective. Has the ability to appropriately influence others' actions and decisions with and without express authority.Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.Promotes Health and Safety: Promotes a healthy and safe environment for patients, employees and visitors. Advocates and models healthy physical and mental health behaviors even in challenging circumstances. Sets high quality standards and strives for continuous improvement and quality assurance by reporting and encouraging others to report near misses and safety issues. Provides Patient-Centered Care: Demonstrates understanding of patient care quality and service as organizational priority. Proactively supports change to improve patient experience and results. Exhibits the ability and willingness to find out what the patient wants and needs and to act accordingly, taking the organizational and outside resources into account. Cooperates, collaborates, communicates, and integrates care within and between teams to ensure that care is continuous and reliable.Resolves Conflict: Promptly acts to find alternatives/solutions when team members disagree. Addresses issues in a direct, honest, and appropriate manner. Handles conflicting interests diplomatically and helps to solve them. Transforms difficult situations into teachable moments using respect and accountability .Seeks Process Improvement & Applies System Thinking: Possesses and gains insight into situations, problems and processes. Understands the interconnection between organizational elements. Deconstructs problems and systematically investigates the various components. Considers the impact of actions on the entire process/system. Detects problems and opportunities, recognizes important information, and links various data to trace potential causes and relevant details. Utilizes Resources Effectively: Understands how to get the most out of available resources and uses cost-benefit thinking in decision-making and in setting priorities. Monitors and analyzes resource usage to identify and eliminate areas of waste and maximize resources. As a leader, defines targets and provides appropriate means; oversees progress and makes adjustments when necessary. Appropriately delegates work, sets clear direction and manages workflow and time.

Credentials

Required Registered Nurse

Education

Required High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED)

Working Conditions

Potential exposure to abusive and/or aggressive people. Potential exposure to diseases or infections. Potential exposure to hazardous materials. Potential exposure to noise levels being uncomfortable. Potential exposure to noxious odors. Work with computers, typing, reading or writing. Lifting, moving and loading 30 to 50 pounds. Prolonged periods of sitting. Alternate shift schedules (day, evening, nights, weekends). Prolonged periods of standing. Prolonged periods of walking. Potential exposure to very hot or cold temperatures.