REGISTERED NURSE GRADUATE ASSOCIATE - 05142024-57905

Job Information

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES, WESTERN MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE, HARDEMAN COUNTY

Qualifications

Summary

Summary: Under direct supervision, is responsible for registered nursing duties of routine difficulty based on easily identified normal ranges and performs related work as required.

Distinguishing Features: This is the training graduate level class in the Registered Nurse sub series. An employee in this class may be assigned to work days, evenings, nights, and/or weekends in an institution, clinic, hospital, home care, or other health care setting. The RN Associate Graduate provides registered nursing care which involves nursing assessment and diagnosis, planning, implementation/intervention, and evaluation under the immediate and direct guidance of a licensed Registered Nurse. This class differs from that of Registered Nurse 1* in that incumbents of the latter performs at the entry level without immediate oversight.

*An applicant appointed to this class will be reclassified to the next higher class in the series after successful certification;failure to pass the NCLEX and obtain licensure within one year of appointment will result in automatic termination of employment.

Responsibilities

ALL LISTED DUTIES WILL BE PERFORMED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF A LICENSED REGISTERED NURSE.

1. Provides nursing care, performs procedures, and administers medication according to physician’s orders and nursing protocol.
2. Evaluates possible side effects and the overall effectiveness of medication.
3. Performs BLS (Basic Life Support), CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), and other emergency responses. Participates in emergency response setting.
4. Performs initial and ongoing assessments according to protocol. Compares assessment data to established acceptable ranges to determine abnormalities. Performs diagnostic tests on collected specimens to determine patient’s health status.
5. Collects patient and family health history data. Documents patient information according to standards of care. Completes patient health records (electronic and paper). Completes medication record/sheet.
6. Counts and tracks drugs, instruments, and other accountable items. Maintains health care equipment, supplies, and inventory.
7. Explains tests, procedures, and results to appropriate individuals according to protocol.
8. Compares patient's level of goal attainment to previously defined goals. Determines if patient goals and interventions are effective. Adjusts the health care plan of care including changing the patient's goals and nursing interventions.
9. Directs patient in building positive relationships and increasing self-esteem. Teaches patients or the patient's family the skills needed to maintain physical and mental health.
10. Discusses patient’s health plan and communications health plan to appropriate parties to ensure patient needs are met. Follows appropriate health plans while maintaining appropriate files and records of service.

Competencies

Competencies:

1. Creativity
2. Time Management
3. Priority Setting
4. Drive for Results
5. Perseverance
6. Written Communications
7. Approachability
8. Boss Relationships
9. Ethics and Values
10. Integrity and Trust

Knowledge: 

1. Knowledge of principles of nursing, nursing practices, techniques, and applicable laws
2. Knowledge of documentation in an electronic medical record system, managing paper and electronic files and records, and the use of automated medication dispensing cabinets

Skills: 

1. The skill in the application of professional nursing techniques
2. The skill to give full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times
3. The skill to demonstrate critical thinking techniques to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
4. The skill to select and use training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things
5. The skill to monitor/assess performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action
6. The skill to use scientific rules and methods to solve problems
7. The skill to adjust actions in relation to others' actions
8. The skill to being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do
9. The skill to identify complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions
10. The skill to consider the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one

Abilities: 

1. The ability to assess and monitor healthcare outcomes
2. The ability to manage change
3. The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events)
4. The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem
5. The ability to communicate and listen to (verbal and written) information and ideas
6. The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem or conflict
7. The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong
8. The ability to multitask between two or more activities or sources of information
9. The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects
10. The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without 'giving out' or fatiguing
11. The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer)
12. The ability to see under low light conditions
13. The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you
14. The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person
15. The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness

Tools & Equipment

1. Electronic equipment/computer
2. Various medical equipment and devices