Graduate Nurse Medical and Surgical

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible to the Unit Director/Manager for the overall nursing practice of the unit for the shift of assignment. In the absence of the Unit Manager, the GN is responsible to the Nursing Supervisor, Charge Nurse or the Nursing House Supervisor of the shift. The GN must practice under the supervision of a registered nurse.

Provides professional nursing care based on current nursing knowledge through use of the nursing process. This includes the responsibility for assessment of the patient's needs, development of the plan of care to meet those needs, implementation of nursing measures and evaluation of the effectiveness of the nursing care and other treatment measures.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. High School education or equivalent.
2. Graduate of an accredited nursing program.

Experience:

1. Relevant experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Demonstrates a high level of mental and emotional tolerance and even temperament when dealing with ill people.
2. Uses tact, sensitivity, sound judgment and a professional attitude when relating with patients, families and co-workers at all times.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Current PA RN licensure pending with practice permit.
2. Meets the American Heart Association’s standards for Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) and renews BLS every two years.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives direct supervision from the Unit Director/Manager/Nursing Supervisor/Nursing House Supervisor. May also be accountable to the Charge Nurse. Performs functions under close supervision and is expected to consult frequently with the supervisor on matters requiring professional judgment.  Graduate nurses are not given charge responsibility for a unit and are not assigned as the only professional nurse on the unit.

SUPERVISION GIVEN

None

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. The Graduate Nurse Collects Patient Health Data by:
   1. Prioritizing data collection based on the patient's immediate condition or needs.
   2. Collecting data using appropriate assessment techniques based on the patient's developmental, health status and identified learning needs. 
   3. Involving the patient, significant others, and health care providers when appropriate in data collection.
   4. Using a data collection process that is systematic and ongoing.
   5. Documenting relevant data in a retrievable form.
2. The Graduate Nurse Analyzes the Assessment Data in Determining Diagnoses that are:
   1. Derived from the assessment data.
   2. Validated with the patient, significant others, and health care providers.
   3. Documented in a manner that facilitates the determination of expected outcomes and plan of care.
3. The Graduate Nurse Identifies Expected Outcomes Individualized to the Patient.  Outcomes are:
   1. Derived from the diagnoses.
   2. Documented as measurable goals.
   3. Formulated with the patient and health care providers when possible.
   4. Realistic in relation to the patient's present and potential capabilities.
   5. Attainable in relation to resources available to the patient.
   6. Attainable within the time estimate established.
   7. Directed toward providing continuity of care.
4. The Graduate Nurse Develops A Plan of Care that Prescribes Interventions to Attain Expected Outcomes.  The Plan:
   1. Is individualized to meet the patient's developmental and health status needs.
   2. Is developed with the patient, significant others and health care providers, when appropriate.
   3. Reflects current nursing practice.
   4. Includes appropriate interventions to meet the patient's identified learning needs.
   5. Is documented.
   6. Provides for continuity of care including post discharge.
5. The Graduate Nurse Implements the Interventions Identified in the Plan of Care.  Interventions are:
   1. Consistent with the established plan of care.
   2. Implemented to prevent potential development and health problems in vulnerable patients and at risk families.
   3. Directed at assisting patients and families to understand and cope with developmental and traumatic situations during illness.
   4. Implemented in a safe and appropriate manner.
   5. Documented.
6. The Graduate Nurse Evaluates the Patient's Progress Toward Attainment of Outcomes by:
   1. Evaluating in a systematic, ongoing process.
   2. Documenting the patient's responses to interventions. 
   3. Evaluating the effectiveness of interventions in relation to outcomes.
   4. Using ongoing assessment data to revise diagnoses, outcomes, and the plan of care as needed.
   5. Documenting revisions in diagnoses, outcomes, and the plan of care. 
   6. Involving the patient, significant others, and health care providers in the evaluation process, when appropriate.
7. The Graduate Nurse Systematically Evaluates the Quality and Effectiveness of Nursing Practice by:
   1. Participating in quality of care activities as appropriate to the individual's position, education, and practice environment. Such activities may include:
      1. Identification of aspects of care and indicators used to monitor the quality and effectiveness of nursing care.
      2. Collection and analysis of data to monitor quality and identify opportunities for improving nursing care.
      3. Recommendation and implementation of activities to improve the quality of nursing practice and patient outcomes.
      4. Participation on interdisciplinary teams that evaluate clinical practice or health services.
      5. Development of policies and procedures to improve quality of care.
   2. Using the results of quality of care activities to initiate changes in practice under the supervision of a RN.
8. The Graduate Nurse Evaluates their Own Nursing Practice in Relation to Professional Practice Standards and Relevant Statutes and Regulations by:
   1. Engaging in performance appraisal on a regular basis, identifying areas of strength as well as areas for professional/practice development.
   2. Seeking constructive feedback regarding their own practice.
   3. Taking action to achieve goals identified during performance appraisal.
   4. Participating in peer review as appropriate.
9. The Graduate Nurse Acquires and Maintains Current Knowledge in Nursing Practice by:
   1. Participating in ongoing educational activities related to clinical knowledge and professional issues.
   2. Seeking experiences to gain clinical skills and demonstrate beginning levels of clinical competency.
   3. Seeking knowledge and skills appropriate to the practice setting.
10. The Graduate Nurse Contributes to the Professional development of Peers, Colleagues and Others by:
    1. Sharing knowledge and skills with colleagues and others.
    2. Providing peers with constructive feedback regarding their practice.
    3. Contributing to an environment that is conducive to clinical education of nursing students, as appropriate.
11. The Graduate Nurse's Decisions and Actions On Behalf Of Patients Are Determined In An Ethical Manner by:
    1. Practicing by the "Code for Nurses" and the "Patient's Bill of Rights". 
    2. Maintaining patient confidentiality.
    3. Acting as a patient advocate.
    4. Delivering care in a nonjudgmental and nondiscriminatory manner that is sensitive to patient diversity.
    5. Delivering care in a manner that preserves/protects patient autonomy, dignity and rights.
    6. Seeking available resources to help formulate ethical decisions.
12. The Graduate Nurse Collaborates With The Patient, Significant Others, and Health Care Providers in Providing Patient Care by:
    1. Communicating with the patient, significant others and health care providers regarding patient care and nursing’s role in the provision of care.
    2. Consulting with health care providers for patient care, as needed.
    3. Making referrals, including provisions for continuity of care, as needed.
13. The Graduate Nurse Uses Research Findings in Practice by:
    1. Using interventions substantiated by research as appropriate to the individual's position, education and practice environment.
    2. Participating in research activities as appropriate to the individual's position, education and practice environment. Such activities may include:
       1. Identification of clinical problems suitable for nursing research.
       2. Participation in data collection.
       3. Using research findings in the development of policies and procedures and guidelines for patient care.
14. The Graduate Nurse Considers Factors Related to Safety, Effectiveness and Cost in Planning and Delivery Patient Care by:
    1. Evaluating factors related to safety, effectiveness and cost when two or more practice options would result in the same expected patient outcome.
    2. Assigning or delegating care based on the needs of the patient and the knowledge and skill of the provider selected.
    3. Assisting the patient and significant others in identifying and securing appropriate services available to address health-related needs.
    4. Promoting an environment free of hazards to growth, development and wellness and one that promotes recovery from illness.
15. The Graduate Nurse Demonstrates Leadership Skills by:
    1. Prioritizing and delegating unit and patient care activities, as appropriate.
    2. Demonstrating flexibility in a changing health care environment.
    3. Meeting the performance standards for Charge Nurse and accepting assignment after licensure.
    4. Assuming other duties and responsibilities related to job classification and department as assigned by the unit director/manager.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs related and miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Why Mount Nittany Health?
At Mount Nittany Health, we provide high-quality patient care with a unique combination of the latest in clinical technology and compassionate medical professionals. We are committed to improving both the quality and availability of healthcare in our region and seek to hire only the best to support the communities we serve.