RN First Assist

Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA)

The Registered Nurse (RN) is expected to provide excellent, clinically competent patient care by utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation, and evaluation; and effectively interact with patients, significant others, and the other healthcare team members while maintaining standards of professional nursing. The RN also determines the effectiveness of nursing interventions by evaluating outcomes in relation to evidence-based intervention. The primary focus of the RN is to ensure every patient receives quality care and services through the efficient use of resources. The RN functions within the scope and standards of nursing as defined by the American Nurses Association and the Nurse Practice Act of Virginia. As a member of the healthcare team, the RN is responsible for making decisions and performing services that are in the best interest of the patient while positively contributing to the patient's experience and the success of the entire team by placing the patient and the team above the needs of the individual.

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis; other tasks may be assigned.

The RN is responsible for providing the following patient care duties during assigned shifts:

• Completes a comprehensive nursing assessment based on admission nursing history and appropriate standard of care/protocol.

• Collects/gathers available data, makes knowledgeable interpretations, and appropriate nursing diagnosis.

• Initiates and updates the standard of care within established time frames.

• Plans, provides, and documents individual patient's family teaching and evaluates understanding.

• Initiates and implements plan for discharge upon admission and throughout the hospitalization.

• Consults/informs Clinical Coordinator and Charge Nurse of unit activities, needs, and problems.

• Organizes and reprioritizes work based on staff needs, patients' needs, available resources, and unit requirements.

• Demonstrates a theoretical knowledge base, critical thinking skills, and efficient prioritization of patient needs.

• Demonstrates consistent ability/competence in patient care areas.

• Actively solicits feedback from patients and visitors.

• Functions independently with most procedures/protocols and those which require assisting a physician.

• Recognizes limitations and seeks the appropriate assistance when needed.

• Demonstrates ability to respond to emergency situations.

• Documents patient care per hospital policy.

• Provides a safe environment for patients and visitors.

• Contributes to reduction of infections and adheres to infection control guidelines.

• Fosters spirit of teamwork within assigned area.

• Participates in quality improvement activities within the unit.

• Supervises LPN and UAP when assigned. Reviews data collection and implements and modifies plan of care for patients assigned to an LPN.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to: Nurse Manager and Clinical Coordinator

Supervises: Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) and Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)

Responsibilities: May delegate/assign duties to other members of the healthcare team.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum Required Education:
Must be a Registered Nurse licensed in the State of Virginia or compact state. Specialty areas may require further education.

Preferred Education:
BSN

Experience:
One-year RN experience in an acute care/hospital setting preferred. Specialty areas may require further experience and qualifications. Employee should be competent in position within 90 days of employment.

Certifications and Licensure

• Must be a Registered Nurse licensed in the State of Virginia or compact state.

• Must have current BLS Certification.

• Certification in a specialty field preferred.

• Maintains active BLS Certification.

• Maintains preferred certifications related to specialty area (i.e., ACLS, NRP, CEN, etc.).