RN, Lead (OR)

JOB SUMMARY: As a lead, the Registered Nurse serves as a working team member who coordinates and validates the work of the nursing team and functions as a clinical knowledge resource for peers. The Lead RN maintains a patient care assignment and does not hold supervisory authority for staff actions.

SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides direct patient care within the assigned clinical setting, based on the nursing process and within the RN scope of practice.
2. Assesses patients, identifies changes in condition, and communicates clinical concerns to the provider.
3. Develops, implements, and evaluates the plan of care in collaboration with providers and the interdisciplinary team.
4. Administers medications and treatments per provider order; monitors and documents patient response, including adverse reactions.
5. Establishes and maintains peripheral intravenous access as clinically indicated.
6. Recognizes and responds to medical emergencies; initiates BLS/ACLS interventions and activates emergency response procedures as appropriate.
7. Provides patient and family education on disease process, treatment, medications, and self-management of health.
8. Responds to and triages patient inquiries and concerns; takes appropriate action in consultation with the provider.
9. Coordinates patient care across the continuum, including referrals, external records, transitions of care, and communication with ancillary services and outside agencies.
10. Documents nursing care in the electronic medical record in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
11. Coordinates daily clinical workflow within the assigned area to support safe and efficient patient care.
12. Validates the accuracy and completeness of clinical work and documentation within the assigned area.
13. Verifies readiness of the clinical environment, including supplies, equipment, and emergency resources.
14. Serves as a clinical knowledge resource for nursing and clinical support staff; provides guidance on established policies, procedures, and clinical standards.
15. Participates in the orientation, onboarding, and ongoing competency development of nursing and clinical support staff and students.
16. Identifies and escalates workflow, staffing, equipment, and patient care concerns to nursing leadership.
17. Supports implementation of departmental practice changes, quality initiatives, and regulatory readiness activities.

OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS: N/A

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None. Coordinates the work of others as a lead.

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE, REGISTRATION:

1. ADN or BSN from an accredited College of Nursing
2. Current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Arkansas, or a current multistate license through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) with the privilege to practice in Arkansas
3. Current BLS certification required at hire; ACLS certification required within 90 days of hire where required by the assigned department
4. Chemotherapy certification required within 90 days of hire for nurses assigned to Medical Oncology or Infusion Services
5. Valid Arkansas driver's license (if travel is required)

EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:

1. Minimum four (4) years of licensed registered nursing experience, including at least one (1) year in the assigned specialty or patient population
2. Clinical experience in the assigned specialty or patient population preferred
3. Expertise in IV therapy skills and injections
4. Excellent computer and other basic office equipment skills
5. Maintains required continuing education units (CEUs) as specified by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing

REASONING ABILITY:

1. Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
2. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:

1. Must interact and communicate both verbally and in written form.
2. Must interact and exchange information regarding patients with physicians and other departmental personnel, and outside agencies frequently while respecting the confidentiality of patient information.
3. Maintains a positive attitude and close working relationship with the AVP of Nursing and leadership across all departments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
2. The employee regularly is required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
3. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

This position involves potential exposure to infectious diseases. Colleagues are offered appropriate vaccinations and safety training.

This position is a Safety Sensitive Position and cannot be filled by a candidate who is a current user of medical marijuana. The essential functions, physical demands, and mental competencies of this job require the employee maintain the ability to work in a constant state of alertness in a safe manner.