Responsibilities

The primary purpose of the Staff Nurse position is to be accountable for the care activities, safety and goal achievements of assigned patients through assessing, diagnosing, planning and intervening in actual or potential health problems and evaluating patient’s response to the care. These responsibilities also include patient education and discharge planning. The Registered Professional Nurse places emphasis on mobilizing patients and preventing skin break down, falls and implements the appropriate measures to achieve this. The Registered Professional Nurse is a member of a designated care team and collaborates, coordinates and guides team members in planning patient care in a safe environment and achieving patient care goals according to the patient/family developmental stage and cultural expectations.

The competent practice of the Professional Registered Nurse is evidenced by patient/family goal achievement, patient/family satisfaction, care and services demonstrated and thoroughly documented in accordance with American Nurses Association Standards of Clinical Practice, Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Health Organization Standards Sentinel Event Alert Recommendation, Patient/Family Centered Principles, Department of Health Standards and UH Policies and Procedures. As professional licensed staff and member of an interdisciplinary team, the Registered Professional Nurse exemplifies the behavioral expectations articulated for this role and the Nursing Department Philosophy.

Qualifications

Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of New Jersey required, or eligible for New Jersey license. Employment will be contingent upon receiving New Jersey licensure. Graduate of School of Nursing. Psychiatric nursing experience preferred.

BLS required and must maintain valid certification by the American Heart Association in basic life support (BLS).

Ability to employ problem solving techniques and critical thinking. Effective interpersonal skills. Ability to lift and move patients with/without reasonable accommodations. Ability to organize care/activities of multiple patients.

Ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the job. Staff will be expected to utilize de-escalation techniques and proper physical interventional techniques. Must successfully complete “Handle with Care” training within one (1) year of employment. Completion of “Handle with Care” Training and Behavior Management techniques course annually is mandatory. Requires exceptional demonstration of patience and accommodation to the patients due to the nature of the patient population.

Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to adult and older adult patients. Must demonstrate knowledge of key principles of growth and development of the life span; possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status, culture and ethnicity. Must be able to interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s needs relative to his/her age, culture, ethnicity and disability (if applicable) in accordance with University Hospital’s policies and procedures.