JOB SUMMARY AND SCOPE
Upon hire, the Graduate Nurse will be paired with a Registered Nurse (RN) for orientation. Orientation will consist of rotating 12-hour shifts, days, nights, weekends and holidays. Hospital orientation and any nursing documentation/skills will also be completed. Orientation will consist of approximately 12 weeks of direct nursing care within the unit The Graduate Nurse will always be assigned a RN preceptor. The Graduate Nurse will work alongside their preceptor to direct and coordinate with members of the patient care team, focusing on the provision of individualized quality patient care consistent with Down East Community Hospital and Maine State standards. The Graduate Nurse will learn how to develop the patient care plan in partnership with the physicians, other patient care team members, the patient, and, if applicable, the patient’s family.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- The Graduate Nurse is not expected to have a skill set beyond what is learned in the clinical and classroom setting.
- The Graduate Nurse will be engaged in an intensive orientation that involves learning specific skills.
- The Graduate Nurse will be able to complete comprehensive age specific care to the population of patients.
- The Graduate Nurse must have a high level of interpersonal and communication skills as well as be a team player.
- The Graduate Nurse must demonstrate reliability and accountability to team members and patients.
- The Graduate Nurse demonstrates professional nursing practice skills utilizing the nursing process in assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating the care of all assigned patients along with their preceptor.
- The Graduate Nurse will learn to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient ie. pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric, on the unit.
- The Graduate Nurse alongside their preceptor will learn the responsibility for meeting the established Medical-Surgical Standards of Nursing Practice, for supervising assigned direct care staff and for care of supplies and equipment on the unit.
- The Graduate Nurse will learn how to promote teamwork with medical staff and personnel throughout the hospital with relation to the unit.
- The Graduate Nurse shall adhere to all hospital policies regarding confidentiality, sexual harassment, advance directive and Americans with Disabilities Act.
Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing, or currently in the last semester of Nursing School or have recently graduated from Nursing School.
- Must be able to provide an Authorization to test, prior to start date.
- Must attempt the NCLEX within 60 days of hire, and hold or be eligible to obtain CNA, licensure in the event the Graduate is unable to pass the NCLEX exam.
- New graduates are required to pass the NCLEX® examination within three months of starting orientation.
- Current BLS
PHYSICAL EFFORT AND ENVIRONMENT
Clinical: Frequently lifts up to 35 pounds independently. Frequently pushes/pulls 100 pounds using mechanical and other assistive devices. Walks, stands, kneels, bends most of the time. Exhibits fine motor skills and manual dexterity necessary to perform the essential job functions of the position. Visual acuity correctable to 20/20. Color vision is necessary. Normal hearing acuity.
EXPOSURE RISK
Exposure Category I: Employee at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens.
QUALITY IMPROVEMENT
Maintains current knowledge of the hospital-wide Quality Improvement Program.
Collaborates with management to improve the effectiveness of the department through the Quality Improvement plans and processes.
Participates in the departmental and hospital-wide Quality Improvement activities as directed by the manager.
COMPLIANCE
Adheres to the federal, state, and local statutes and regulations.
Adheres to the Compliance Program policies and procedures of Down East Community.
Adheres to all Privacy and Security policies and procedures of Down East Community.
Communicates any concern related to compliance issues to manager of department or Compliance Officer.
Communicates any concern related to confidentiality issues to the Privacy Officer.
VALUES
- Models Desired Behavior:
- Lead by example
- Be a team player, assist co-workers
- Be trustworthy, credible, honest and ethical
- Be consistent
- Demonstrate a positive attitude toward co-workers and the organization
- Maintain composure
- Act reliably
- Demonstrate professionalism
- Maintain attendance
- Act respectfully
- Display superior customer service
- Accountable:
- Adhere to the Code of Conduct
- Maintain confidentiality with health and proprietary information
- Adhere to all licensure, accreditation, risk management and compliance requirements
- Participate in continuous quality improvement
- Be responsible for one’s own actions as well as the resulting consequences
- Be part of the solution
- Adhere to the policies and procedures of the organization
- Use the Chain of Command as appropriate
- Report concerns regarding risks or hazards in a timely manner
- Meet work and project deadlines
- Competent:
- Stay up-to-date and educated with regulatory compliance
- Communicate best practice ideas
- Develop and utilize internal and external resources
- Demonstrate a high level of expertise
- Devote appropriate time and effort to the development of professional competence
- Excellent Communicator:
- Be an active listener
- Make eye contact
- Ask clarifying questions when needed
- Act in a manner that indicates you value the person’s input or feedback
- Create a safe environment for people to share their ideas
- Confirm that you have understood the information provided
- Affirm that the person has understood the information provided
- Communicate directly with the person of concern
- Understand your personal communication style and how it impacts others
- Use appropriate email etiquette
- Responsive:
- React appropriately and quickly to needs of all customers
- Take initiative
- Be receptive to the needs of others
- Provide feedback in a timely manner
- Respond to calls, emails and requests in a timely manner
- Fiscally Responsible:
- Utilize resources appropriately
- Be mindful of Cost Saving Opportunities