• Assists in the supervision of patient care given by nursing personnel; evaluates standards of patient care daily on assigned shift; makes assignments appropriate to patient acuity and competency of staff; and supervises and verifies accurate transcription of orders as required.
• Performs initial patient assessment utilizing the nursing process and age-specific needs, prescribe a plan of care for each patient, updating as necessary, and confers with other shifts and departments to promote continuity of care.
• Documents initial assessment, delivery of patient care, and other pertinent information in patient’s medical record; monitors documentation of other personnel.
• Informs physician of patient’s arrival, general condition, and pertinent physical and emotional findings, and assists the physician with treatments, examinations, and/or patient rounds when indicated.
• Coordinates and performs bedside care of patients; performs, assists, or delegates with skilled procedures.
• Administers or supervises the administration of scheduled and PRN medications, intravenous fluids, blood, and blood products.
• Ensures the proper segregation and safe disposal of hazardous pharmaceutical waste.
• Communicates information regarding patients and unit operations to other shifts and managers and uses proper channels of communication to other departments of the hospital.
• Communicates information or provides assistance to ambulance personnel, law enforcement agencies, community agencies, allied health groups, or support groups in accordance with unit policies/procedures.
• Performs related responsibilities as required or directed.
• Assists in the orientation of new personnel to the unit and serves as a role model as required.
• Appropriately prioritizes the physician’s orders.
• Communicates with the patient and his/her family and collaborates with other disciplines for providing emotional support, teaching, and discharge planning.
• Checks emergency equipment and drugs on the unit each shift as assigned or required.
• Performs as primary caregiver, team leader, or charge nurse when assigned, delegating responsibilities to supportive personnel assigned to each unit.

EDUCATION: Completion of a diploma, associate, or baccalaureate degree in nursing required.  
LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION: Current licensure as a Registered Nurse as approved by the Tennessee Board of Nursing for practice in the state of Tennessee. Responsible for Continuing Education Units annually. BLS certification must be obtained within the orientation period, and certification must be kept current while in this position. ACLS certification is required, and certification must be kept current. Certification in area of clinical expertise by recognized authoritative agency desirable. Additional certifications may be required at the department’s discretion.  
EXPERIENCE: One year of current hospital experience required.