The Registered Nurse (RN) I is a professional caregiver who assumes responsibility and accountability for a group of patients for a designated time frame. The RN I provides care to patients via the therapeutic use of self, the nursing process, the environment and instrumentation, and other health care team members.

• Performs assessment/data collection in an on-going systematic manner focusing on physiologic, psychosocial, cultural, spiritual and cognitive status as well as nutrition, pain, patient/family education, family involvement and patient advocacy. Identifies patient/family learning needs and implements appropriate measures. Documents patient care and unit activities in a timely, accurate, and concise manner. Demonstrates sound knowledge base and actions in the care of a designated patient population.
• Formulates a goal-directed plan of care that is prioritized and based on determined nursing diagnosis and patient outcomes. Establishes priorities or patient care based on essential patient needs and available unit resources of time, personnel, equipment, and supplies. Evaluates effectiveness of care given by health care team members.
• Implements care in a thorough, skillful, consistent, and continuous manner. Performs efficiently in emergency patient care situations following established protocols, remaining calm, informing appropriate persons, and documenting events. Demonstrates an awareness of and sensitivity to patient/family rights, age specific needs, cultural and ethical beliefs. Demonstrates knowledge of legal issues, including patient confidentiality and risk management in all aspects of patient care and unit functioning. Demonstrates knowledge of and applies safety principles as identified within the institution.
• Demonstrates a service philosophy in all interactions with patients, families, and all members of the health care team. Establishes effective working relationships with members of the health care team, patients, and families. Acknowledges staff rights and cultural and ethical beliefs.
• Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for own professional practice. Participates in unit and Department Performance Improvement activities as directed. Participates in nursing research activities as requested.
• Participates regularly in staff development activities for unit and Department of Nursing personnel. Delegates appropriately and coordinates duties of health care team members. Provides data for staffing decisions and demonstrates flexibility in the resolution of staffing issues; demonstrates flexibility when floating to other units upon requests. Identifies and solves problems effectively. Utilizes effective communication methods and skills, following lines of authority, as appropriate.
• Performs other related duties as necessary.
• Supervisory Responsibilities. This job has no supervisory responsibilities.