Job Abstract

Functions as a Lead of the healthcare team, coordinates departmental operations that ensure quality patient care in a safe, healing environment that is patient and family centered. Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for own professional practice. Has appropriate clinical skills to be an expert resource. Is available and supportive to employees and understands priorities/needs of the department. Is a staff role model for professional nursing practice. May recommend to management in efficient resource allocation by assuring appropriate patient assignments, staffing, and scheduling. Demonstrates performance consistent with the strategic plan of the organization and the KP nursing mission and values.

The Senior Registered Nurse demonstrates proficiency by exhibiting the following skills, competencies, and behaviors:

Leadership:

• Directs, reviews, assigns and organizes the work of at least three (3) or more employees, of which at least one (1) must be another Registered Nurse OR if the Registered Nurse is the only Registered Nurse assigned to the medical office OR a Registered Nurse in a department where the supervisor is not a Registered Nurse to ensure completion of patient care/department activities. Applies the KP Nursing mission, vision, values and behaviors in daily practice. Understands needs and sets priorities for the department. Provides professional leadership and direction of department personnel in order to maintain efficient delivery of effective patient care. Coordinates departmental operations and delegates tasks appropriately. Is an excellent staff role model for professional nursing practice (e.g. RN/MD Collaborating for Outcomes, Just Culture, Quality, Service, Safety). Facilitates interprofessional/interdisciplinary communication and collaboration. Supports and enhances the leadership skills of the staff RNs, LVNs and MAs. Upholds compliance with Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities, applicable state and federal laws and regulations, and accreditation and licensure requirements. Champions new ideas; Actively collaborates with others through the change process. Acts as a resource, preceptor and mentor to new employees, registry, students, and other team members in department specific operations and patient care activities. Collaborates with or refers to manager/clinical nurse specialist any outstanding issues or concerns on the unit. Demonstrates ability to identify and resolve problems in collaboration with work team and with other departments. Ensures compliance with regulatory requirements, policies, procedures, and standards of practice. Upholds the Standards of the California Nurse Practice Act, the AAACN Standards of Practice and the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses.

Nursing Process:

• Serves as a resource for clinical concerns, scope of practice and applicable state and federal regulations as well as operational concerns of providers and staff. Possesses experience and skills to be a resource for providers, RNs, LVNs, MAs and clerical support staff. Demonstrates flexibility in work schedule to meet the department demands of the day; facilitates and relieves staff breaks. Actively involved in assigning, orienting, precepting and coaching staff as needed. Encourages completion and distribution of After Visit Summary (AVS) plan including barriers and patient/family education.

Documentation:

• Conducts audits and ensures that documentation reflects thorough assessments, incorporates physical and psychosocial findings, diagnostic tests, learning needs, barriers, multidisciplinary education plans and age appropriate care.

Clinical Outcomes:

• Participates/leads various aspects of department operations (staff competencies, department committees, Unit Based Teams (UBT), new projects, quality efforts, Clinical Strategic Goal (CSG) activities and educational programs). Demonstrates knowledge of patients specific conditions commonly seen in the department and care required. Interfaces with the Chief and DA/Manager regarding performance, as necessary. Actively participates, champions and motivates other staff in quality improvement in patient care, workflow, and improvement in clinical initiatives and working conditions of the department. Coordinates paramedic and emergency medical management of 911 and ACLS transport. Provides input on employees performance evaluations through daily observation and monitoring of performance. Performs medication verification for MAs and assists/performs audits.

Workplace Safety:

• Adjusts/Identifies staffing needs of the department, in coordination with department manager, to assure quality patient care, patient and staff safety, efficiency, productivity and working conditions of providers and staff. Actively models LMP Workplace Safety principles and practices.

Patient Care Experience/Customer Service:

• Acts as a role model for staff by providing a patient care experience that exceeds members expectations. Ensures timely and appropriate management of patients. Coordinates smooth transition for patients across the care continuum.

Team Commitment:

• Ensures support of the collaborative Labor-Management Partnership environment through unit based teams (UBTs). Identifies and supports staff professional/clinical development needs (i.e.certification, presentations, reward/recognition). Motivates staff to attain their fullest potential in improving performance, attendance, access, service and quality outcomes. Lead/facilitate daily multidisciplinary huddles. Confronts difficult or conflict situations constructively and seeks appropriate assistance.

Fiscal Responsibility:

• Participates in resource allocation (assignments, scheduling, staffing, equipment/supplies management). Collaborates and assists with the Department Physician in Charge (PIC) or Chief of Service, DA, ADAs and Supervisors in staffing, workflow and throughput to promote quality patient care, patient and staff safety, efficiency, productivity and working conditions of providers and staff.

Message Management:

• Monitor in-basket management to ensure timely completion of messages. Ensures use of nurse advice protocols for medical problem, same day and symptom-based messages. Ensures patient call back messages are responded to in a timely manner. Assists or ensures completion of in basket messages in collaboration with Providers and other staff i.e. in basket support staff, module LVN and Medical Assistants.

Professional Development:

• Takes responsibility for professional growth and development. Attends Charge Nurse Educational programs.