* New Grads are welcome!

Summary of Primary Function/General Purpose of Position 
The New-to-Practice Stepdown RN functions as an entry-level care provider of a multidisciplinary care team responsible for the delivery of patient care through using the nursing process of assessment, diagnosing, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The New-to-Practice RN possesses the basic knowledge of a patient's age and cultural diversity into the provision of patient care, contributes to the provision of quality nursing care through performance improvement initiatives, collaborates with other professional disciplines, and supports the mission of the ministry to provide physical and psychological support to patients and families. 

Essential Job Functions                                                               
In collaboration with an experienced Stepdown RN and other members of interdisciplinary teams, the New-to-Practice RN safely demonstrates basic knowledge of contemporary nursing practice. The RN performs and documents complete patient assessments, initiates, and maintains current nursing care plans for all assigned patients, identifies patient learning needs to provide individualized and comprehensive teaching, administers medications in a safe manner consistent with the State of Practice and Bon Secours Mercy Health policies and procedures, serves as a point of contact for patients' care coordination throughout the hospital departments, acts as a patient safety advocate by participating in ongoing quality improvement in the department, and serves as a patient advocate in collaboration with spiritual care, palliative care, and ethics.   

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
 

Licensing/Certification
Current RN license in state they are working or covered by compact or RN applicant (required)
BLS Basic Life Support (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care)

Education
Bachelor of Science Nursing (preferred)
 

Skills
•    Possesses clinical knowledge, skills, and competency to provide evidence-based patient care in accordance with the current standards of practice, policy and procedure, and BSMH mission. 
•    Performs comprehensive assessment of patient's clinical condition and psychosocial needs of the patient and their supportive resources.
•    Safely and efficiently develops, implements, and prioritizes plan of care.
•    Application of the nursing process in patient care delivery.
•    Assesses patient's physical and emotional responses to treatment to evaluate effectiveness of intervention and patient outcomes; revises plan of care accordingly.
•    Assists patient and family in coping with patient's illness. 
•    Collaborates with others in the delivery of coordinated patient care.
•    Strong interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.
•    Applies cultural diversity and inclusion principles when caring for patients and their support resources.
•    Recognizes own limitations and seeks assistance and acquires information to perform safely.
•    Advances personal and professional growth through participation in educational programs, current literature, in-services, and workshops.
•    Exhibits professionalism through accountability for own and delegated actions.
•    Integrates cost-effective measures into practice and models effective stewardship of available resources. 
•    Practices self-care and cultivates resilience in conflict and difficult circumstances. 
•    Protects the safety and privacy of all persons.
•    Understanding and utilization of office and clinical technologies.       

Working Conditions
Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur
May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse
May be required to use physical restraints
May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights
May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids
May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials 
May have periods of constant interruptions
Prolonged periods of working alone

Physical Requirements
Lifting/Carrying (0-50 lbs.):   34-66%
Lifting/Carrying (50-100 lbs.)    34-66%
Push/Pull (0-50 lbs.)    34-66%
Push/Pull (50-100 lbs.)    34-66%
Stoop/Kneel   0%
Crawling    0%
Climbing    1-33%
Balance    1-33%
Bending    34-66%
Sitting    34-66%
Walking    34-66%
Standing   34-66%

Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards
Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)
Perform shift work
Maneuver weight of patients
Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder
Reach above shoulder
Repetitive arm/hand movements
Finger Dexterity
Color Vision
Acuity - far
Acuity - near
Depth perception
Use of Latex Gloves
Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents
Exposure to moving mechanical parts
Exposure to dust/fumes
Exposure to potential electrical shock
Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy
Exposure to high pitched noises
Gaseous risk exposure

Patient Population
Adolescents (13-17 years)
Adults (18-64 years)
Geriatrics (65 years and older)