Key Skills :

Requirements :

G.N.M/ B.Sc Nursing

Description :

BROAD FUNCTION:

• The Staff Nurse is responsible in the provision of quality patient care by maintaining accurate records and in the maintenance of professional standards through continuing education and development.
• The Staff Nurse is also responsible for the orientation and induction training for new and junior Staff Nurses in the Ward.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1] PATIENT CARE

Assessment:

• To obtain and document a patient assessment which incorporates all available data /information.
• To utilize techniques of observation, interview, measurement and physical examination in making an assessment.
• To identify from assessment actual and potential problems in collaboration with patient and senior nursing personnel.

Planning:

• To plan and document a nursing care plan using the nursing process.  Plan priorities of nursing care.
• To refer problems with less predictable outcomes to senior nursing personnel.
• To discuss nursing care plan with the patient.
• To continually update the nursing care plan as patient status demands.
• To commence discharged planning as soon as it is feasible in co-operation with patient and significant others.  Demonstrate same in written care plan.

Implementation:

• To deliver care using the nursing process, setting priorities in the delivery of care.
• To delegate and supervise nursing care delivered by junior Staff Nurses.

• To co-ordinate care delivered by other health professionals.

Evaluation:

• To evaluate each shift aspect of nursing intervention and document.

• To revise care plans if outcomes cannot be met.
• To communicate evaluation and subsequent plan to patient/significant others and healthcare team.

2] HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

• To participate in the performance appraisal of new Staff Nurses.
• To advise Nurse Manager/Team Leader of malfunctioning equipment.
• To utilize resources effectively and efficiently.

3] QUALITY ASSURANCE

• To participate in Nursing Quality Assurance programs.
• To encourage staff participation in unit-based Nursing Quality Assurance programs.
• To identify unsafe care practices and contribute to corrective action.

4] LIASION AND COMMUNICATION

• To support Hospital’s policies and procedures.
• To attend nursing meetings on a regular basis.        

5] PERSONAL AND PROFFESSIONAL

• To participate in professional organizations.
• To maintain current trends in nursing practice and management through formal education and self development efforts.
• To maintain professional knowledge, skills and accept responsibility for own education and career development.
• Taking over from the previous shift nurse.
• Checks and takes over the items of bedside checklist.
• Renders nursing care to assigned group of patients.
• Bed making.
• Sponging.
• Giving mouth care.
• Giving back care to bed ridden patients
• Hair washing, combing and nail care.
• Shaving and preparing the patients in cases of operations and other procedures.
• Giving enema.            
• Help the Doctors in dressings.
• Preparation of ice caps and giving the same to the patients.
• Giving tepid and cold sponging for patients with high grade fever.
• Supervise the distribution of food to the patients.
• Feeding the bed ridden patients.

•    Signs the Checklist of items kept for each patient after counting the items in each shift.

• Accompanies the patient from ward to operation theatre, diagnostic department while patients are with I.V. on.
• Observes and reports symptoms and condition of patients as and when necessary to doctor.
• Takes and records TPR, BP, administers medication, notes reaction, sets up treatment trays, prepares for dressing and other procedure and assists physicians.
• Co-ordinates with paramedical workers e.g. Physiotherapist, Dieticians.
• Takes rounds with doctors.
• Assist ward sister in admission, discharges, transfer in and transfer out of patients. Proper documentation and reporting to supervisors regarding any mishaps or untoward incidents, happening in the absence of the ward sister.
• Giving feedback to Executive Nurse or Floor Nurse Manager time to time in relation to patient care and ward management.
• Giving health teaching to the assigned patients and relations.
• Assist ward sister as need arises in supervision of HCAs and housekeeping staff to maintain clean and healthy environment on the Floor.
• Checks the inventory, CSSD items, Dressing Trolley, Procedure trolley, Crash cart and Biomedical equipments in each shift.
• Assist Executive Nurse in supervision of nursing student’s clinical experience in absence of tutor.
• Helps new appointees as well as Private Nurses if any working under her in understanding and following the hospital policies.
• Cleaning and final covering of expired patient by assisting the staff.
• Any other duty assigned from time to time.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Registered nurse from an accredited Nursing School / Diploma / University.
• Professional licence to practice Nursing.
• Post certification in the appropriate specialty preferred.                    

SKILLS:           

• Effective oral and communication skills.
• Two yearly recertification of Basic Life Support.