Graduate Registered Nurse (RN)

Job Description

Graduate Registered Nurse (RN) Job Description

Job Summary

The Graduate Registered Nurse (RN) provides basic nursing care under the direct supervision of a licensed registered nurse (RN) in an acute care setting. This role is specifically designed for newly graduated nurses who are transitioning into professional nursing practice. The Graduate RN delivers patient care, administers treatments, and supports patient education to promote recovery, safety, and well-being. This position offers a structured environment for new nurses to apply their foundational knowledge and develop their clinical skills with ongoing guidance from experienced professionals.

Essential Functions

• Assists in the development and implementation of individualized patient care plans, actively collaborating with experienced RNs and other healthcare team members to ensure comprehensive and patient-centered care.
• Administers medications and treatments as ordered by physicians, meticulously ensuring accuracy, patient safety, and strict compliance with established protocols and ethical guidelines.
• Performs thorough patient assessments, accurately documenting vital signs, patient responses to interventions, and any changes in condition promptly and precisely in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Provides clear and concise patient and family education, addressing basic care instructions, procedural details, and treatment plans to enhance patient understanding and promote adherence to care regimens.
• Supports patient mobility, personal hygiene, and daily living activities, while diligently maintaining a clean, organized, and safe environment to prevent falls and infections.
• Communicates effectively and empathetically with patients, families, and healthcare teams, diligently reporting any significant changes in patient conditions or concerns to supervising RNs immediately.
• Adheres rigorously to infection control protocols, patient safety guidelines, and all hospital policies and procedures to maintain a consistently safe and sterile care environment for all.

Specialized Functions for Obstetrics/Labor and Delivery/Post Partum/Nursery Graduate RN:

• Educates patients comprehensively about pregnancy stages, provides essential prenatal screenings, and thoroughly prepares patients for the labor and delivery process.
• Assesses and monitors the new mother’s physical recovery post-delivery, including taking vital signs, vigilance for postpartum hemorrhage, and early detection of potential complications like postpartum depression.
• Assists with epidurals and other pain management techniques during labor, ensuring patient comfort and safety.
• Administers pain medication, induces labor as prescribed, and manages other medication needs throughout the labor and delivery process, adhering to strict protocols.
• Actively assists during labor and delivery, meticulously monitors fetal well-being using various methods, administers necessary medications, and provides continuous pain relief and support.
• Monitors mothers and newborns after delivery, comprehensively assesses their well-being, and provides critical education on postpartum care, newborn care, and breastfeeding techniques.
• Assesses and monitors newborn health, takes vital signs, performs routine newborn assessments, and educates parents thoroughly on essential newborn care practices.
• Assists with gynecological exams and procedures, and provides education on reproductive health, contraception options, and comprehensive prenatal care.
• Educates patients about family planning, fertility awareness, all stages of pregnancy, childbirth processes, and essential postpartum care.
• Interprets fetal heart rate patterns accurately and assesses fetal well-being using electronic fetal monitoring equipment to detect any potential distress early.
• Performs other duties as assigned by supervising staff to support patient care and unit operations.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance, demonstrating commitment to team and patient needs.
• Complies with all hospital policies, procedures, and professional standards of nursing practice.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in a clinical nursing role or student clinical rotations in an acute care setting required, demonstrating foundational practical experience.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strong knowledge of the nursing process and fundamental clinical nursing practices, including assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Ability to perform thorough patient assessments and communicate findings effectively and concisely to supervising RNs and the healthcare team.
• Proficient in administering medications safely and accurately, and diligently monitoring patients for desired effects and potential side effects.
• Effective communication and strong interpersonal skills to collaborate seamlessly with interdisciplinary teams, patients, and families.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail in documenting all aspects of patient care accurately and completely in the EMR.
• Knowledge of safety standards, infection control principles, and quality improvement initiatives within an acute care setting.

Licenses and Certifications

• RN – Registered Nurse – State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required (Current and unrestricted).
• BCLS – Basic Cardiac Life Support required (Current certification from American Heart Association or equivalent).
• ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred (especially for certain acute care units).
• PALS – Pediatric Advanced Life Support preferred (especially for pediatric units or emergency departments).
• NRP – Neonatal Resuscitation Program preferred (especially for Labor & Delivery, Postpartum, and Nursery units).
• Refer to facility or unit-specific guidelines for additional requirements, as certifications may vary based on specialty area.