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 an acute care setting. This role is specifically designed for newly graduated nurses who are transitioning into professional nursing practice. The Graduate RN is responsible for delivering patient care, administering treatments, and supporting patient education to promote recovery, safety, and overall well-being.

Essential Functions

• Assists in the development and implementation of individualized patient care plans, collaborating closely with experienced RNs and other healthcare team members.
• Administers medications and treatments precisely as ordered by physicians, ensuring accuracy, safety, and strict compliance with established protocols.
• Performs comprehensive patient assessments, meticulously documenting vital signs, patient responses, and any observed changes in condition promptly within the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Provides essential patient and family education, addressing basic care instructions, procedures, and treatment plans to enhance patient understanding and adherence.
• Supports patient mobility, personal hygiene, and daily living activities, while actively maintaining a clean and safe patient care environment.
• Communicates effectively and clearly with patients, families, and healthcare teams, diligently reporting any significant changes in patient conditions to supervising RNs.
• Adheres rigorously to infection control protocols, patient safety guidelines, and hospital policies to maintain a consistently safe care environment.
• For Obstetrics/Labor and Delivery/Postpartum/Nursery Graduate RN:
  • Educates patients comprehensively about pregnancy, provides crucial prenatal screenings, and thoroughly prepares patients for labor and delivery.
  • Assesses and monitors the new mother’s physical recovery, including vital signs, potential postpartum hemorrhage, and possible complications like postpartum depression.
  • Assists with epidurals and other pain management techniques effectively during labor.
  • Administers pain medication, induces labor, and manages other medication needs throughout labor and delivery.
  • Assists actively during labor and delivery, monitors fetal well-being, administers necessary medications, and provides vital pain relief. Monitors mothers and newborns closely after delivery, assesses their well-being, and provides essential education on postpartum care and breastfeeding.
  • Assesses and monitors newborn health, takes vital signs, performs routine assessments, and educates parents thoroughly on newborn care.
  • Assists with gynecological exams and procedures, and provides education on reproductive health, contraception, and prenatal care.
  • Educates patients about family planning, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
  • Interprets fetal heart rate patterns and accurately assesses fetal well-being using electronic fetal monitoring.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support department operations.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance, which is crucial for continuity of care.
• Complies with all hospital policies and standards consistently.

Qualifications

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of the nursing process and fundamental clinical nursing practices.
• Ability to perform thorough patient assessments and communicate findings effectively and clearly.
• Proficient in administering medications accurately and monitoring patients for potential side effects.
• Effective communication and strong interpersonal skills to collaborate seamlessly with interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail in documenting patient care.
• Knowledge of safety standards, infection control principles, and quality improvement initiatives.

Licenses and Certifications

• RN – Registered Nurse – State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required
• BCLS – Basic Cardiac Life Support required
• ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred
• PALS – Pediatric Advanced Life Support preferred
• NRP – Neonatal Resuscitation Program preferred
• Refer to facility or unit-specific guidelines for any additional requirements.