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) within 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 effectively with experienced RNs and the broader healthcare team.
• Administers medications and treatments precisely as ordered by physicians, meticulously ensuring accuracy, patient safety, and full compliance with established protocols.
• Performs comprehensive patient assessments, documenting vital signs, patient responses, and any changes in condition promptly and accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Provides essential patient and family education, addressing basic care instructions, procedures, and treatment plans to enhance patient understanding and encourage adherence.
• Supports patient mobility, assists with personal hygiene, and aids in daily living activities, while consistently maintaining a clean, organized, and safe patient environment.
• Communicates effectively and clearly with patients, their families, and the healthcare team, diligently reporting any significant changes in patient conditions to supervising RNs.
• Adheres rigorously to infection control protocols, patient safety guidelines, and hospital policies to ensure and maintain a secure and safe care environment for all.

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

• Educates patients thoroughly about pregnancy, provides crucial prenatal screenings, and adequately prepares patients for the labor and delivery process.
• Assesses and closely monitors the new mother’s physical recovery, including vital signs, signs of postpartum hemorrhage, and potential complications such as postpartum depression.
• Assists with the administration of epidurals and other vital pain management techniques during labor.
• Administers pain medication, induces labor when necessary, and manages all other medication needs throughout labor and delivery.
• Assists directly during labor and delivery, closely monitors fetal well-being, administers necessary medications, and provides effective pain relief. Monitors mothers and newborns post-delivery, assesses their well-being, and provides comprehensive education on postpartum care and breastfeeding.
• Assesses and monitors newborn health, meticulously takes vital signs, performs routine assessments, and educates parents thoroughly on newborn care.
• Assists with gynecological exams and procedures, and provides essential education on reproductive health, contraception, and prenatal care.
• Educates patients extensively about family planning, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
• Interprets fetal heart rate patterns accurately and assesses fetal well-being using electronic fetal monitoring systems.
• Performs other duties as assigned to support the unit’s operations.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all hospital policies and established standards.

Qualifications

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of the nursing process and core clinical nursing practices.
• Ability to perform thorough and accurate patient assessments and communicate findings effectively to the healthcare team.
• Proficient in administering medications safely and meticulously monitoring for potential side effects.
• Effective communication and strong interpersonal skills essential for collaborating seamlessly with interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail in documenting all aspects of patient care.
• Solid knowledge of safety standards, infection control protocols, 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 preferred
• Refer to facility or unit-specific guidelines for additional requirements.