General Summary

This role is reserved for the new graduate or nurse with less than 12 months experience. The nurse will utilize this time to learn the institution and nursing practice. It is expected that a nurse in this role successfully pass the probationary period within 12 months (18 months maximum with a defined action plan developed with manager). Utilizes the nursing process as the frame of reference for practice as a professional nurse. Participates in activities to develop own practice, and to support group practice goals at the unit level. Functions effectively as a member of the interdisciplinary health care team. Is accountable to patient, family and team members for care provided, and to the nurse manager for totality of work performance.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. These are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Clinical Practice/Care Delivery

• Novice: focus of clinical practice/care delivery is on own learning
• Uses/applies evidence based practice; accesses appropriate resources
• Follows hospital policies, procedures, documentation, etc.
• Involves patient and family in care
• Conducts patient/family needs assessment; initiates and documents patient/family education
• Assists with precepting students, may assist with share days or shadow days PRN

Professional Development

• Responsible for accessing education applicable to self professional development; focus on completion of competencies appropriate for patient care setting.
• Successful completion of orientation within 12 months (18 months for those with an identified development plan).
• Accountable for orientation e.g. assignments, goal setting, communication of needs, attending required meetings, etc).
• Accountable for achieving/maintaining requirements necessary for successful unit practice.
• Attends mandatory training and education classes specific to unit/department.
• Support and attend educational offerings such as in-services, etc.

Service Quality/Safety

Follows unit policies, procedures, protocols and Best Practices.

Supports hospital initiatives for process improvement plans, including data collection.

Aware of patient/family satisfaction scores and contributes to unit initiatives for improvement.

Recognizes potential/actual patient/family issues and seeks assistance to address if unable to resolve independently.

Participates in some or all elements of research if applicable.

Unit Operations

• Supports Charge Nurse role and demonstrates basic understanding of the role.
• Actively contributes to teamwork (collaborates with peers, flexible with assignments, takes admissions as required, etc).
• May orient to charge if needed (situation dependent upon unit and individual's progress).
• Attends staff meetings (per unit protocols).
• Aware of and supports organizational nursing governance structure and opportunities.
• Participates in decision making via shared governance model; provides feedback as appropriate.
• Participates in organizational initiatives such as surveys (Employee Engagement, Safety Survey and others).
• Provides feedback for peer review as requested.
• Maintains standards for unit operations (equipment maintenance, scheduling guidelines, etc).
• Maintains regulatory requirements for TJC/CARF readiness; participates in tracer activities.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs. Provides the care needed as described in the unit/area/department policies and procedures.