Work With Us

Required Skills

Client Services

• Develop initial preliminary assessment data including clients’ presenting problems, mental status, relevant psychiatric, medical and developmental histories to make decisions regarding diagnosis (according to DSM-V) and/or to provide information and make appropriate referrals to other treatment resources in the community.
• Provide direct service intervention for emergency department patients.
• Implement crisis or pre-crisis intervention procedures with potentially suicidal, homicidal, or severely disabled clients. Make appropriate referrals to consulting psychiatrists or inpatient psychiatric facilities to prevent further destabilization.
• Coordinate referrals to inpatient and outpatient levels of care for emergency psychiatric assessments.
• Interview collateral contacts, previous and current treatment professionals, and significant others, as needed, to further assess appropriate plan of care.
• Conduct screenings and facilitates referrals from local hospitals, other agencies and/or internal programs to the state psychiatric facility (AMMHC) when applicable.
• Utilize MS Teams/Telehealth to conduct assessment of clients presenting to LMH, TMH and JMH with behavioral health concerns as requested by the ED providers

Client Information System

• Complete required administrative and legal paperwork (such as: voluntary and involuntary paperwork, Case Openings, SMI/SED, Acknowledgment of Voluntary Admission, Insurance Pre-Certifications, etc).
• Collect necessary information for billing and fee collection.
• Provide necessary client information to other agencies or health care providers to coordinate services to identified clients.
• Document assessments directly into the hospital EHR, where applicable, and ensure ED is provided with copies of all documentation when not able to enter directly into the client record.
• Complete insurance pre-certifications, when applicable, for patients being admitted to an MHS inpatient behavioral health unit.

Training Activities/Professional Growth

• Manager and employee mutually identify professional goals, which will enhance job related skills.
• Participate in ongoing agency meetings, committees, and special projects to enhance professional expertise.
• Attend and participate in mandatory monthly clinical supervision with manager as required by the IL Department of Human Services.
• Complete all mandatory education requirements by specified deadlines.
• Participate in required staff meetings and in-service meetings to keep abreast of agency policy and administrative procedures, meet requirements for continuing education, and upgrade professional knowledge.

Consultation/Networking

• Engage in appropriate team work functions (such as mutual support, clarification of office responsibilities and procedures) according agency policy to provide a professional working environment and effective service delivery.

Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Integrity, Quality, and Stewardship that support our mission, vision and values:

• SAFETY: I put safety first in everything I do.  I speak up, without fear on matters of patient and colleague safety.  I take action to create an environment of zero harm.
• INTEGRITY: I respect others and show compassion.  I behave honestly and ethically.  I am accountable for my attitude, actions and health
• QUALITY: I advance my knowledge and skills.  I seek continuous improvement.  I deliver evidence-based care that leads to excellence in outcomes
• STEWARDSHIP: I use resources wisely and maintain financial stability.  We work together to coordinate care and services across the health system. We promote healthier communities

Job Relationships

• Communicate directly with manager for clinical supervision, clarification of agency policy, and program evaluation to promote a professional working environment and effective service delivery system.
• In absence of immediate manager, will reach out to Director for clinical supervision.
• Adhere to MHS/MBH Behavioral Standards.

Other Job Responsibilities

• Respond to requests for service from the community and link to appropriate clinic program or outside agencies.
• Participate in On Call Rotation and assist manager in ensuring coverage of open shifts as needed
• Perform other duties as required by agency needs.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Required Skills

1. Supervises Food & Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition employees and directs operations including medical nutrition therapy, food production, food distribution and storage, cafe services, ware washing activities, and room service call center operators while ensuring compliance with regulatory agencies.

1. Interviews and hires employees.

1. Direct activities of patient food distribution, including service and delivery of meal trays, late, trays, bulk nourishments, special feedings and nourishments throughout the day, and handling of patient diet orders and menu selections.

1. Responsible for monthly and daily scheduling of employees under their supervision including scheduling of days off, vacations, holidays and ensuring the work is appropriately organized. Measures productivity and determines staffing needs to meet standards of care.

1. Embodies the Memorial Health System Values of Safety, Integrity, Quality, and Stewardship that support our mission, vision.

1. Complete performance evaluations of employees under their supervision.

1. Takes appropriate disciplinary actions and recommends termination when necessary.

1. Assists in maintaining food quality standards daily.

1. Provides oversight in the development of educational materials. Provide training and orientation for employees under their supervision. Oversee the supervised learning experience for dietetic interns and students.

1. Develop and provide education to the hospital and the community in order to promote a culture that values nutrition services.

1. Actively participates in quality control activities including compiling data for reports and identifying/solving problems.

1. Responsible for implementing the opening and/or closing procedures for the cafe and/or food service areas ensuring appropriate security measures are taken.

1. Maintain effective communications with clinical nutrition staff.

1. Maintain department sanitation and safety standards ensuring that cleaning schedules are followed, and food handled properly.

1. Revises or develops procedures for the efficient operation of the department.

1. Utilize the Nutrition Care Process as recommended by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and in accordance with hospital and system policies.

1. As needed, provided nutrition counseling and/or education to patients and/or caregivers based on assessment of individual learning needs.

1. Responsible for the maintenance and evaluation of the adult formularies.

1. Maintains an effective interpersonal relationship with all members of the management team and staff.

1. Accountable for controlling cash systems in the cafe.

1. Assist in the planning of general and modified diet menus, considering such factors as variety, regulatory requirements, seasonality, availability, regional food preferences, nutritional and caloric content, food costs, equipment and staffing, and disaster preparedness. Participates in the development of new menu items and participates in the testing for new food products and menu items.

1. Assists in supervising catering functions and staff when necessary.

1. Coordinates equipment repairs as indicated and recommends equipment replacement as indicated.

1. Builds and maintains relationships with vendors as indicated.

1. Provides input to support department budget writing.

1. Responds to the department electronic temperature monitoring system and troubleshoots related equipment malfunctions.

1. Provides coverage for department leaders in other areas as needed.

1. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Required Skills

1. Works with user departments on issues involving inventory levels and specific inventory and data needs. Determines the root cause(s) of inventory problems and recommends permanent fixes for improvement.

1. Utilizes an electronic materials management inventory system to review, analyze, and monitor inventory levels. Knowledge of Omnicell Technology for use in a backup capacity.

1. Works on Special Projects to help other departments with their inventory processes and technology. May be called on to be a trainer when needed.

1. Assesses, establishes, and maintains the appropriate inventory levels based on item turnover, lead-time, review period, order quantity, and safety stock. Periodically reviews and adjusts inventory levels based on usage, trends, and future needs.

1. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values:

• SAFETY: Prevent Harm – I put safety first in everything I do.  I take action to ensure the safety of others.
• COURTESY: Serve Others – I treat others with dignity and respect.  I project a professional image and positive attitude.
• QUALITY: Improve Outcomes – I continually advance my knowledge, skills and performance.  I work with others to achieve superior results.
• EFFICIENCY: Reduce Waste – I use time and resources wisely.  I prevent defects and delays.

1. Identifies inventory items exceeding established hold times and works with departmental management and/or staff to determine applicable use, retention, disposal or obsolescence of affected items.

1. Analyzes and determines the impact of inventory retention, turnover, and replenishment. Uses software spreadsheets to calculate associated costs and impact to affected departments. Tracks and trends turnover rates.

1. Works closely with Purchasing to remove surplus items from warehouse by returning to vendors or issue to affiliates.

1. Reviews items and examines space capacity to determine the best accommodation of items in the most efficient location within the supply chain.

1. Conducts assessment and analytical studies related to inventory management, such as stock room layout, special equipment, storage needs and allocation, and material handling methods and procedures.

1. Serves as a coordinator for the annual physical inventory. Has responsibility for continuously improving Inventory Turnover. May be called upon to help other departments with their fiscal year-end inventories.

1. Develops and produces a variety of statistical and data analysis reports for management.

1. Serves as a back-up for other areas within the unit or department, especially during times of special needs or staff absences.

1. Handles and transports floor-stock medications from Pharmacy to procedural area per the Medication Handling, Security, and Access by Non-licensed Hospital Staff Policy and Procedure.

1. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Required Skills

Essential Functions and Job Duties

• CLINICAL JUDGEMENT – Clinical reasoning, which includes decision-making, critical thinking, and a global grasp of the situation, coupled with nursing skills acquired through a process of integrating formal and informal experiential knowledge and evidence-based guidelines.
  • Demonstrates the ability to assess the full scope of patient needs, using the nursing process on a continuous basis.
  • Utilizes past nursing experience to anticipate problems while seeking out multi-disciplinary collaboration with comfort, when necessary.
  • Recognizes patterns and trends that may predict the direction of illness.
• CARING PRACTICES:  Nursing activity that create a compassionate, supportive, and therapeutic environment for patients/families and staff.  Working on another’s behalf and representing the concerns of the patient/family and nursing staff; serving as a moral agent in identifying and helping to resolve ethical and clinical concerns within and outside the clinical setting.
  • Promotes safety throughout patient’s and family’s transitions along the healthcare continuum.
  • Actively anticipates and monitors patient and family changes, responds appropriately.
  • Effectively resolves patient complaints.
  • Engages all patients in a personalized, compassionate manner.
• COLLABORATION/SYSTEMS THINKING – Working with others (e.g., patients, families, healthcare providers) in a way that promotes/encourages each person’s contribution toward achieving optimal/realistic patient/family goals.  Involves intra-and inter- disciplinary work with colleagues and community.  Body of knowledge and tools that allow the nurse to manage whatever Environmental and system resources exist for the patient/family and staff, within or across healthcare and non-healthcare systems.
  • Consults and coordinates with team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans.
  • Actively utilizes evidence-based practice and customer service data to improve caring practices.
  • Effectively plans and communicates patient care plans.
  • Facilitates active involvement of others in team meetings regarding patient care and/or practice issues.
  • Seeks out opportunities to be taught, coached, and mentored.
  • Recruits diverse resources when appropriate to optimize patient outcomes.
  • Serves as a resource to department and patient/family.
• RESPONSE TO DIVERSITY – The sensitivity to recognize, appreciate and incorporate differences into the provision of care.  Differences may include, but are not limited to, cultural differences, personalities, spiritual beliefs, gender, race, ethnicity, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, age, and values.
  • Integrates cultural differences into patient/family care; incorporates appropriate alternative therapies.
  • Tailors healthcare culture to meet the diverse needs and strengths of each patient/family. 
• FACILITATION OF LEARNING – The ability to facilitate learning for patients/families, nursing staff, other members of the healthcare team, and community.  Include both formal and informal facilitation of learning.
  • Develops and modifies patient/family education programs throughout delivery of care, collaborating and incorporating all healthcare providers’ and educational plans.
  • Provides individualized care.
  • Evaluates patient’s understanding by observing behavior changes throughout plan of care.
  • Sets patient-driven goals for education.
  • Work toward achieving Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
• CLINICAL INQUIRY (INNOVATOR/EVALUATOR) – The ongoing process of questioning and evaluating practice and providing informed practice.  Creating practice changes through research utilization and experimental learning.
  • Adapts standards of care to serve particular patient populations.
  • Seeks out advice to improve patient care.
  • Evaluates current practices based on patient responses, analysis of literature, research, and education.
  • Incorporates evidence based practice into care delivery.
  • Actively pursues continuing educational opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

Essential Functions and Job Duties

• CLINICAL JUDGEMENT – Clinical reasoning, which includes decision-making, critical thinking, and a global grasp of the situation, coupled with nursing skills acquired through a process of integrating formal and informal experiential knowledge and evidence-based guidelines.
  • Demonstrates the ability to assess the full scope of patient needs, using the nursing process on a continuous basis.
  • Utilizes past nursing experience to anticipate problems while seeking out multi-disciplinary collaboration with comfort, when necessary.
  • Recognizes patterns and trends that may predict the direction of illness.
• CARING PRACTICES:  Nursing activity that create a compassionate, supportive, and therapeutic environment for patients/families and staff.  Working on another’s behalf and representing the concerns of the patient/family and nursing staff; serving as a moral agent in identifying and helping to resolve ethical and clinical concerns within and outside the clinical setting.
  • Promotes safety throughout patient’s and family’s transitions along the healthcare continuum.
  • Actively anticipates and monitors patient and family changes, responds appropriately.
  • Effectively resolves patient complaints.
  • Engages all patients in a personalized, compassionate manner.
• COLLABORATION/SYSTEMS THINKING – Working with others (e.g., patients, families, healthcare providers) in a way that promotes/encourages each person’s contribution toward achieving optimal/realistic patient/family goals.  Involves intra-and inter- disciplinary work with colleagues and community.  Body of knowledge and tools that allow the nurse to manage whatever Environmental and system resources exist for the patient/family and staff, within or across healthcare and non-healthcare systems.
  • Consults and coordinates with team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans.
  • Actively utilizes evidence-based practice and customer service data to improve caring practices.
  • Effectively plans and communicates patient care plans.
  • Facilitates active involvement of others in team meetings regarding patient care and/or practice issues.
  • Seeks out opportunities to be taught, coached, and mentored.
  • Recruits diverse resources when appropriate to optimize patient outcomes.
  • Serves as a resource to department and patient/family.
• RESPONSE TO DIVERSITY – The sensitivity to recognize, appreciate and incorporate differences into the provision of care.  Differences may include, but are not limited to, cultural differences, personalities, spiritual beliefs, gender, race, ethnicity, lifestyle, socioeconomic status, age, and values.
  • Integrates cultural differences into patient/family care; incorporates appropriate alternative therapies.
  • Tailors healthcare culture to meet the diverse needs and strengths of each patient/family. 
• FACILITATION OF LEARNING – The ability to facilitate learning for patients/families, nursing staff, other members of the healthcare team, and community.  Include both formal and informal facilitation of learning.
  • Develops and modifies patient/family education programs throughout delivery of care, collaborating and incorporating all healthcare providers’ and educational plans.
  • Provides individualized care.
  • Evaluates patient’s understanding by observing behavior changes throughout plan of care.
  • Sets patient-driven goals for education.
  • Work toward achieving Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.
• CLINICAL INQUIRY (INNOVATOR/EVALUATOR) – The ongoing process of questioning and evaluating practice and providing informed practice.  Creating practice changes through research utilization and experimental learning.
  • Adapts standards of care to serve particular patient populations.
  • Seeks out advice to improve patient care.
  • Evaluates current practices based on patient responses, analysis of literature, research, and education.
  • Incorporates evidence based practice into care delivery.
  • Actively pursues continuing educational opportunities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

1. Minimal cleaning and maintenance of R.T. equipment.

1. Prepares and tests R.T. equipment for proper & safe operation. Reports malfunctioning equipment to charge RT and biomedical engineering.

1. Follows and enforces safety rules of R.T. Department & hospital. Also follows special instructions, such as isolation precautions to prevent the spread of infection.

1. Documents patient oxygen use for charging purposes

1. Returns unused equipment to R.T.by visual inspection of every patient care unit; cleaning and storing according to department policy.

1. Restocks intubation boxes daily and completes monthly rounding according to DMH policy.

1. Distributes E-cylinders of oxygen to the designated oxygen storage locations within DMH

1. Orders routine department supplies.

1. Maintains, organizes, cleans, and stocks storerooms.

1. Participates in departmental quality activities including data collection as appropriate to role.

1. Participates in departmental in-services, continuing education, and other staff development activities.

1. Follows DMH and Respiratory Care infection control policies. Keeps all patient information confidential and follows DMH guidelines.

1. Performs other related duties as assigned. Duties overseen by charge RT or designee.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Required Skills

1. Performs and documents nursing care measures to meet the physical needs of patients as directed by the registered nurse. Illustrative tasks and expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

•  Provides hygiene and comfort measures, assuring privacy and preventing undue exposure.
  • Provides or assists patient with bathing, oral hygiene, hair care, nail care, shaving, etc.
  • Assures that linens are dry, wrinkle free and that patient is comfortable.
  • Provides handwashing opportunity before and after meals, toileting, etc.
•  Activity:
  • Assists with patient’s activities including ambulation, chair, dangling and repositioning; uses proper body mechanics, positioning techniques, and assistive devices.
•  Nutrition:
  • Serves and collects food trays and nourishments. Records percentage of diet intake.
  • Feeds or assists patients as necessary. Records intake. Reports deviations from normal.
  • Clears IV and Tube Feeding Pumps at end of each shift and documents appropriately.
•  Elimination:
  • Provides bed pan/urinal. Performs perineal care.
  • Performs bladder catheter care and discontinues bladder catheter as directed.
  • Performs ostomy care (ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy) including application of appropriate appliances.
  • Records output. Reports deviations from normal.
•  Other related needs:
  • Assists with post-mortem care.
  • Assists with admission, transfer and discharge of patients.
  • Promptly responds to patient call light or requests (usually in less than ten minutes).

2. Performs and documents monitoring procedures; observes and reports the patient response. Illustrative tasks and expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

•  Obtains vital signs (B/P and TPR).
• Obtains weight in kg (standing, chair or bed scale) and reports deviation from previous weight.
• Empties drainage collection devices.
• Performs blood glucose monitoring.
• Observes and reports unusual conditions and/or change in patient behavior or appearance.

 3. Performs therapeutic measures/procedure, observes and reports changes, deviations from normal. Illustrative tasks and expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

•  Application of heat; i.e., K-pad.
• Application of cold; i.e., ice bags, sponge baths.
• Therapeutic baths, i.e., Sitz, Aveeno.
• Obtains routine non-sterile specimens.
• Assists with patient preparation for surgical, therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures.
• Oxygen therapy (sets up/maintains/discontinues) as directed.
• Applies nonsterile dressing as directed.
• Discontinues peripheral IV as directed.
• Performs oral pharyngeal suctioning.
• Preps skin and applies telemetry patches.
• Records all interventions; observes and reports the patient response, changes, and/or deviations from normal parameters.

4. Maintains safety and security of patient/family/self/others, observing safety precautions and promoting a sense of security and well being. Illustrative tasks and expectations include but are not limited to the following:

• Conducts purposeful hourly rounding as a team member, inquiring of the four P’s (Pain, Potty, Possessions and Positioning).
• Follows standard precautions. Always washes hands between patients.
• Reports equipment malfunctions.
• Assists in keeping patient rooms/corridors free of clutter. Cleans fluid spills.
• Uses proper body mechanics in moving, transferring and transporting patients.
• Positions side rails appropriate to the patient’s condition.
• Applies and maintains restraining devices as directed.
• Interacts with patients/visitors/others in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Fully explains procedures to patients/families prior to performing.
• Assures patient privacy/rights/confidentiality.
• Recognizes and reports patient concerns; offers constructive solutions.

5. Promotes efficient and effective functioning of the unit/hospital. Illustrative tasks and expectations include but are not limited to, the following:

• Skilled in computer messaging, obtaining results.
• Completes assigned aspects of unit inventory management.
• Complies with established policies, procedures, standards and guidelines.
• Uses designated lines of communication and authority.
• Supports efforts to reduce costs.
• Consistently utilizes time and resources effectively and efficiently.
• Maintains cleanliness of unit, service area and equipment.
• Cooperates with all members of the healthcare team.
• Enthusiastically supports and participates in planned changes.
• Accepts responsibility for accurate and timely completion of tasks as assigned.
• Adheres to MHS Behavioral Standards.
• Handles floor stock medications or medications delivered from Pharmacy directly or through the pneumatic tube system. Relocate these medications, in original containers, to designated secure storage locations or deliver directly to appropriate licensed staff.

6. Performs additional unit specific tasks/care elements for which they have received specific instruction and demonstrated competence.

7. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Required Skills

1. Develops operating plans for the service line consistent with the MHS strategic plan and the annual goals and objectives for assigned departments of the service line.
2. Develops operating and capital budgets for assigned departments of the service line and provides appropriate program and cost justification for additions or changes in resource needs.
3. Authorizes the allocation of resources for assigned departments of the service line within approved budget guidelines.
4. Establishes annual goals and ongoing mechanisms for quality monitoring, process improvement and outcome management programs to facilitate the continued pursuit of excellence in all aspects of cardiovascular services.
5. Coordinates service line clinical resource management and outcomes research initiatives, including external benchmarking and database development. Facilitates the development and monitoring of clinical guidelines and protocols for high volume, high cost patient populations.
6. Develops systems to improve customer service, communications and referral processes for physician offices, patients and families.
7. Collaborates with department leaders throughout Memorial to ensure smooth coordination of all services required to meet patient needs.
8. Develops and implements strategies to develop, maintain, and enhance effective physician relations. Pursues timely resolutions to operational concerns/issues voiced by physician stakeholders.
9. Implement strategies in coordination with MHS goal to develop, maintain, and enhance the Emergency Department electronic medical record.
10. Supports community relations activities to identify and promote product line services within the community and region.
11. Supports all service line educational activities for staff, physicians, patients, families and the community at large.
12. Participates in and contributes to professionally related conferences, committees, and meetings inside and outside the hospital. Interfaces as appropriate with other regional/national programs pertinent to service line mission and objectives.
13. Ensures that all assigned departments, programs, and facilities are in compliance with external regulatory and licensing standards, as well as managed care payor requirements.
14. Provides interpretation of hospital and departmental policies, objectives, and operational procedures for division managers and others as appropriate.
15. Supports the criteria based performance appraisal system. Completes appraisals on time and provides feedback to subordinates.  Promotes teamwork among all members of the service line and serves as a collaborative role model for all direct reports to build and maintain teamwork across the entire continuum of care.  Maintains visibility in all clinical areas to facilitate response to employee complaints and questions in a timely fashion.
16. Work collaboratively with other Nursing Directors and MHS ED Leadership to implement operational and personnel strategies to enhance health system regional objectives.
17. Represents the administrative policies of MMC and MHS in a positive, professional manner to all supervised employees. Adheres to the principles of MHS Statement of Values and Behavioral Standards.
18. Maintains current knowledge of new developments in service-line relevant clinical services, reimbursement, organizational regulations, licensure, and strategy.
19. Supports organization quality and process improvement by maintaining a working knowledge of Lean/Six Sigma methodologies and coordinating the work of such teams.
20. Performs other related work as required or requested.

Required Skills

1. Leadership

• Personal and professional growth
• Demonstrates responsibility for own personal and professional growth as reflected in ongoing education and projects.
• Seeks opportunities to improve efficiency and effectiveness of individual and unit performance.
• Empowers self and staff to enhance quality patient outcomes as reflected in customer satisfaction and quality indicators.
• Acts as a role model of professional behaviors and teamwork within the department.
• Fosters an environment which focuses on values, autonomy and accountability where staff and management see each other as partners in the decision making process. Creates and supports programs/initiatives that promote retention and satisfaction of staff.
• Promotes and collaborates with staff to provide a climate which demonstrates appreciation and recognition of achievements

1. Clinical knowledge

• Maintains basic knowledge/skills needed to provide perioperative patient care services and performs patient care as needed to keep clinical knowledge current.
• Maintains a sound knowledge-base of current trends and developments in perioperative nursing in order to lead changes to improve patient care delivery

1. Communication skills

• Encourages and facilitates a work climate conducive to open, honest communication and incorporates an effective feedback mechanism.
• Demonstrates a communication style which is supportive, receptive and non-threatening, thus providing an environment that allows for open immediate expression of ideas and problem solving
• Speaks openly and freely across organizational lines to obtain and disseminate necessary information for effective department performance

1. Coordination of Orientation/Education for Surgery Department

• Coordinates orientation programs for new employees within the Surgery Department.
• Prepares the orientation content and schedules and discusses with appropriate Nurse Manager, Specialty Resource Person, and preceptors.
• Collaborates with Nurse Manager, Specialty Resource Person, and preceptors for assistance as indicated.
• Plans with the learner to determine his/her knowledge background and encourages attendance at all appropriate classes.
• Maintains records and reports of orientation programs.
• Evaluates the achievement of program goals/skill requirements by each orientee in accordance with specified criteria and stated objectives.
• Develops process for ongoing evaluation and revision of orientation programs.
• Coordinates preceptor program and provides ongoing development opportunities to enable preceptors to maintain skills.
• Is accountable for performance monitoring and feedback for orientees.
• Acts as a primary resource for orientees assisting with conflict resolution and implementing solutions to problems.

• Identifies ongoing learning needs of the staff and assumes a leadership role in planning inservice programs for the department to ensure ongoing staff competency/skills validation.
• Supports a climate conducive to learning and growth.
• Provides leadership for the development of ongoing educational programs for staff and management personnel.
• Ensures a process is in place to appropriately document staff competencies.
• Conducts learning needs assessments and uses the results to plan or revise learning activities.
• Promotes effective working relationships to allow exchange of information to assist in identifying and meeting learning needs.
• Provides assistance and supervision to clinical staff as they assist in providing components of educational program.
• Supervises staff scheduling to assure clinical experiences meet individual training needs
• Encourages staff to identify personal and professional growth needs and facilitates appropriate opportunities for that growth
• Interacts with members of other hospital departments is planning and implementing educational programs.

• Provides educational assistance to other departments as appropriate.

1. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values:

• SAFETY: Prevent Harm – I put safety first in everything I do.  I take action to ensure the safety of others.
• COURTESY: Serve Others – I treat others with dignity and respect.  I project a professional image and positive attitude.
• QUALITY: Improve Outcomes – I continually advance my knowledge, skills and performance.  I work with others to achieve superior results.
• EFFICIENCY: Reduce Waste – I use time and resources wisely.  I prevent defects and delays.

1. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Required Skills

1. Performs and documents nursing care measures to meet the physical needs of patients as directed by the registered nurse. Illustrative tasks and expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

•  Provides hygiene and comfort measures, assuring privacy and preventing undue exposure.
• Provides or assists patient with bathing, oral hygiene, hair care, nail care, shaving, etc.
• Assures that linens are dry, wrinkle free and that patient is comfortable.
• Provides handwashing opportunity before and after meals, toileting, etc.
•  Activity:
• Assists with patient’s activities including ambulation, chair, dangling and repositioning; uses proper body mechanics, positioning techniques, and assistive devices.
•  Nutrition:
• Serves and collects food trays and nourishments. Records percentage of diet intake.
• Feeds or assists patients as necessary. Records intake. Reports deviations from normal.
• Clears IV and Tube Feeding Pumps at end of each shift and documents appropriately.
•  Elimination:
• Provides bed pan/urinal. Performs perineal care.
• Performs bladder catheter care and discontinues bladder catheter as directed.
• Performs ostomy care (ileostomy, colostomy, urostomy) including application of appropriate appliances.
• Records output. Reports deviations from normal.
•  Other related needs:
• Assists with post-mortem care.
• Assists with admission, transfer and discharge of patients.
• Promptly responds to patient call light or requests (usually in less than ten minutes).

 2. Performs and documents monitoring procedures; observes and reports the patient response. Illustrative tasks and expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

•  Obtains vital signs (B/P and TPR).
• Obtains weight in kg (standing, chair or bed scale) and reports deviation from previous weight.
• Empties drainage collection devices.
• Performs blood glucose monitoring.
• Observes and reports unusual conditions and/or change in patient behavior or appearance.

3. Performs therapeutic measures/procedure, observes and reports changes, deviations from normal. Illustrative tasks and expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

•  Application of heat; i.e., K-pad.
• Application of cold; i.e., ice bags, sponge baths.
• Therapeutic baths, i.e., Sitz, Aveeno.
• Obtains routine non-sterile specimens.
• Assists with patient preparation for surgical, therapeutic and/or diagnostic procedures.
• Oxygen therapy (sets up/maintains/discontinues) as directed.
• Applies nonsterile dressing as directed.
• Discontinues peripheral IV as directed.
• Performs oral pharyngeal suctioning.
• Preps skin and applies telemetry patches.
• Records all interventions; observes and reports the patient response, changes, and/or deviations from normal parameters.

4. Maintains safety and security of patient/family/self/others, observing safety precautions and promoting a sense of security and well being. Illustrative tasks and expectations include but are not limited to the following:

•  Conducts purposeful hourly rounding as a team member, inquiring of the four P’s (Pain, Potty, Possessions and Positioning).
• Follows standard precautions. Always washes hands between patients.
• Reports equipment malfunctions.
• Assists in keeping patient rooms/corridors free of clutter. Cleans fluid spills.
• Uses proper body mechanics in moving, transferring and transporting patients.
• Positions side rails appropriate to the patient’s condition.
• Applies and maintains restraining devices as directed.
• Interacts with patients/visitors/others in a courteous and respectful manner.
• Fully explains procedures to patients/families prior to performing.
• Assures patient privacy/rights/confidentiality.
• Recognizes and reports patient concerns; offers constructive solutions.

5.  Promotes efficient and effective functioning of the unit/hospital. Illustrative tasks and expectations include but are not limited to, the following:

•  Skilled in computer messaging, obtaining results.
• Completes assigned aspects of unit inventory management.
• Complies with established policies, procedures, standards and guidelines.
• Uses designated lines of communication and authority.
• Supports efforts to reduce costs.
• Consistently utilizes time and resources effectively and efficiently.
• Maintains cleanliness of unit, service area and equipment.
• Cooperates with all members of the healthcare team.
• Enthusiastically supports and participates in planned changes.
• Accepts responsibility for accurate and timely completion of tasks as assigned.
• Adheres to MHS Behavioral Standards.
• Handles floor stock medications or medications delivered from Pharmacy directly or through the pneumatic tube system. Relocate these medications, in original containers, to designated secure storage locations or deliver directly to appropriate licensed staff.

6. Performs additional unit specific tasks/care elements for which they have received specific instruction and demonstrated competence.

7. Performs other related work as required or requested.