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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.

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.

Required Skills

1. Performs duties in capacity of “scrub” technologist as prescribed by hospital policies and procedures.

• Sets room for a routine, uncomplicated procedure with supplies and equipment in 5-15 minutes.
• Sets room for complicated or multi-procedure case requiring many special supplies in 30 minutes.
• Assists circulator in checking equipment.
• Assists circulator in obtaining supplies prior to bringing patient to room.
• Has basic knowledge of instrumentation and its appropriate use.
• Checks instrumentation regarding cleanliness, function, correct number of pieces, and completeness of tray.
• Allows adequate time for preparation of supplies and counting (i.e., routine case 15 minutes, complicated case 30-40 minutes).
• Has basic knowledge of surgical procedures.
• Organizes and maintains a neat, clean mayo, instrument, and back tables.
• Attempts reasonable anticipation of sequence of instrumentation.
• Properly identifies medication.
• Handles floor stock medications or medications delivered from pharmacy directly or through the pneumatic tube station. Relocate these medications, in original containers, to designated secure storage locations or delivers directly to appropriate licensed staff.
• Keeps track of sponges, needles, and instruments during procedure at all times.
• Relays accurate identification of specimens and cultures.
• Organizes and assists in end-of-case clean up.
• Separates sharp and delicate instruments during clean up.
• Assists in pulling cases.

1. Assists in maintenance of safe environment for patients and staff.

• Has knowledge and applies principles of good aseptic practice (i.e., appropriate scrub length, OR attire, proper gowning, gloving, and draping methods).
• Checks sterile supplies for proper packaging and dating.
• Actively assists in recognizing and reporting breaks in sterile technique.
• Requests assistance of Sterile Processing personnel in preparation of instruments for immediate reuse.
• Follows protocol for universal blood- and body-fluid precautions at all times.
• Prevents loss of instruments by thorough search of drapes before they are discarded.

1. Assists in the orderly function of the OR.

• Demonstrates flexibility in a team effort (i.e., takes required supplies from circulator when offered).
• Checks room for and puts away excess supplies and equipment.
• Takes initiative and seeks appropriate opportunities to update and maintain surgical skills (i.e., requests certain cases and attends inservices).
• Assists in checking to-follow cases for completeness and accuracy.
• Assists in orientation of new personnel.
• Actively participates in checking and maintaining assignment by participating as a permanent team member.
• Participates in updating surgeon’s preference list.
• Reports to assigned room on time.
• Understands and follows disaster plan.
• Follows hospital/unit policies, procedures, and behavioral expectations.
• Uses designated lines of communication and authority.
• Willingly assists co-workers to facilitate patient care.
• Attends 65 percent or a minimum of 6 unit staff meetings per year, whichever number is greater. Seeks excused absences by OR director or specialty supervisor when needed.  Reviews and signs minutes.
• Attends or participates in JCAHO and other mandatory inservices.

1. Initiates appropriate intraoperative behaviors unique to first assistant, if trained to do so.

• Provides hemostasis to reduce potential for post-operative infection and potential for fluid volume deficit by clamping and/or ligating vessels, using electrosurgical cautery, applying direct pressure, applying chemical agents that promote coagulation, and other means as directed by surgeon.
• Provides exposure of the operative site through the appropriate use of retractors and other instruments and through suctioning and sponging.
• Uses surgical instrumentation skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose as directed by the surgeon.
• Handles all variety of tissue appropriately to reduce potential for injury or compromised blood supply.
• Sutures skillfully all varieties of tissue with the appropriate suture materials and suturing techniques.

1. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

1. Performs duties in capacity of “scrub” technologist as prescribed by hospital policies and procedures.

• Sets room for a routine, uncomplicated procedure with supplies and equipment in 5-15 minutes.
• Sets room for complicated or multi-procedure case requiring many special supplies in 30 minutes.
• Assists circulator in checking equipment.
• Assists circulator in obtaining supplies prior to bringing patient to room.
• Has basic knowledge of instrumentation and its appropriate use.
• Checks instrumentation regarding cleanliness, function, correct number of pieces, and completeness of tray.
• Allows adequate time for preparation of supplies and counting (i.e., routine case 15 minutes, complicated case 30-40 minutes).
• Has basic knowledge of surgical procedures.
• Organizes and maintains a neat, clean mayo, instrument, and back tables.
• Attempts reasonable anticipation of sequence of instrumentation.
• Properly identifies medication.
• Handles floor stock medications or medications delivered from pharmacy directly or through the pneumatic tube station. Relocate these medications, in original containers, to designated secure storage locations or delivers directly to appropriate licensed staff.
• Keeps track of sponges, needles, and instruments during procedure at all times.
• Relays accurate identification of specimens and cultures.
• Organizes and assists in end-of-case clean up.
• Separates sharp and delicate instruments during clean up.
• Assists in pulling cases.

1. Assists in maintenance of safe environment for patients and staff.

• Has knowledge and applies principles of good aseptic practice (i.e., appropriate scrub length, OR attire, proper gowning, gloving, and draping methods).
• Checks sterile supplies for proper packaging and dating.
• Actively assists in recognizing and reporting breaks in sterile technique.
• Requests assistance of Sterile Processing personnel in preparation of instruments for immediate reuse.
• Follows protocol for universal blood- and body-fluid precautions at all times.
• Prevents loss of instruments by thorough search of drapes before they are discarded.

1. Assists in the orderly function of the OR.

• Demonstrates flexibility in a team effort (i.e., takes required supplies from circulator when offered).
• Checks room for and puts away excess supplies and equipment.
• Takes initiative and seeks appropriate opportunities to update and maintain surgical skills (i.e., requests certain cases and attends in-services).
• Assists in checking to-follow cases for completeness and accuracy.
• Assists in orientation of new personnel.
• Actively participates in checking and maintaining assignment by participating as a permanent team member.
• Participates in updating surgeon’s preference list.
• Reports to assigned room on time.
• Understands and follows disaster plan.
• Follows hospital/unit policies, procedures, and behavioral expectations.
• Uses designated lines of communication and authority.
• Willingly assists co-workers to facilitate patient care.
• Attends 65 percent or a minimum of 6 unit staff meetings per year, whichever number is greater. Seeks excused absences by OR director or specialty supervisor when needed.  Reviews and signs minutes.
• Attends or participates in JCAHO and other mandatory in-services.

1. Initiates appropriate intraoperative behaviors unique to first assistant, if trained to do so.

• Provides hemostasis to reduce potential for post-operative infection and potential for fluid volume deficit by clamping and/or ligating vessels, using electrosurgical cautery, applying direct pressure, applying chemical agents that promote coagulation, and other means as directed by surgeon.
• Provides exposure of the operative site through the appropriate use of retractors and other instruments and through suctioning and sponging.
• Uses surgical instrumentation skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose as directed by the surgeon.
• Handles all variety of tissue appropriately to reduce potential for injury or compromised blood supply.
• Sutures skillfully all varieties of tissue with the appropriate suture materials and suturing techniques.

1. Performs other duties as assigned.