Registered Nurse (RN) Quality and Accreditation

Job Description

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides professional nursing care across the lifespan in alignment with organizational standards, policies, and evidence-based practice. The RN employs the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care while delivering high-quality, culturally sensitive, and patient-centered services. Collaboration with providers and interdisciplinary teams is essential to promote optimal patient outcomes, safety, and a positive patient experience.

Patient Care Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and develop individualized plans of care.
• Implement and evaluate nursing interventions and monitor patient responses.
• Administer medications and treatments safely and accurately according to provider orders and policies.
• Recognize changes in patient conditions and initiate appropriate interventions or escalate care as needed.
• Provide education related to patient care, medications, and discharge needs for patients and families.
• Deliver culturally responsive, patient-centered care.

Nursing Judgment & Clinical Decision-Making

The RN applies critical thinking and professional judgment to:

• Perform and interpret comprehensive assessments, identifying significant changes requiring intervention.
• Exercise independent nursing judgment in determining appropriate actions, interventions, and priorities.
• Develop, implement, evaluate, and revise individualized nursing plans of care based on patient needs and responses.
• Integrate clinical findings with ethical principles, cultural considerations, and patient safety standards in decision-making.
• Accept accountability for nursing decisions, delegated tasks, and outcomes of nursing care in accordance with applicable statutes and regulations.

Care Coordination & Documentation

• Collaborate with providers and interdisciplinary team members to coordinate patient care.
• Facilitate referrals, follow-up care, and continuity of services.
• Document assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately and timely in the electronic health record.
• Advocate for patients and assist them in navigating the healthcare system.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Practice within nursing scope of practice while adhering to regulatory, safety, and infection prevention requirements.
• Participate in quality and performance improvement activities.

Teamwork & Professional Practice

• Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, flexibility, and teamwork.
• Provide guidance and delegation to ancillary staff appropriately.
• Support the orientation, mentoring, and education of staff, students, and peers.
• Float to other departments or assignments as needed.

Qualifications

Education & Licensure

• Associate’s degree in Nursing from an accredited program.
• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse license in the State of Alaska.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required.
• Case Management certification is preferred.
• Clinical competency required within 3 months and every 3 years.
• High Risk Competency required within 3 months and annually thereafter.

New Nursing Program Graduates

• BLS required at the time of hire.
• All required certifications must be obtained within six months of hire.

Experienced Nurses

• Experienced nurses entering a new specialty must obtain required specialty-specific certifications within six months of hire.
• Nurses hired directly into a specialty must provide evidence of current required certifications at the time of hire.
• Nurses who float to areas outside their primary location must complete required certifications for the highest level specialty where care will be provided.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of nursing principles, evidence-based practice, medication safety, and infection prevention.
• Strong clinical judgment, organization, prioritization, and communication skills.
• Able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient with electronic health records and clinical systems.

Physical & Work Requirements

• Able