Staff Nurse Resource

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information:

Job Summary
The Resource RN is responsible for delivering high-quality patient care through the nursing process, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This role provides patient education, directs and supports ancillary personnel, and ensures adherence to professional nursing standards.
The Resource RN coordinates, appropriately delegates, and monitors tasks assigned to members of the care team for patients across the lifespan with a wide range of medical and surgical conditions. In addition, the Resource RN provides meal coverage for RNs on assigned units to maintain safe, continuous patient care. The RN consistently demonstrates understanding of the Nurse Practice Act and Skagit Valley Hospital Structure Standards.

Essential Functions
• Performs comprehensive physical assessments across all systems (cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, GU/GYN, musculoskeletal, neurological, and respiratory).
• Safely administers medications following established guidelines and documents accurately.
• Performs wound care and communicates treatment plans effectively.
• Provides patient and family education and evaluates learning.
• Conducts mobility assessments, follows fall-prevention protocols, and implements post-operative mobility programs.
• Documents thoroughly using appropriate flowsheets and progress notes.
• Consistently applies principles of continuous quality improvement (CQI).
• Identifies and responds appropriately in emergency and code situations.
• Administers IV fluids and blood products per policy.
• Performs epidural validation and maintains wound and chest tube drainage devices appropriately.
• Implements and monitors DNR orders per standards.
• Performs skin integrity assessments using approved tools.
• Inserts NG tubes; monitors enteral feeding tubes and TPN.
• Accurately calculates and documents intake and output.
• Utilizes pulse oximetry to monitor therapeutic outcomes.
• Accurately collects specimens, including timed and specialty samples.
• Coordinates patient care with other healthcare disciplines to support care plan goals.
• Completes assigned work within required timeframes and ensures proper unit coverage before leaving the unit.
• Monitors and maintains peripheral IV sites.
• Provides meal and rest break relief for unit RNs, ensuring safe, continuous care for assigned patients during coverage periods.
• Maintains required specialty area contact hours.
• Applies principles of growth and development when providing age-appropriate care.
• Maintains awareness of pediatric norms including weight-based parameters, vital signs, and medication dosing.
• Takes full patient assignments as needed.
• Attends at least 75% of Float Pool staff meetings.
• Complies with all SVH policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Manager or Director.

Education
Graduate of an accredited school of Nursing; BSN preferred.

Experience/Training
Minimum two years of acute care nursing experience providing direct patient care.

License/Certifications
Washington State RN License and AHA BLS Certification required.

Other Skills
• Basic computer and keyboarding proficiency required.
• Strong skills in patient and skin assessment, care planning, post-operative stabilization, IV therapy, and phlebotomy.
• Excellent critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Customer-service oriented.
• Ability to successfully complete a basic EKG rhythm interpretation course.
• Expert proficiency in Epic handoff tool for seamless patient transitions.
• Flexibility in schedule and assignment, with ability to adapt quickly to changing unit needs.
• Strong collaboration skills, fostering teamwork across diverse departments and disciplines.
• Resilience and composure under pressure, maintaining focus in fast-paced or high-acuity environments.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development, staying current with best practices.
• Empathy and cultural sensitivity, ensuring patient-centered care across varied populations.
• Effective time management and prioritization skills, balancing multiple patient needs simultaneously.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands represent those required to successfully perform this role. This position is highly active and involves regular standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, crawling, and climbing. The employee must frequently lift or move patients and objects over 50 pounds. Visual requirements include near and far acuity, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.