JOB DESCRIPTION This job description defines the tasks and responsibilities normally expected of the Acute Care Registered Nurse, but it should be understood that it is not all inclusive and is subject to change by the Acute Care Supervisor or the Director of Patient Care Services. * * SPECIFICATIONS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS Plans work assignment to meet the needs of the patients and peers. Plans for effective communications in the Acute Care area and other hospital departments. Plans for administration of policies and procedures. Forecasts need for special equipment and supplies for specific procedures coordinating activity with Acute Care supervisor. Utilizes knowledge of skills in medical, surgical, and pediatric procedures as a basis for implementing patient care. Coordinates daily patient care with staff and physicians. Organizes own time effectively. Identifies patient, physician and staff needs and sets priorities accordingly by communicating with all involved personnel. Adheres to standards of care, department objectives and individual objectives. Follows the hospital and nursing department policies and procedures. Identifies deficiencies in patient care and initiates corrective action. Participates on appropriate committees. If team leading, an LPN, will complete the RN/LPN chart review in the EMR System Communicates effectively with nursing staff, physicians, and other hospital staff. Communicate anticipated and critical changes in patient care to supervisor and to physician. Serves as a professional role model. Participates in the administering and assessment of nursing care. Participates in activities to identify and meet patient needs. Participates in unit activities. Identifies and participates in activities to maintain self-motivation. Regular attendance at general in service programs, unit in service and other educational experiences. Develops skills for effective delegation of responsibilities in working as a team Participates in goal setting for self and department. Recommends activities to the Acute Care Supervisor that will benefit the nursing staff in general. Nursing assessment is obtained and completed within 2 hours of admission. Psychosocial needs and perception of patient and/or family expectations of present hospitalization are identified and documented. Appropriate teaching given and documented. Alertness and skill in recognizing and identifying symptoms. Symptoms are recognized and appropriate action taken (ex: notify physician if patient has unrelieved pain from medication ordered, offer prn medications, etc.). Set priorities and give care based on problem solving needs. Ability to complete work within scheduled time. Take responsibility for such activities and follows hospital policy and procedure for the following: -Giving medications following procedure -Blood Transfusions -IV Meds -IV Fluids -Starting IV's -Special treatments (i.e. respiratory, dressing changes, etc.) -Providing bedside nursing care -Serving trays -Answering lights and telephones -Admitting, transferring and discharging patients -Maintaining supplies and equipment -Appropriate patient teaching concerning routine hospital procedures and  special procedures regarding their condition -Being familiar with basic cardiac rhythms, emergency drugs and equipment -Complete charting each shift -Performing or appropriately delegating ADL's for patient -Assisting physician with procedures such as chest tube placement,    paracentesis thoracentesis, suturing of wounds etc. -Understands basics of post-partum and nursery care -Does appropriate discharge teaching including activity instructions,  medication instructions, among others -Accurate documentation -Knowledge of p