Staff Nurse

**Staff Nurse Job Description**

**Position Title**: Staff Nurse

**Department**: Nursing Services

**Reports to**: Nurse Manager / Head Nurse

**Job Summary**:
A Staff Nurse provides direct patient care, ensuring the well-being and comfort of patients in the hospital. They work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, assisting in medical assessments, administering treatments, and monitoring patients' progress. The role requires strong clinical knowledge, excellent communication skills, and a compassionate approach to patient care.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- **Patient Care**:

- Provide compassionate and high-quality care to patients, addressing their physical and emotional needs.
- Administer medications, injections, and intravenous (IV) fluids as per physicians’ orders.
- Monitor patient vital signs (e.g., temperature, blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate) and document findings.
- Assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating patient care plans in collaboration with doctors and other healthcare providers.
- Ensure patient comfort by assisting with personal hygiene, mobility, feeding, and positioning.
- **Treatment and Procedures**:

- Assist in medical procedures, including wound care, catheter insertion, and dressing changes.
- Prepare patients for surgeries or medical procedures, ensuring they understand what to expect.
- Administer and monitor the effectiveness of treatments and therapies (e.g., oxygen therapy, pain management).
- Perform diagnostic tests or take samples (e.g., blood, urine) for laboratory analysis as required.
- **Patient Education**:

- Educate patients and their families on their conditions, treatment options, and self-care procedures.
- Provide counseling on medication adherence, post-discharge care, and preventive health measures.
- Address patient concerns and provide emotional support to both patients and families during hospitalization.
- **Documentation and Reporting**:

- Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including assessments, treatments, and progress notes.
- Report any changes in patient conditions or unexpected events to the supervising physician or nurse manager.
- Ensure that all documentation complies with hospital policies and healthcare regulations (e.g., HIPAA).
- **Collaboration and Communication**:

- Work closely with physicians, nurse managers, and other healthcare staff to deliver coordinated patient care.
- Participate in patient care rounds, sharing insights on patients' conditions and progress.
- Communicate effectively with patients and their families, explaining care plans and addressing concerns.
- **Infection Control and Safety**:

- Follow hospital infection control protocols to prevent the spread of diseases and ensure patient safety.
- Ensure proper handling, storage, and disposal of medications and medical waste.
- Adhere to safety standards, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
- **Emergency Response**:

- Respond promptly to medical emergencies, including performing CPR, first aid, and other life-saving measures when necessary.
- Assist in the management of critical patients, including in emergency departments or intensive care units (ICU).
- **Continuous Learning and Development**:

- Participate in ongoing professional development through training, workshops, and certifications.
- Stay updated with the latest healthcare practices, medical advancements, and nursing techniques.

**Qualifications**:

- **Education**:

- Registered Nurse (RN) with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent (Diploma in Nursing, Associate Degree in Nursing).
- Valid nursing license to practice in the hospital’s location.
- **Experience**:

- Prior experience in a clinical or hospital setting is preferred but not required for entry-level positions.
- Specialization or experience in a particular department (e.g., pediatrics, surgery, ICU) is a plus.
- **Skills and Abilities**:

- Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to perform nursing procedures and administer treatments safely and effectively.
- Excellent communication skills to interact with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
- Ability to handle stressful situations and emergencies with composure and professionalism.
- Compassionate, empathetic, and patient-centered approach to care.
- Proficiency in using medical equipment, electronic health records (EHR), and other healthcare technologies.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in patient documentation and medication administration.

**Physical Requirements**:

- Ability to stand, walk, and move patients for extended periods.
- Ability to lift and assist patients (up to 25-50 pounds) as necessary.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment, including working long shifts (night shifts, weekends, and holidays).

**Note**: This job description is a general overview of the role and duties of a Staff Nurse. The specific responsibilities and qualifi