Job Description
Under general supervision, assumes 24-hour accountability to plan and provide direct professional nursing care for specified patients throughout the entire episode of service delivery as defined by population and unit. Provides nursing services to patients and families in accordance with the standards of practice of a professional nurse, CCMC policies & procedures, TJC, and State & federal regulations. Reports to Nurse Manager.
Responsibilities

• CLINICAL PRACTICE - On a daily basis, demonstrates clinical expertise and uses the nursing process to provide safe, appropriate patient care to a defined patient population according to CCMC and unit policies and standards.
• POPULATION SPECIFIC - Demonstrates knowledge of the differences and needs of patients in appropriate, specific populations from neonate through adolescence and applies them to practice. Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families.
• UNIT LEADERSHIP - Delegates duties and tasks associated with patient care to clinical staff according to hospital policy and their scope of practice. As assigned, contributes to the leadership of the unit by functioning as the Resource Nurse and/or by participating in the professional development of others through preceptor/mentor activities. Supports the unit/department's work productivity and resource management activities.
• DOCUMENTATION/COMMUNICATION - Completes all required documentation in a timely manner, according to CCMC policies and standards; necessary information is effectively communicated to all members of the health care team.
• PATIENT/FAMILY PARTNERSHIP & EDUCATION - Partners with child and family in evaluating outcomes. Monitors, trends, and evaluates patient/family responses to treatment. Provides appropriate education to patients and families regarding all aspects of care according to CCMC policies and standards; supports the organization's efforts to patient/family education.
• CCMC STANDARDS - Demonstrates support for the mission, values and goals of the organization through behaviors that are consistent with the CCMC Standards.

Qualifications
Education and/or Experience Required:

• A minimum of ASN/ADN required upon hire, BSN preferred. If ASN/ADN, must acquire BSN within 3 years of hire.
• Minimum of 2 years clinical experience on Medical/Surgical unit; PACU and/or pediatric experience preferred.
• Endoscopy Nurse requires knowledge of surgical specialties relative to procedures and equipment.

License and/or Certifications Required:

• Current State of Connecticut Registered Nurse licensure required and maintained thereafter.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR in adult, child & infant is required upon hire.
• Specialty licensure/certification may be required, as specified by department.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Required within 6 months of hire or before staff has completed dept. orientation if this is longer than 6 months.

Knowledge, skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of:

• Theory, principles, techniques and practice of professional nursing.
• State regulations regarding nursing practice.
• Clinical standards of care; documentation and patient record policies and standards.
• Teaching techniques; identification of learning needs and provision of patient/family education.
• Developmental and population-specific patient & family assessment techniques and how to apply to practice.
• Accreditation and certification requirements and standards.

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Basic proficiency in utilization of personal computers in networked Windows-based health care environment to access related software applications; locate, open, edit and print files and information utilized by the unit; and use of Internet as research tool.

Ability to:

• Work individually or with within teams and/or other organizations within the medical and research community.
• Make clinical and procedural decisions using the nursing process.
• Maintain confidentiality of information
• Delegate appropriately to ancillary staff.
• Communicate effectively with individuals and groups both orally and in writing.

About Us
Connecticut Children's is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children's offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.
At Connecticut Children's, treating children isn't just our job - it's our passion. As a leading children's health system experiencing steady growth, we're excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children's health and well-being as one team.