STAFF NURSE

Posting number: 201905443

Department: |Department of Health- STX|

Job classification: STAFF NURSE I

Posting type: Open

Categories: Nursing

Summary

Under the immediate supervision of the Public Health Head Nurse, Staff Nurse Supervisor, or
designee, the Staff Nurse I is a Registered Nurse who performs professional nursing work
involving the delivery of public health nursing services in designated areas within the department.
An employee in this class is responsible for assessing patient and client needs, developing and
implementing nursing care plans, administering prescribed treatments and medications, providing
health education, monitoring patient progress, and maintaining accurate health records.

Examples of dutiesProvides direct patient care utilizing the nursing process, including assessment, planning,
implementation, intervention, and evaluation to promote, maintain, and restore health.

Conducts comprehensive nursing assessments and documents findings to identify actual and
potential health care needs.

Develops, implements, and updates individualized nursing care plans based on patient needs,
nursing diagnoses, physician orders, and established standards of care.

Administers prescribed medications, treatments, and therapeutic procedures in accordance with
accepted nursing practices, physician orders, and established policies and procedures.

Observes, assesses, records, and reports on patient responses to medications, treatments, and
changes in physical, emotional, and psychosocial status.

Provides health education, counseling, and guidance to patients, families, and caregivers
regarding disease prevention, treatment plans, medications, and health maintenance.

Collaborate with physicians and other members of the healthcare team to coordinate and evaluate
patient care and ensure continuity of services.

Maintains accurate, timely, and confidential patient records, nursing notes, reports, and other
required documentation in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and departmental
policies.

Identifies actual or potential health and safety hazards within the patient care environment and
initiates appropriate corrective action.

Applies clinical judgment and established nursing standards in responding to patient needs,
emergencies, and changes in patient condition.

Assists in the orientation, instruction, and support of nursing personnel, students, and other
healthcare staff as assigned.

Participates in quality improvement activities, staff development programs, continuing
education, and other professional activities to maintain and enhance nursing competency.

Ensures compliance with infection prevention and control practices, patient safety standards, and
applicable nursing laws, regulations, and professional standards.

Performs other related duties as assigned. QualificationsGraduation from an accredited professional nursing program that prepares graduates for registered
nursing practice and eligibility for licensure as a Registered Nurse. Supplemental informationFACTOR 1- KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
Knowledge of professional nursing principles, practices, and techniques.
Knowledge of current nursing standards, procedures, and evidence-based practices applicable to
assigned patient care areas.
Knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and disease processes.
Knowledge of infection prevention and control principles and patient safety practices.
Knowledge of healthcare laws, regulations, policies, and ethical standards governing nursing
practice.
Knowledge of health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education principles.
Skill in applying professional nursing practices in the delivery of patient care.
Skill in assessing, monitoring, and evaluating patient health status and responses to treatment.
Skill in administering medications and treatments safely and accurately.
Skill in maintaining patient records, care plans, reports, and other required documentation.
Skill in interviewing, observing, recording, and reporting patient conditions and changes in health
status.
Ability to assess patient needs and develop appropriate nursing interventions.
Ability to exercise sound professional judgment in the delivery of patient care.
Ability to identify actual or potential health and safety hazards and take appropriate action.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, healthcare
providers, and employees.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to provide health education and guidance to patients and their families.
Ability to follow oral and written instructions and adhere to established policies and procedures.
Ability to recognize the limitations of one's knowledge and abilities and seek assistance when
necessary.
Ability to adapt to changing patient needs and acquire knowledge, skills, and techniques necessary
to maintain professional competency.

FACTOR 2- SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
Work is assigned by the Public Health Head Nurse or designee through patient assignments,
established nursing policies and procedures, physician orders, and program priorities that define
objectives, deadlines, and performance expectations. The employee independently carries out
assigned nursing duties; exercises professional nursing judgment in assessing, planning,
implementing, and evaluating patient care; and determines the sequence and methods for
completing routine tasks within established guidelines. Work is reviewed through periodic
observation, review of patient records and reports, evaluation of patient outcomes, and assessment
of compliance with established standards of care, policies, and procedures.

FACTOR 3- GUIDELINES
Guidelines include the Government of the Virgin Islands departmental rules and regulations,
nursing standards of practice, applicable provisions of the Virgin Islands Code (V.I.C.) governing
nursing practice and health care delivery. Additional guidance is provided through established
clinical protocols, infection control standards, and professional nursing principles. The employee
must apply these guidelines in the performance of duties and exercises professional judgment in
adapting them to individual patient care situations within the scope of established practice.

FACTOR 4- COMPLEXITY
Work involves providing nursing care to patients with varying health conditions while
coordinating activities with other healthcare staff. It requires applying established nursing
procedures, prioritizing patient needs, and contributing to the coordination of staffing and patient
care activities in accordance with service objectives.

FACTOR 5- SCOPE AND EFFECT
The purpose of the work is to provide nursing care services to patients in a healthcare setting and
to support the interpretation and application of established policies and procedures. The work
contributes to the delivery of safe, effective patient care and assists in the implementation and
maintenance of nursing standards and departmental procedures.

FACTOR 6- PERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts are professional staff, nurses, the general public, vendors, government agencies,
physicians, and other healthcare professionals. Contacts are made in person, by phone, and in
writing.

FACTOR 7- PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts are made to obtain, exchange, and clarify information necessary to coordinate patient
care, support patient health and well-being, ensure continuity of services, and assist in planning
and delivering healthcare services in community and facility settings.

FACTOR 8- PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work is primarily sedentary but requires frequent standing, walking, bending, and occasional
lifting or assisting patients. Travel within the healthcare facility or assigned service areas may be
required to observe and monitor patient care activities.

FACTOR 9- WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a hospital or clinical healthcare setting. Employees may be exposed to
infectious diseases, emotionally distressed patients, and other healthcare-related risks. Adherence
to established safety procedures and infection control protocols is required.