About the job
The Registered Nurse (BSN) exemplifies the principles of the Relationship-Based Care model and executes the core functions of Patient and Professional Management (PPM). Under the guidance of department leadership, the nurse consistently embodies the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine (NM), complies with the State of Illinois Nurse Practice Act, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and follows all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulatory and accreditation standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Patient/Family and Community Relationship
Care Coordination
- Conducts comprehensive assessments for all assigned patients, ensuring thorough documentation.
- Promptly communicates any changes in patients’ conditions.
- Employs appropriate nursing diagnoses and data from assessments to establish realistic outcomes and documents measurable goals within care plans; modifies care plans as necessary to ensure patient goals are realistic.
- Identifies and prioritizes patient needs and nursing diagnoses, documenting findings accordingly.
- Collaborates with patients, families, and healthcare team members during care planning and documents interactions appropriately. Evaluates patients regarding discharge planning and makes necessary referrals.
- Documents patient responses to nursing interventions, modifying the care plan as needed.
- Evaluates discharge planning and makes appropriate referrals, including for palliative care.
- Ensures completion of discharge instructions, medication reconciliation, and provides information to patients/families about the patient portal and other relevant resources.
Patient Education/Ethics and Diversity
- Addresses the spiritual and cultural needs of patients and families while assessing their educational needs; determines each patient's learning level and readiness, documenting education records.
- Utilizes the teach-back method to enhance patient understanding regarding medication side effects and new medications.
- Distributes educational resources for patient condition management.
- Incorporates cultural vision into care planning and delivery.
- Treats patients, families, and colleagues with respect and dignity.
- Values the contributions of significant others in the patient’s care plan.
- Adheres to ethical standards of nursing practice.
- Requests ethics consultations when necessary.
Evidence-Based Practice and Research
- Implements nursing interventions consistent with the established evidence-based care plan.
- Maintains and enhances the professional image and scientific rigor of nursing.