• Minimum of three (4) years of recent acute care nursing experience in a hospital setting.
• Experience in at least two different clinical areas preferred.
• Validated competencies in the following areas: clinical practice, evidence-based practice, research, Quality/Process Improvement, education, and leadership (i.e. preceptor/ mentor/charge responsibilities).

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

• Current licensure with the California Board of Registered Nursing Must complete and maintain LA City Fire Card certification within 30 days of employment or transfer
• Must complete and maintain Management of Aggressive Behavior certification within 30 days of employment or transfer
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification preferred.
• Specialty certifications (e.g., PALS, NRP) may be required based on the units assigned. 

Specific Responsibilities:

• Patient Care and Experience Facilitation: Advocates for patients, maintains positive environment, and addresses concerns promptly.
• Clinical Mentorship: Provides bedside assistance, facilitates conflict resolution, and supports new staff during orientation.
• Shift Supervision: Manages scheduling, delegates tasks, monitors patient care, and addresses concerns effectively.
• Patient Throughput: Anticipates patient flow, coordinates transfers, and participates in bed management meetings.
• Performance Improvement and Compliance: Ensures documentation accuracy, participates in improvement activities, and follows safety protocols.
• Professional Development: Attends development meetings, maintains professionalism, and complies with hospital policies.
• General Accountabilities: Demonstrates professionalism, communicates effectively, participates in training, and ensures safety practices. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Clinical Inquiry and Critical Thinking
• Engages in ongoing evaluation and questioning of practice, bringing informed practice to the bedside through research and experiential learning.
• Communication
• Maintains professional and collegial communication with RNs, physicians, and healthcare team members, using SBAR format when appropriate.
• Patient Discharge Process
• Provides ongoing discharge instruction and education based on individual patient needs, adhering to VPH discharge process and standards of care.
• Confidentiality
• Maintains strict confidentiality following HIPAA and VPH policies, adhering to ethical and legal guidelines and ensuring the security and integrity of patient and hospital data.
• Delegation
• Delegates tasks within the BRN legal scope of practice and supervises patient care effectively.
• Documentation and Computer System Utilization
• Documents care processes timely and accurately using clinical information systems.
• Evaluation of Care
• Evaluates care plan effectiveness through patient observation and communication, modifying the plan as needed.
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Implements clinical changes and research-based practices, following advanced standards and guidelines.
• Facilitator of Learning
• Acts as a resource and role model for other clinical personnel.
• Infection Control
• Adheres to Universal Precautions and VPH infection control standards, practicing diligent hand sanitation.
• Information Seeking and Validation of Care Standards
• Questions and seeks resources to improve patient care policies, guidelines, and practices.
• Medications/Safety
• Administers medications per policy, ensures patient identification, reports medication errors, and acts as a safety role model.
• Nursing Process, Assessment, and Diagnosis
• Interprets complex patient data to provide total patient care, formulates nursing diagnoses, and maintains accurate care plans.
• Patient Advocate
• Advocates for patient and family values and beliefs, implementing best practices and standards.
• Patient Experience
• Demonstrates caring and compassion, anticipates needs, minimizes waiting, and promotes individualized care plans and discharge teaching.
• Performance Improvement
• Participates in quality initiatives, ensuring compliance with patient satisfaction, core measures, and regulatory requirements.
• Patient Throughput
• Supports timely patient placement, transfer, and discharge.
• Preceptor
• Orients new staff and willingly participates as a preceptor for new RNs, nursing students, and clinical personnel.
• Relief Charge Nurse
• Serves as a relief charge nurse as needed.