Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for General Nurse
💰 $65,000 - $95,000
HealthcareNursingMedicalClinical Services
🎯 Role Definition
This role requires a compassionate, skilled, and dedicated General Nurse (Registered Nurse) to join our dynamic healthcare team. In this pivotal role, you will be the backbone of our patient care delivery system, responsible for providing comprehensive and high-quality nursing care to a diverse patient population. The ideal candidate is a critical thinker with a strong clinical foundation, a deep sense of empathy, and an unwavering commitment to patient safety and advocacy. You will work collaboratively with physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals to create and implement holistic care plans, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients and their families.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Graduate Nurse (following successful NCLEX-RN examination)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN/LVN) with bridge program completion
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) pursuing an RN degree
Advancement To:
- Charge Nurse / Team Lead
- Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
- Nurse Practitioner (NP)
- Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing
Lateral Moves:
- Public Health Nurse
- Clinical Research Nurse
- Case Management Nurse
- Informatics Nurse Specialist
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Conduct comprehensive and systematic patient assessments, including physical, psychological, and social-cultural evaluations, to establish a baseline and identify ongoing needs.
- Develop, implement, and continuously evaluate individualized patient care plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
- Safely and accurately administer prescribed medications, intravenous fluids, and complex treatments, while meticulously monitoring for therapeutic effects and adverse reactions.
- Perform a wide range of nursing procedures, such as wound care, catheterization, ostomy care, and respiratory support, adhering to evidence-based practice standards.
- Monitor, record, and interpret vital signs, symptoms, and changes in patient condition, taking prompt and decisive action to address any deteriorations.
- Provide comprehensive patient and family education regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, medication regimens, and self-care techniques to promote health literacy and independence.
- Maintain precise and timely documentation of all patient care activities, assessments, interventions, and outcomes within the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
- Act as a patient advocate, ensuring their rights are protected, their needs are met, and their voices are heard within the healthcare system.
- Collaborate effectively with physicians, therapists, and other healthcare professionals during interdisciplinary rounds to coordinate care and ensure a seamless patient experience.
- Respond swiftly and effectively to medical emergencies, initiating life-saving interventions and adhering to established emergency protocols like BLS and ACLS.
- Manage the care of multiple patients simultaneously, demonstrating exceptional organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
- Ensure a safe and clean environment for patients, adhering to strict infection control policies, procedures, and universal precautions.
- Operate and monitor a variety of medical equipment, from infusion pumps and cardiac monitors to ventilators, troubleshooting issues as they arise.
- Assist physicians with diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures at the bedside, ensuring patient comfort and safety throughout.
- Facilitate the admission, transfer, and discharge processes for patients, including completing all necessary documentation and patient education.
- Provide emotional support and compassionate care to patients and their families during times of stress, illness, and bereavement.
- Collect and handle patient specimens for laboratory testing, ensuring proper labeling, handling, and transport.
- Delegate appropriate tasks to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), while retaining accountability for overall patient outcomes.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and evidence-based practice projects to enhance the standard of patient care.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, and participating in professional societies.
Secondary Functions
- Participate in unit-based council meetings and shared governance committees to contribute to nursing practice and policy.
- Act as a preceptor or mentor for new graduate nurses, nursing students, and other new team members.
- Assist with maintaining adequate stocking of medical supplies and equipment in patient care areas.
- Engage in continuous professional development and maintain all required licensures and certifications.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Clinical Assessment & Diagnosis
- Medication Administration (Oral, IV, IM, SubQ)
- IV Therapy and Phlebotomy
- Electronic Health Record (EHR/EMR) Charting (e.g., Epic, Cerner)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) & Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Wound Care and Dressing Management
- Vital Signs Monitoring and Interpretation
- Patient Care Plan Development
- Use of Medical Devices (e.g., infusion pumps, monitors, ventilators)
- Infection Control and Prevention Protocols
Soft Skills
- Critical Thinking and Clinical Reasoning
- Empathy and Compassion
- Effective Communication (Verbal and Written)
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Problem-Solving and Adaptability
- Time Management and Prioritization
- Patient Advocacy
- Emotional Resilience and Stress Management
- Attention to Detail
- Leadership and Delegation
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Diploma in Nursing from an accredited institution.
- Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Nursing
- Health Sciences
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 0-5 years. We welcome both new graduates who are eager to learn and experienced nurses who can provide mentorship.
Preferred: 1+ years of clinical experience in an acute care, medical-surgical, or similar hospital setting is highly regarded.