REGISTERED NURSE SENIOR 42142

B

This is the second class in the Registered Nurse series for positions in state hospitals or institutions. Positions in this class have charge responsibility for nursing services in a patient unit or clinic or are charged with coordinating and teaching a basic nursing skills training program for staff aides. The work includes close clinical supervision of staff or students assigned to the patient unit, clinic, or training program. This class is distinguished from the Registered Nurse by its charge responsibilities. It is distinguished from the Registered Nurse Supervisor by the latter's administrative and clinical supervision of patient units, clinics, centers or programs of sufficient scope to require that most of the time be spent in supervisory activities.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of moderate difficulty in leading the nursing activities of a unit or clinic or coordinating and teaching a basic nursing skills training program. Positions assigned to patient units or clinics provide all services typical of a Registered Nurse, in addition to making staff assignments, providing on-site instruction in nursing techniques, observing the work, and monitoring the patient environment. Positions work closely with staff to assess the condition of patients, obtain new orders, and revise nursing care plans. Positions in charge of a basic nursing skills training program are required to develop and update teaching manuals and materials; teach classes; and closely supervise students when working directly with patients. Classes typically are designed to train staff to work as certified nurse aides, medication assistants, or to give nursing-related direct care to mentally or physically disabled persons. Positions may provide or coordinate some training for professional health care staff, but spend most of the time working with the basic nursing skills training program.

Supervision Given: Provides immediate or general clinical supervision, as required, to registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, medication assistants, certified nurse aides, or direct care workers assigned to the unit, clinic, or training program. Some administrative supervision responsibility also may be assigned, but is not time-consuming.

Supervision Received: Clinical directions are received from a nursing supervisor, manager, or director, or a medical professional. Administrative supervision is received from a nursing, medical, or other program administrator.

Scope: Positions have charge responsibility for direct oversight of nursing care in a patient unit or clinic or have charge responsibility for a basic nursing skills training program.

Impact of Actions: Oversight and delivery of nursing care or training has a moderate to serious impact upon the health, comfort, and safety of all patients cared for by staff or students.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal contacts with patients, physicians, other health care staff, and nursing program supervisors or managers to exchange clinical information, coordinate provision of care, or request services, supplies or equipment.

Knowledge: Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of professional nursing.

Skills: Working skill in administering medications and treatments.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to assist in physical examinations; carry out physician orders; develop nursing care plans; document services; teach patients and staff; and assign, coordinate, and monitor the work of other staff.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

License or Certification: Licensed or eligible for licensure as a Registered Nurse by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited school of professional nursing

Level and Type of Experience: Experience in professional nursing.

This class replaces the 1982 Registered Nurse Clinician A class.