I. General Summary
This role is reserved for the new graduate or nurse with less than 12 months experience. The nurse will utilize this time to learn the institution and nursing practice. It is expected that a nurse in this role successfully pass the probationary period within 12 months (18 months maximum with a defined action plan developed with manager). Utilizes the nursing process as the frame of reference for practice as a professional nurse. Participates in activities to develop own practice, and to support group practice goals at the unit level.
Functions effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary health care team. Is accountable to patient, family and team members for care provided, and to the nurse manager for totality of work performance.

II. Principal Responsibilities and Tasks
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. These are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

Clinical Practice/Care Delivery
1. Novice; focus of clinical practice/care delivery is on own learning
2. Uses/applies evidence-based practice; accesses appropriate resources.
3. Follows unit-based protocols, documentation, pathways, etc.
4. Involves patient and family in care; follows tenants of patient and family centered care.
5. Conducts patient/family needs assessment; initiates and documents patient/family education
6. Assists with precepting students, PCT or peer for isolated days (not accountable for entire orientation); may assist with share days or shadow days PRN.

Professional Development
1. Ability to practice and adhere to the guidelines specified in the Role of the Professional Nurse Job Charter/Description and Commitment to Excellence Behavioral Standards.
2. Responsible for accessing education applicable to self-professional development; focus on completion of competencies appropriate for patient care setting.
3. Successful completion of orientation within unit specific time frame or within 12 months (18 months for those with an identified development plan).
4. Accountable for orientation e.g. assignments, goal setting, communication of needs, attending required orientation meetings, etc.).
5. Accountable for achieving/maintaining requirements for unit practice (as defined by each department/unit).
6. Attends mandatory training and education classes specific to unit/department.
7. Support and attend educational offerings.

Service Quality/Safety
1. Follows unit protocols and Best Practices addressing nursing sensitive quality indicators (NSQI).
2. Supports unit-based initiatives for process improvement plans, including data collection.
3. Aware of patient/family satisfaction scores and contributes to unit initiatives for improvement.
4. Recognizes potential/actual patient/family issues and seeks assistance to address.
5. Participates in collecting data to evaluate outcomes, such as hand offs, medication safety, etc.
6. Participates in some or all elements of research.

Unit Operations
1. Supports Charge Nurse role and demonstrates basic understanding of the role.
2. Actively contributes to teamwork (cooperates with peers, flexible with assignments, takes admissions as required, etc.).
3. May orient to charge if needed (situation dependent upon unit and individual's progress).
4. Attends unit staff meetings and huddles
5. Aware of and supports unit, divisional and organizational council structure and opportunities.
6. Participates in unit level decision making; provides feedback as appropriate.
7. Participates in organizational initiatives such as surveys (AHRQ Culture of Safety, Employee Satisfaction, and others)
8. Maintains standards for unit operations (equipment maintenance, scheduling guidelines, etc.).
9. Maintains regulatory requirements for Joint Commission readiness; participates in tracer activities.
10. Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs. Provides the care needed as described in the unit/area/department policies and procedures.