Job Title: Hyperbaric Registered Nurse

JOB SUMMARY

The Hyperbaric Registered Nurse has attended a Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) approved 40-hour Introductory Hyperbaric Medicine course.  While completing the clinical hours required by the Baromedical Nurses Association (BNA) and preparing for the Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse (CHRN) exam, the hyperbaric registered nurse will have the authority, responsibility and accountability for assisting the Medical Director, medical staff and registered nurses with the assessment, treatment and education of patients in the advanced wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy center. The hyperbaric registered nurse is responsible for the provision of safe and therapeutic management of patients through utilization of the Nursing Process, in adherence to the Standards of Practice and policies and procedures and in collaboration with other members of the health care team.  

The Hyperbaric Registered Nurse has authority, responsibility and accountability as follows:

1. Assisting the Medical Director, medical staff and registered nurses with the assessment, treatment and education of patients in the wound care and hyperbaric oxygen therapy medicine department.
2. Education: Accountable for patient education (orientation). Accountable for maintaining professional competencies. Supports unit education through a variety of activities, such as precepting, unit in-services, and may also assist in organizational educational programs.
3. Communication: Is accountable for effective communication with patients/family, care team members and physicians regarding the patient’s progress on the plan of care and response to treatment.
4. Staff Development: Participates in the orientation of new employees. Works in partnership with members of the team.
5. Quality: Follows plan of care/Clinical Pathways assuring progression toward quality outcomes. 
6. Collaboration: Consults with physicians and team members regarding changes in patient’s condition. Supports roles of all co-workers. Maintains effective relationships with primary and consulting physicians.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING

1. Must hold a current nursing license in the state in which the nurse is practicing 
2. Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certificate
3. Must have documentation of successful completing of a 40-hour Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) – approved Introductory to Hyperbaric Medicine Course.
4. Certification as a Hyperbaric Registered Nurse (CHRN) or successfully obtained within 365 of eligibility.  Eligibility as stated by the Baromedical Nurses Association (BNA).
5. Should have at least 12 months of recent practical experience in clinical hyperbaric medicine, after meeting the entry-level qualifications and training requirements as delineated in this document for entry-level hyperbaric nurse.
6. Should have a working understanding of the codes and regulations that govern the operation of a hyperbaric medicine facility.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

Organizational Responsibilities

1. Displays leadership by: Modeling behaviors in support of the Mission Statement, Service Standards and Values Related Behaviors of Hyperbaric Medicine Service; using effective interpersonal skills to develop positive working relationships; participation in educational opportunities for personal and professional growth; contribution to organizational and departmental goals.
2. Supports quality improvement by: Striving to do the right things the right way the first time; using quality tools and techniques as appropriate; demonstrating flexibility and resilience in response to change.
3. Demonstrates individual effectiveness by: Maintaining a positive, open-minded and team-oriented attitude; following through on commitments; performing job responsibilities in a manner consistent with organizational policies; communicating effectively with others; using resources effectively and efficiently; making suggestions and supporting the implementation of strategies to increase revenue and/or reduce operational expenses.
4. Focuses efforts to provide services that exceed the expectations of our customers by: Anticipating and responding to customer needs; seeing customer satisfaction as a key measure of success; integrating service focus into daily routine.
5. Models teamwork by: Participating actively as a team member on a departmental and organizational level; fostering collaboration among members of the team; and recognizing the efforts and successes of other individuals and teams.

Job Specific Responsibilities

Primary Responsibilities

1. Assisting in the coordination of hyperbaric patients.
2. Assisting in the day-to-day operation of the hyperbaric facility.
3. Maintaining competencies, continuing education, and certifications as appropriate to the position.
4. Performing patient care within the scope of practice as a Nurse. Keeping complete and accurate patient records as they pertain to assessment, treatments and documentation of care.
5. Participates in quality assurance programs as requested by the Program Director.
6. Participates in the safety program.
7. Participates in the discussion and review of articles in the field of hyperbaric oxygen.

Assessment

1. Assessment of hyperbaric patients within the guidelines of the institutional policy.
2. Assesses the patient’s level of functioning on admission, transfer and discharge.  Differentiates findings from defined limits of normal.
3. Uses professional judgment in day to day problem solving and decision making.  Seeks assistance from Clinical Coordinator and peers as needed.  Assists others.
4. Assesses patient’s educational needs and develops a plan to meet these needs.
5. Assesses discharge needs and communicates to team members.

Planning

1. Follows the plan of care in collaboration with the patient care team.
2. Provides care in consideration of length of stay and patient/family needs.
3. Reviews discharge care with patient/family/physician and other team members.

Intervention

1. Administers medications and treatments according to patient needs, physician orders and policies, consistent with the scope of care for a Registered Respiratory Therapist.
2. Participates in patient/family conferences as a member of the patient care team.
3. Utilizes patient teaching to provide new information to patient/family.  Utilizes patient teaching 
4. according to policy.
5. Collaborates with Program Director, Clinical Coordinator, physician, and other caregivers to provide effective patient care.
6. Makes rounds regularly on assigned patients.
7. Documents care on appropriate forms.
8. Assures patient and family care award of team members roles and introduces care team on admission.
9. Delegates tasks appropriately to team members.

Evaluation

1. Evaluates patient’s response to treatment utilizing knowledge of disease process and patient’s story.
2. Evaluates patient’s progress on plan of care.
3. Evaluates patients continued learning needs and provides feedback to the Clinical Coordinator.

Other

1. Demonstrates flexibility in meeting staffing needs of department.
2. Utilized staffing and scheduling guidelines to identify staffing needs.
3. Participates in new employee orientation.
4. Performs other duties as assigned. 
5. Maintains clinical expertise in area of specialty.
6. Participates in performance improvement activities.