Nursing School New Graduate

The compensation range listed reflects the range Northern Light Health anticipates relying on in setting the wages for the position. The range may not necessarily include all additional compensation elements available, such as differentials, incentive programs and benefits.

Northern Light Mercy Hospital

Department: Float Pool

Position is located: Mercy Fore River

Work Type: Full Time

Hours Per Week: 36.00

Work Schedule: Variable

Salary Range : Pre-NCLEX: $32.00 Post-NCLEX: $34.00

Exempt: No

Summary

The Graduate Nurse – Prelicensure is a fully competent practitioner of nursing. The incumbent is responsible for the practice of nursing according to the Rules and Regulations defined in the State of Maine Nurse Practice Act, Mercy Hospital Standards of Care/Practice, policies and procedures. The incumbent is responsible for the delivery of patient care to assigned patient on a nursing unit. The nurse, within a primary nursing model, plans, implements, and evaluates the nursing care for patients and families. The nurse addresses physical, spiritual, emotional and educational needs of the patient, and coordinates the plan of care with other healthcare professionals.

Responsibilities

• Patient Assessment: With RN oversight, the new grad nurse will initiate a systematic, accurate and ongoing assessment of biophysical, psychosocial, environmental, self-care, safety, educational, and discharge planning needs of the patient, family, and/or significant other.
• Incorporates patient/family history, diagnostic and physical data into the nursing admission assessment.
• Documents evidence of both objective and subjective information, family dynamics, environmental factors and information form the multidisciplinary health care team.
• Performs reassessments as outlined in the Documentation Standard and as changes in the patient condition warrants.
• Patient Care Planning: With RN oversight, the new grad nurse will develop a plan of care based on identified patient care needs.
• Involves the patient, family, and/or significant other in the planning process.
• Interprets assessment data to determine actual/potential biophysical, psychosocial, environmental, self-care, safety, educational, and discharge planning problems.
• Identifies major patient problems in the FOCUS OF CARE (plan of care).
• Formulates individualized Key Patient Outcomes based on identified need.
• Utilizes Nursing Standards (as appropriate) in the development of Key Patient Outcomes.
• Develops a detailed plan of care in the absence of established Nursing Standards.
• Involves other members of the health care team in formulating the plan of care and coordinates the care of the patient.
• Updates/resolves the plan of care on a regular basis.
• Patient Care Implementation: With RN oversight, the new grad nurse will initiate actions directed toward achieving expected outcomes.
• Identifies potential/actual emergency situations and initiates actions accordingly.
• Sets priorities for patient care that adapt to changes in patient condition.
• Implements interventions as guided by nursing standards (as appropriate) and based on the plan of care.
• Maintains a safe and therapeutic environment utilizing principles of infection control, patient safety, and safe operation of equipment.
• Notifies other health professionals of changes in the patient’s condition.
• Initiates discharge planning referrals as appropriate.
• Conducts patient and family teaching based upon identified needs.
• Documents patient responses to interventions.
• Outcome Evaluation: With RN oversight, the new grad nurse will in conjunction with other members of the health care team, evaluate and modify the plan of care based on achievement of patient outcomes.
• Collaborates with other members of the health care team to modify the plan of care as needed.
• Evaluates the achievement of patient outcomes on an ongoing basis and revises the plan as needed.
• Identifies and communicates potential quality concerns to nurse manager.
• Documents patient’s progress toward achievement of expected outcomes.
• Professional Practice/Leadership: The nurse will demonstrate responsibility for identifying own learning needs, participation in the development of others, promoting professional communications, and demonstrating leadership qualities.
• Meets yearly requirements for continuing education (6 contact hours).
• Attends and participates in a minimum of six staff meetings per year.
• Identifies own learning needs and demonstrates progress toward goal achievement.
• Participates in the development of others through the role of preceptor and through peer review.
• Organizes workload by setting priorities, recognizing needs of own assignment and the needs of the unit.
• Completes assignments in a timely manner.
• Contributes to the smooth operation of the unit by functioning as a team member, assisting colleagues, serving on committees and participating in daily unit activities.
• Delegates care and formulates patient assignments based on the degree of direction needed, the complexity and dynamics of the patient’s condition, complexity of the caseload, the type of technology needed, and the skill level of the personnel involved.
• Actively participates in the problem solving process.
• Performs additional duties as required or assigned.

Other Information

• Associate's degree in nursing required, bachelor's degree preferred.

Competencies and Skills

• Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
• Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of belonging, empowerment, and cooperation.
• Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
• Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.

Education

• Required Associate's Degree

Working Conditions

• Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.
• Lifting, moving and loading less than 20 pounds.
• Prolonged periods of sitting.

Northern Light Mercy Hospital is a nonprofit acute care hospital in Portland, Maine, and a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas . Our work is grounded in compassion, dignity, and service, with a commitment to caring for every member of our community, especially those most in need. At Mercy, people come to work knowing their role matters. Whether at the bedside, in support services, administration, or clinical care, every team member contributes to a culture built on respect, collaboration, and purpose.

We provide a broad range of medical and surgical services, along with multiple primary and specialty care offerings and community-based programs that extend our impact beyond the hospital walls. As a member of Northern Light Health, an integrated statewide health delivery system, employees benefit from the stability, resource, and career pathways of a larger organization while working in a hospital that feels personal and connected. Team members have opportunities to grow professionally, explore new roles, and build long-term careers in an environment focused on quality, innovation, and the well-being of our workforce.

Mercy Hospital is located in Portland, Maine’s largest and most vibrant city, offering an exceptional quality of life that attracts people from across the country. Portland is nationally recognized for its food scene, arts and culture, vibrant neighborhoods, and strong sense of community. Within minutes of the city, you can reach beaches, islands, lakes, and mountain trails, with easy access to hiking, skiing, boating, and cycling. The region also offers excellent schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and easy travel connections through Portland International Jetport and nearby rail service to Boston. Southern Maine blends career opportunity with a lifestyle centered on balance, outdoor recreation, and coastal living, making it an ideal place to live and build a career.

Questions? Contact Talent Acquisition:

phone: 207-973-7100

email: talentacquisition@northernlight.org

Portland, Maine, Catholic, Sisters of Mercy, Level 2 NeoNatal Nursery