Acute Care RN-Medical Surgical Registered Nurse

About the Role

MercyOne Dyersville Medical Center is a 20-bed critical access hospital serving 17 rural communities in western Dubuque county. As a Level IV Community Trauma Care Facility, it offers 24/7 emergency and trauma services, along with acute and skilled inpatient care, ambulatory surgery, home care and specialty clinics. The center includes a fully equipped laboratory, imaging services, retail pharmacy with drive-thru and delivery and Phase II cardiac rehabilitation tailored to those recovering from heart events. Outpatient and inpatient physical, occupational and speech therapy are available locally to help patients regain function and independence.

Responsibilities

• Conduct an initial assessment to gather data; make an initial assessment of new admissions within 30 minutes of arrival to the unit; complete all areas of admission assessment database within 24 hours
• Identify patient problems and develop them into an outcome/goal-based plan of care; initiate the patient problem list and incorporate relevant medical history; analyze and interpret assessment data to identify desired outcomes/goals; determine nursing interventions to achieve those outcomes/goals
• Prioritize patient care needs/activities; identify and make appropriate referrals (Patient/Family Services, Nutritional Services, Spiritual Care, Diabetic Educator, etc.); collaborate with other health care disciplines to plan interventions and outcomes/goals
• Implement the outcome/goal-based plan of care; assign and coordinate patient care incorporating acuity and team member skills; organize and prioritize care; delegate tasks appropriately; implement procedures, treatments, physician orders, nursing orders, education plan and medications
• Coordinate implementation with Case Manager, Social Worker and other health care disciplines; assist to decrease length of stay by helping patients and families identify and secure appropriate post-discharge services
• Use nursing judgment to determine frequency and components of reassessment; reassess at regular intervals to determine patient response(s) to interventions (minimum RN reassessment every 24 hours); focus ongoing reassessment on actual and potential problems/needs including education and discharge needs
• Participate in developing discharge plan; document discharge instructions for patient and/or significant other and/or other care provider
• Evaluate patient progress and revise the outcome/goal-based plan as needed; review/modify/revise the plan based on ongoing reassessments; update the problem list and outcomes/goals
• Communicate relevant clinical information to physicians regarding patient condition; report progress toward outcomes/goals and/or changes in condition to other health team members; maintain ongoing communication with interdisciplinary team members throughout the shift, at shift change, and transfer of care
• Communicate with other team leaders and members throughout the shift to reassess and prioritize unit needs; document completely, comprehensively and legibly in accordance with policy
• Demonstrate clinical competence by utilizing Patient Care Policies and Procedures; assure medication safety by following the "5 Rights" of medication administration; prioritize and implement interventions according to patient assessment
• Demonstrate competency in computer systems and applications required for role; receive, transcribe, process and implement physician orders per policy including dating, timing and verifying accuracy
• Maintain communication with the manager/house supervisor and staffing office regarding admissions, unit needs, acuity numbers and significant events; complete assigned shift duties and assure resolution of discrepancies
• Manage telemetry and cardiac monitoring when applicable; demonstrate clinical competency and technical knowledge in cardiac rhythm interpretation and telemetry monitoring; recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac arrhythmias and changes in patient condition
• Manage multiple patients requiring continuous cardiac monitoring; provide appropriate interventions for patients experiencing cardiac events or changes in rhythm; assist with data collection and quality improvement initiatives as needed
• Serve as a resource to other hospital services (nursing, pharmacy, laboratory, radiology, respiratory, etc.); participate in unit-based committees and provide education to nursing staff as requested
• Based on principles of growth and development, provide care appropriate to age-related needs of patients served; collect, analyze, interpret and apply age-specific data; perform tasks/procedures and use equipment in an age-appropriate manner; communicate and work with others in an age-appropriate manner
• Adhere to all safety, infection control and colleague health policies and procedures; attend required safety programs; consistently use required personal protective equipment; know and demonstrate departmental emergency procedures for fire, disaster and other emergency situations
• Report and remove unsafe equipment/furniture; ask for assistance when needed to assure safety for all involved; maintain a safe working environment and practice safe working habits
• Maintain a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations, Trinity Health's Organizational Integrity Program, Standards of Conduct, and other policies and procedures to ensure adherence in a manner reflecting honest, ethical, and professional behavior

Qualifications

• Associate degree in nursing required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred
• Current Iowa RN license
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) required
• American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required only if the unit has telemetry monitoring capabilities
• Proof of completion of Mandatory Reporter – Child and/or Dependent Adult Abuse training within three (3) months of hire
• High language, intermediate to high math, high critical thinking ability
• Basic computer skills required