Registered Nurse (Med Surg)

About the Role

Performs an age-specific plan of care for a designated group of patients using the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Collaborates with physicians and other health team members in coordinating and implementing procedures and treatments. Uses leadership skills and clinical judgment in coordinating patient care and directing/delegating activities of the patient care unit team.

Responsibilities

• Conducts patient interviews, explains policies and procedures, reviews patient’s chart, and answers questions.
• Assesses gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and neurological health status; determines mobility, sensory deficits, prostheses use, and skin condition; adjusts plan of care accordingly.
• Assesses level of pain and pain management; communicates and documents patient’s physiologic health status and plan of care.
• Assesses patient’s psychosocial health status, coping mechanisms, knowledge level, and cultural/ethnic requirements to ensure patient satisfaction.
• Identifies patient outcomes, develops criteria for measurement, and establishes individualized patient goals.
• Develops and implements the plan of care, ensuring cost-effective use of supplies, equipment, and medication.
• Maintains vigilance over patient safety (e.g., side rails up, call lights within reach).
• Administers prescribed treatments, uses equipment safely, and provides emotional support to patients and significant others.
• Makes accurate observations of patient conditions and documents responses to interventions.
• Participates in discharge planning, provides discharge instructions, and coordinates referrals.
• Evaluates care provided, performs variance analysis, and implements systems to improve care.
• Collaborates with physicians and care team members on patient treatment regimens.
• Accurately interprets and implements physician-prescribed treatment regimens; assists during treatments/procedures.
• Uses clinical judgment in delegating assignments and ensures timely completion.
• Performs decubitus care (grade I-IV), preventive skin care, dressings, compresses, and irrigations.
• Administers medications safely, educates patients on drug/food interactions, and documents correctly.
• Provides patient and family education, explains conditions, and evaluates teaching effectiveness.
• Communicates assessment data to care team members and appropriate agencies.

Requirements

• Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing preferred.
• Must be enrolled in an accredited BSN program within two years and obtain a BSN Degree within five years of job entry date.
• Current License to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State required, plus specialized certifications as needed.

Pay

The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation. Several factors may be considered when determining base salary and/or rate (e.g., location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, negotiated contracts, budget, and internal equity).