Registered Nurse - Medical Stepdown Unit

Duties

The practice of nursing requires specialized knowledge, judgment, and skills to provide care to groups and individuals. The RN utilizes knowledge derived from the principles of biological, physical, behavioral, social, and nursing sciences to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care. All care is provided based on the concepts inherent in the model of care which promotes an ongoing partnership between patients and families and the team of healthcare providers. The care is culturally based and age-specific. The RN adheres to the American Nursing Association (ANA) code of ethics and to the scope of practice described in the applicable Nurse Practice Act.

Unit Description

3S Comp-Med Stepdown: The Medical-Surgical Stepdown unit is a 29-bed medical stepdown unit specializing in the care of patients diagnosed with acute MI, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, CHF, and other low-risk cardiac/chest pain diagnoses. The unit offers general medical services to all types of patients requiring cardiac monitoring including cardiology, renal, endocrinology, general medicine, pulmonology, gastroenterology, and oncology. Staff on this unit undergo special training and education regarding non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (Bi-PAP, C-PAP, and A-PAP). They also provide infusion therapy, transfusions, injections, and central line care. Patient care assistants on this unit provide support with ADLs, POC glucose testing, and 12 Lead EKGs. The unit is a dedicated stroke unit and all RNs are NIH stroke scale certified.

Skills Required

• Demonstrates the knowledge, abilities, and skills to provide age and culturally specific patient care and education.
• Effectively communicates with peers, utilizes appropriate channels of communication, and maintains absolute confidentiality.
• Maintains competence and demonstrates evidence of continuing professional growth.
• Demonstrates the ability to accept and implement change and the ability to work in a culturally diverse setting.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• NIHHS - stroke certification preferred.
• Some form of leadership experience - Charge RN/Preceptor.

Schedule Notes

Duration: 13 weeks
3x12 Days, up to every other weekend

Certifications Required

• ACLS certified;
• 1 year of Stepdown/Tele experience;