Registered Nurse (RN) - Extended Recovery (Nights) (Full-Time) (36hrs)

Position Summary

The Extended Recovery RN provides high‑quality, patient‑centered care to post‑operative orthopedic patients requiring extended recovery or overnight care. Responsibilities include monitoring patient conditions, managing pain, preventing complications, encouraging early mobility, preparing patients for discharge, and ensuring a safe recovery process while collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, hospitalists, nurse navigators, and other healthcare professionals.

Schedule

Full‑Time, Nights – 0.9 FTE (36 hours). Three 12‑hour shifts with weekend/holiday rotation; shift runs from 6:45 pm to 7:15 am.

Requirements

• Education: Graduate of an accredited nursing program; Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Licensure: Registered Nursing license in Nebraska or an eligible compact state.
• Certification: Basic Life Support (BLS) required; Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) to be obtained within 90 days of hire.
• Experience: 1 + year RN experience preferred.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Strong knowledge of post‑operative orthopedic care, pain management, and mobility assistance.
  • Proficiency in IV therapy, wound care, patient assessment, and vital‑sign monitoring.
  • Ability to recognize and respond to complications such as respiratory distress and infection.
  • Excellent communication and patient‑education skills.
  • Collaboration in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) documentation.
  • Strong critical‑thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Physical Requirements: Classified as Medium Work (20‑50 lb occasional exertion, 10‑25 lb frequent exertion, up to 10 lb constant exertion). Must pass background check, pre‑employment physical, drug screening, and maintain active licensure.

Responsibilities

• Patient Care and Monitoring: Conduct comprehensive nursing assessments post‑surgery; monitor vital signs, pain levels, and overall condition; administer medications, including pain‑management protocols; assist patients with safe mobility adhering to post‑op restrictions.
• Clinical Support and Emergency Response: Identify signs of post‑operative complications and intervene appropriately; provide wound care, monitor for infections, manage post‑anesthesia side effects; initiate actions to prevent or minimize risks such as falls or needle sticks.
• Communication and Documentation: Maintain accurate, timely medical records; communicate effectively with patients and families, addressing concerns and providing education about recovery expectations.
• Operational Responsibilities: Exhibit professional behavior across departments; comply with safety policies, OSHA, The Joint Commission, HIPAA, and hospital regulations; follow established guidelines and assist in onboarding and training new nursing staff.
• Other Duties: Perform any additional tasks for which competency has been demonstrated.