Registered Nurse RN Observation Unit (Full Time/Days)

About the role

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.

Location and schedule

Lancaster, PA – Lancaster General Hospital

• Full-time (36 hours per week)
• Days shift (3:00 am – 3:00 pm)
• Every third weekend and rotating holidays

Unit overview

The Observation Unit is a fast-paced 52-bed unit for both medical and surgical patients needing short-term care. Patients typically have an anticipated discharge within 24–48 hours to receive treatments and procedures before discharge. Top diagnoses include chest pain, atrial fibrillation, hypertension, pulmonary embolism/deep vein thrombosis, abdominal pain, trauma, transient ischemic attack/cerebrovascular accident, congestive heart failure, asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, vertigo, acute kidney injury/electrolyte abnormalities, syncope, hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia, and pre-/post-procedure care (cardiac catheterization, operating room, pacemaker, ablation, etc.). The unit requires strong assessment and critical-thinking skills, as patient conditions can change rapidly.

Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility and accountability as defined by the American Nurses Association standards of nursing practice
• Practice as a full partner on the health care team and consistently demonstrate safe practice within the organizational professional practice model
• Independently provide patient care through the application of the nursing process and accept accountability for the nursing care of assigned patients (age range: infancy to elderly)
• Perform patient assessments focusing on physiologic, psychological, and cognitive functions; evaluate progress toward outcomes and adapt the plan of care based on recognized trends and changes
• Collect and manage comprehensive data pertinent to the patient’s health or situation; analyze assessment data to determine diagnoses or issues
• Formulate age-appropriate, culturally and ethically sensitive plans of care
• Implement care knowledgeably and coordinate patient care across several disciplines and among caregivers
• Provide leadership to the team by communicating expected standards of care, encouraging and supporting team members and their contributions
• Assign, delegate, and supervise other employees; intervene as appropriate to ensure the plan of care is carried out, continuity of care is provided, and established outcomes are achieved
• Educate patients about healthy practices and treatment modalities
• Systematically enhance the quality and effectiveness of nursing practices; utilize technology where appropriate
• Consider factors related to safety, effectiveness, cost, and impact on practice in planning and delivering nursing services

Qualifications

• RN licensure issued by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or higher-level nursing degree
• Completion of the Nurse Residency Program or more than 15 months of practice
• CPR certification from the American Heart Association (Basic Life Support); AHA Heart Saver courses are not accepted
• Must be in good standing with Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal and state health insurance programs (i.e., not excluded from participation)