Registered Nurse RN Observation Unit (Full Time/Nights)

About the role

The Observation Unit is a fast-paced 52-bed unit for both medical and surgical patients needing short-term care. Patients here have an anticipated discharge of about 24-48 hours; enough time to receive treatments and procedures before being discharged. Top diagnoses on the unit include chest pain, Afib, hypertension, PE/DVT, abdominal pain, trauma, TI/CVA, CHF, asthma/COPD, vertigo, AFR/electrolyte abnormalities, syncope, hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia, and pre/post procedure (cardiac cath, OR, pacer, ablation, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Incorporates the Lancaster General Health mission, vision and values into planning patient care.
• Functions as an independent and interdependent member of the health care team as defined in unit-based Plan for Provision of Care.
• Performs patient assessments, focusing on physiologic, psychological, and cognitive functions.
• Evaluates progress toward attainment of outcomes and adapts the plan of care based on recognized trends and changes.
• Captures and manages comprehensive data pertinent to the patient’s health or the situation.
• Analyzes the assessment data to determine the diagnosis or issues.
• Formulates age-appropriate and culturally and ethically sensitive plan of care.
• Implements care in a knowledgeable manner and coordinates patient care across several disciplines and among caregivers.
• Provides leadership to other members of the team by effectively communicating expected standards of care and encouraging and supporting team members and their contributions.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and a commitment to our values of privacy, quality, respect, service and teamwork.
• Sets, assigns, delegates, and supervises other employees and intervenes as appropriate to assure that the plan of care is carried out, continuity of care is provided and that established outcomes are achieved through availability and appropriated utilization of human, material and financial resources.
• Edifies patients about healthy practices and treatment modalities.
• Systematically enhances the quality and effectiveness of nursing practices. Utilizes technology where appropriate.
• Considers factors related to safety, effectiveness, cost and impact on practice in the planning and delivery of nursing services.

Requirements

• RN licensure is required, issued by the PA Board of Nursing.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing BSN or higher-level nursing degree is required.
• Completion of the Nurse Residency Program or more than 15 months of practice.
• CPR Certification - American Heart Association AHA Basic Life Support, formerly Healthcare Provider AHA Heart Saver courses for CPR are not accepted required within 30 days of hire.
• A health care provider in good standing with Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal and state health insurance programs, i.e. not excluded from participation in Medicare, Medicaid or any other federal or state health insurance program.
• As outlined in unit-based Plan for Provision of Care.