RN Observation Unit 7a-7:30p part time

About the role

The Observation Unit is an extension of the Emergency Room for patients meeting pre‑determined inclusion/exclusion standards. Patients are continually monitored by a licensed provider available 24/7. Clinically appropriate services may include further diagnostic testing, ongoing short‑term treatment, assessment, and reassessment, with disposition expected within 24‑48 hours.

Job Summary: Supports and incorporates the Frederick Health (FH) mission, vision, core values, and customer service philosophy into job performance while adhering to the FH Compliance Program, regulatory requirements, and FH Standards of Behavior. Independently provides patient care using the nursing process, performs leadership and teaching duties that support effective patient care, and participates in continuous quality improvement activities. Functions within the limits of state/federal licensing, regulatory bodies, and hospital policies.

Responsibilities

• Assesses the biophysical, psychosocial, environmental, self‑care, educational, and discharge planning needs of patients according to nursing standards.
• Uses knowledge and experience to identify patient needs and prioritize treatment.
• Recognizes, accurately documents, and communicates subtle changes in patient assessment.
• Provides initial assessment and reassessments per organizational/department standards and documents per policy.
• Anticipates potential changes in patient condition and responds appropriately.
• Anticipates needs based on assessment findings and proposed procedures or care plans.
• Ensures an effective plan of care for assigned patients per planning and care standards.
• Initiates individualized plan of care using nursing diagnosis based on identified patient needs, incorporating available resources (family, caregivers, other disciplines, community agencies).
• Efficiently organizes and prioritizes patient care, seeking assistance when necessary to meet individual patient needs.
• Actively participates in development of standards of care per departmental, organizational, professional, or regulatory standards.
• Implements plan of care in compliance with hospital and nursing policies per appropriate standards.
• Completely and accurately implements and documents nursing interventions and patient response.
• Communicates pertinent information to patients and health‑care team members concisely and timely using an interdisciplinary approach.
• Ensures patient/family are updated regarding patient status and any changes in condition or plan of care as they evolve.
• Demonstrates flexibility in giving and receiving patient assignments department‑wide and hospital‑wide based on staff skill mix and patient care demands.
• Evaluates nursing care, including tools and equipment related to patient care.
• Reviews, evaluates, and documents effectiveness of interventions, modifying the plan of care as needed.
• Evaluates new and existing equipment, policies, procedures, and programs.
• Anticipates patient response to interventions and collaborates with patient/family and health‑care team to revise treatment plans.
• Identifies variances from expected outcomes and makes appropriate recommendations.
• Provides patient/family education: assesses current knowledge, barriers to learning, readiness, willingness, ability to learn, and cultural/religious/financial/preference implications.
• Identifies learning needs and establishes goals using standardized or individualized teaching plans.
• Implements teaching plan through direct, interactive teaching, using aids and materials as appropriate.
• Evaluates effectiveness of teaching.
• Communicates patient/family progress toward learning goals and need for follow‑up to other nurses and health‑care disciplines.
• Integrates discharge planning and referral into the teaching process and documents teaching per policy.
• Independently offers support to less experienced staff to aid in patient/family teaching.
• Demonstrates professional expectations by incorporating suggestions for self‑development/performance into daily practice, meeting clinical ladder requirements, engaging in department efforts to promote staff retention and morale.
• Utilizes supplies, equipment, and technology to ensure quality of patient care.
• Floats to other nursing units in the hospital as requested.
• Demonstrates leadership/accountability qualities: uses communication style that sets department tone for positive professional behavior, promotes meaningful focused communication among healthcare team members, encourages professional interactions with ancillary healthcare givers including physicians.
• Demonstrates effective delegation skills for nursing staff in delivery of safe nursing care and communication to peers.
• Demonstrates effective precepting and mentoring skills for RNs and ancillary staff.
• Adheres to program policies and participates in effective department orientation.
• Demonstrates accountability for reviewing Quality Assurance reports/data for accuracy and completeness per departmental standards.
• Contributes to evaluation/auditing process for CNAs, Technicians, peers, etc.
• Must complete all hospital‑wide and department‑specific competencies.

Requirements

• Eligible for or currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Maryland or a compact state.
• Associate’s degree in Nursing required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred or willingness to obtain within 5 years of employment.
• Current CPR certification.
• BLS certification required of all nurses within 90 days of hire.
• Unit‑specific certifications (must be completed within 1 year of hire unless otherwise noted):
  • 2C (Oncology/Thoracic) – Chemotherapy
  • 4B, 4A, 4G, 2G (Telemetry) – ACLS
  • L&D, OB/OR – NRP, C‑EFM (within 3 years)
  • Family Center – NRP
  • NICU – NRP
  • NICU – ACLS
  • Peds/Peds ED – PALS
  • OR – ACLS
  • Cath Lab – ACLS
  • PACU – ACLS
  • Endo – ACLS
  • Pre‑Op – ACLS
  • Emergency Dept – ACLS, PALS, Base Station
• Must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skills in providing appropriate care/contact for patients across all age groups:
  • Neonate (0‑30 days)
  • Infant (31‑12 months)
  • Child (13 months‑12 years)
  • Adolescent (13‑17 years)
  • Adult (18‑65 years)
  • Geriatric (66+ years)

Skills

• Clinical competency in departmental area of practice.
• Ability to use technology and equipment to perform job duties.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective use of proper body mechanics when handling patients, supplies, and equipment.