MSU Specialist

Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics • Colfax, WA

9d • $42 - $72 • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Surgical Unit Lead is a registered nurse who serves as a clinical resource, educator, staffing coordinator, and operational lead for the Medical Surgical Unit (MSU). This position maintains an active bedside nursing role while supporting the department's operational and educational needs. They work directly with the Director of Inpatient Services. The Medical Surgical Unit Lead assists with department staffing and scheduling, onboarding and competency development for Medical Surgical Unit staff, and developing cross-training programs that prepare qualified nurses from other areas of the hospital to safely provide care within MSU. The position promotes safe, high-quality, patient-centered medical-surgical care while helping strengthen workforce flexibility, clinical readiness, and continuity of inpatient services. The Medical Surgical Unit Lead functions as a clinical and operational resource and works collaboratively with the Director of Inpatient Services as well as other nursing leaders. The position assists with day-to-day coordination, staffing, scheduling, education, competency development, quality improvement, and assigned projects but does not independently exercise managerial authority related to hiring, termination, disciplinary action, performance evaluation, or other responsibilities reserved for the Director of Inpatient Services unless specifically delegated.

Requirements

• Licensed as an RN in the State of Washington at the time of application.
• Minimum of 3 years of recent acute care nursing experience required; medical-surgical experience strongly preferred.
• BLS certified within 30 days of hire and maintained while employed.
• ACLS and PALS within three (3) months of hire and maintained while employed.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• Previous Charge Nurse, Preceptor, Educator, or Supervisor Experience

Responsibilities

• Works regularly scheduled bedside shifts within MSU and maintains clinical competency in acute medical-surgical nursing.
• Provides safe, evidence-based nursing care to adult inpatients within the scope of services provided by the organization.
• Serves as a clinical resource for nursing staff during assigned shifts.
• Supports recognition and management of changes in patient condition and clinical emergencies according to organizational policies, established clinical protocols, and provider direction.
• Collaborates with medical staff, ancillary departments, emergency services, pharmacy, rehabilitation, care coordination, and other clinical partners to support coordinated patient care.
• Maintains competency with MSU equipment, medications, documentation requirements, policies, and clinical procedures.
• Assists nursing leadership with development and maintenance of the MSU staffing schedule.
• Monitors current and anticipated staffing needs and coordinates with staff and nursing leadership to address schedule changes, time-off requests, coverage needs, and potential staffing gaps.
• Evaluates staffing patterns, patient census and acuity, staff competencies, and workforce vulnerabilities and recommends opportunities to improve staffing stability and flexibility.
• Supports the development of a flexible staffing model appropriate for a rural acute care hospital.
• Coordinates department-specific orientation, education, and competency activities for MSU nurses and nursing support staff as assigned.
• Assists with onboarding and orientation of newly hired MSU staff.
• Maintains and helps develop standardized orientation tools, competency checklists, educational materials, and training plans.
• Identifies education and competency needs through observation, staff feedback, quality data, regulatory requirements, and changes in clinical practice.
• Coordinates continuing education, competency activities, drills, simulations, and professional development opportunities.
• Serves as a clinical mentor and resource for nursing staff.
• Ensures required education, orientation, and competencies are completed and appropriately documented for MSU and cross-training staff.
• Develops individualized cross-training plans and coordinates clinical experiences, preceptors, education, competency validation, and ongoing skills maintenance for qualified staff cross-training to the MSU and other designated inpatient areas.
• Helps establish clear expectations regarding the clinical responsibilities and limitations of cross-trained staff.
• Participates in MSU quality and patient safety initiatives by reviewing clinical processes, outcomes, and trends and collaborating with leadership to implement education and process improvements.
• Supports implementation and standardization of evidence-based medical-surgical practices across the department.
• Assists with development and revision of department policies, procedures, guidelines, and competency standards.
• Functions as a positive clinical leader and role model for MSU staff.
• Promotes a culture of patient safety, psychological safety, teamwork, respectful communication, accountability, continuous learning, and patient-centered care.
• Serves as a liaison between MSU staff and nursing leadership regarding operational, educational, and clinical needs.
• Facilitates communication among departments involved in inpatient care.
• Participates in committees, meetings, workgroups, and initiatives related to medical-surgical nursing and inpatient care as assigned.
• Supports organizational initiatives designed to maintain and strengthen access to high-quality inpatient services in the rural community.

Benefits

• medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• retirement options (403(b) & 457)
• Discounts on medical services provided by Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics
• Differentials apply for evening, night, and weekend shifts.
• Unique PTO plan enables employees to increase their accrual with each year of service!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level