Registered Nurse Stepdown Unit

Medical University of South Carolina • Orangeburg, SC

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Stepdown unit is a 15-bed adult intermediate care unit that treats acutely ill patients with medical problems related to renal disease, cardiac disease, respiratory disease, and other medical issues, including post-surgical and dialysis patients. The unit requires BLS upon hire and ACLS within 6 months of hire. Nurses on this unit manage medication drips such as insulin and cardiac medications per physician orders. In addition to the main unit, there is a stepdown overflow with an additional 9 beds. The Registered Nurse provides professional nursing care within an assigned unit and coordinates care planning with other disciplines. The work environment involves regular exposure to infectious, contagious, and bloodborne diseases, contact with patients under a wide variety of circumstances, and exposure to unpleasant elements including accidents, injuries, and illnesses. The role may involve unpredictable situations, emergency or crisis situations, and occasional irregular hours. There is occasional exposure to radiation. The nurse is responsible for the financial stewardship of supplies and resources.

Requirements

• A minimum of one year of work experience as a registered nurse required.
• Licensure as a registered nurse by the South Carolina Board of Nursing or a compact state.
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required.
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time.
• Proficiency in manual dexterity and fine motor skills for tasks such as taking patient vitals, administering injections, or conducting physical exams.
• Capacity to lift and move patients or medical equipment as needed.
• Visual acuity and color perception to accurately read medical charts, documents, and monitors.
• Auditory ability to effectively communicate with patients and colleagues, as well as to perceive important sounds such as alarms or patient instructions.
• Stamina and resilience to handle the physical and emotional demands of providing patient care, including long shifts and potentially stressful situations.
• Mobility to navigate clinical environments, including moving between patient rooms, offices, and other areas of the facility.
• Compliance with infection control protocols and proper use of personal protective equipment to maintain a safe and healthy work environment.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Nursing degree preferred.
• RN staff hired on or after July 1, 2013 with an Associate or Diploma degree in nursing are required to be enrolled in an accredited BSN program within two years and successfully obtain a BSN degree within four years of the RN hire or reclassification date. Refer to policy A141 for more details.

Responsibilities

• Documents initial nursing histories, assesses patients’ conditions per policy requirements and develops individual care plans for patients taking into consideration their physical, psycho-social, environmental, cultural, and spiritual needs.
• Assists physicians with examinations, procedures and other processes related to direct patient care according to established policies and procedures.
• Evaluates outcomes of patient care, consults with other specialists as required and revises nursing care processes as necessary to obtain optimal patient care.
• Coordinates discharge planning.
• Monitors and records patients’ condition.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Using an interdisciplinary approach, formulates a teaching plan based on identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning [including family teaching] as appropriate.
• Coordinates patients’ ordered diagnostic and therapeutic services.
• Communicates patients’ condition during hand-offs.
• Performs other miscellaneous and related duties as assigned by the director of nursing, charge nurse and/or medical staff.
• Performs charge duties as requested by director, after six (6) months nursing experience and appropriate training as required.
• Rounds on patients per policy to improve clinical outcome.
• Orients or mentors new staff members.
• Listens effectively to the patient to facilitate care requirements.
• Provides first line customer service response.
• Follows the MUSC Standards of Behaviors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• MUSC participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree