Registered Nurse-Observation Full Time Weekend Days

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare • Lake Forest, IL

1d

About The Position

The Registered Nurse-Observation embodies the attributes of Northwestern Medicine’s Relationship Based Care model and performs the core functions of the Professional Practice Model. Under department leadership, the nurse reflects the organization’s mission, vision, and values; follows the Illinois Nurse Practice Act, the Code of Ethics, and the Corporate Compliance Program; and complies with applicable policies, procedures, guidelines, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards.

The nurse provides comprehensive, evidence-based care to assigned patients, coordinating with patients, families, and the healthcare team. The role includes assessment, care planning, patient education, discharge planning, safe medication administration, documentation, use of clinical technology, and participation in unit safety and quality initiatives. The nurse also directs patient care and support technicians, may coordinate care for the unit when assigned, and serves as a resource and mentor to colleagues.

Requirements

• Registered Nursing license issued by the State of Illinois.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association.

Nice To Haves

• National certification in the area of specialty.

Responsibilities

• Perform and document comprehensive assessments of assigned patients, identify and prioritize patient needs and nursing diagnoses, establish measurable goals, and update care plans as needed.
• Promptly communicate changes in patient condition and evaluate and document responses to nursing interventions.
• Collaborate with patients, families, and healthcare team members to plan and coordinate care.
• Assess discharge needs, make appropriate referrals including palliative care when needed, and complete discharge instructions and medication reconciliation.
• Educate patients and families by assessing learning needs and readiness, documenting education, using teach-back, and providing appropriate education materials and resources.
• Respect and support patients’ cultural, spiritual, and family needs; uphold ethical standards and request an ethics consultation when appropriate.
• Implement evidence-based nursing interventions and use reliable evidence resources to support professional nursing practice.
• Participate in clinical ladder projects and unit- or organization-level process improvement.
• Administer medications safely using barcode technology and promote patient health, safety, and rights.
• Provide complete, timely, and accurate bedside shift reports and handoffs; round hourly in collaboration with patient care technicians; and participate in unit huddles.
• Support unit and organizational quality metrics and help prevent pressure ulcers, falls, CAUTI, and central-line infections as applicable.
• Participate in safety and quality initiatives, including serving as a unit safety facilitator or identified resource when requested.
• Oversee and direct patient care or support technicians while maintaining accountability for assigned patients.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills in leading others and addressing conflict appropriately.
• When assigned, perform charge nurse or preceptor duties and coordinate care for the entire unit.
• Lead clinical response to changes in patient condition and consult the primary care physician about treatment or transfer to an appropriate level of care.
• Serve as a resource and role model for staff and students; assist with precepting, orientation, and mentoring as requested.
• Participate in peer evaluation and clinical case peer review, collaborate with hospital services, and communicate barriers to effective practice to nursing leadership and the practice operations council.
• Ensure appropriate level-of-care orders are documented in the EMR, follow supply-charging practices, and participate in value-based initiatives.
• Contribute to reducing overtime utilization.
• Complete electronic and paper documentation, use Alaris pump guardrails, apply physiologic monitoring to clinical management, and use the bed management system.
• Identify potential new technologies and participate in CEOC activities related to medical-record advancement and optimization as requested.
• Attend internal professional development offerings, obtain specialty certification, maintain professional competencies and required learning, and adhere to dress code.
• Participate in professional organizations through membership, leadership, or committee work, and take assigned lunch breaks.

Benefits

• Tuition reimbursement
• Loan forgiveness
• 401(k) matching
• A wide range of benefits supporting physical, emotional, and financial well-being and protection from unexpected life events

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time