RN STEP DOWN Unit Nights

Community Health Systems•Laredo, TX

19h•Onsite

About The Position

Laredo Medical Center is hiring a Registered Nurse for its Step Down Unit night shift. The RN provides patient-centered care through assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation, coordinating and delivering high-quality care in line with clinical protocols and physician/provider orders. The nurse collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to support effective care and desired outcomes while maintaining a compassionate environment for patients and families. The role includes assessing and documenting patients’ conditions, administering medications, assisting with procedures within documented competency, developing and evaluating individualized care plans, responding to emergencies, advocating for patients, educating patients and families, applying infection-control and safety practices, and operating medical equipment as needed. The RN also participates in audits, compliance reviews, professional development, and performance-improvement initiatives. Additional critical-care duties listed include administering intravenous treatments, managing complex equipment and life-support systems, and performing procedures such as central-line insertion, tracheostomy management, and advanced cardiac life support. The position requires regular and reliable attendance and compliance with organizational policies and standards. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer; immigration sponsorship is not available now or in the future.

Requirements

0–2 years of experience in a clinical nursing role or student clinical rotations in an acute-care setting.
Strong knowledge of the nursing process and clinical nursing practices.
Ability to conduct thorough patient assessments and communicate findings effectively.
Proficiency in administering medications and monitoring for side effects.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documenting patient care.
Knowledge of safety standards, infection control, and quality-improvement initiatives.
Registered Nurse (RN) state licensure and/or compact state licensure required.
Basic Life Support (BCLS) certification required.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer; immigration sponsorship is unavailable.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification preferred.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification preferred.
Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.
Conduct thorough patient assessments, document findings accurately, and report changes in condition to appropriate care team members.
Use knowledge of human growth and development to provide age-appropriate care and education.
Administer prescribed medications, monitor for side effects, and document medication administration.
Assist physicians during procedures within documented competency and skill level.
Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans.
Respond to medical emergencies and participate in life-saving interventions, including CPR and code team activities, as appropriate.
Advocate for patients’ rights and needs in care planning and delivery.
Educate patients and families about medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care.
Implement and follow infection-control protocols.
Monitor and operate medical equipment, such as IV pumps, monitors, and ventilators, as needed.
Promote patient safety by following National Patient Safety Goals and maintaining a clean, safe environment.
Participate in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks.
Make responsible decisions when planning and delegating care based on patient needs and organizational policies.
Document patient care and education thoroughly and promptly in the medical record.
Engage in professional development to maintain clinical competency and knowledge of current nursing standards and regulations.
Participate in performance-improvement initiatives, including data collection and process development.
Administer prescribed medications and treatments, including intravenous medications and therapies, as listed under critical-care duties.
Manage complex medical equipment, including ventilators, monitoring devices, and other life-support systems, as listed under critical-care duties.
Perform procedures such as inserting central lines, managing tracheostomies, and providing advanced cardiac life support, as listed under critical-care duties.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance and comply with all policies and standards.