Registered Nurse (RN) - Short Stay Observation Unit (0.9 Day/Eve)

Mercy Cedar Rapids•Baltimore, MD

About The Position

The Registered Nurse supports Mercy's philosophy of patient-centered care by providing safe, respectful, compassionate, and efficient nursing care in accordance with Mercy standards, policies, and procedures. Working with the unit-specific team, the nurse identifies clinical problems, develops patient care plans, and educates patients and families. This role is for the Short Stay Observation Unit. The nurse assesses patient and family needs, plans and implements care, coordinates care with the healthcare team, evaluates outcomes, and maintains timely, accurate documentation. The position also includes communicating at handoffs, responding to emergencies within scope of practice, promoting patient safety, directing and delegating to other personnel as assigned, and serving as a role model for staff. Department-specific duties include effective computer navigation for clinical information and handoffs, and accurate performance of the NIH Stroke Scale.

Requirements

Current license to practice as a registered nurse in Iowa or a compact state.
Current Basic Life Support certification in accordance with the American Heart Association.
Complete Iowa Dependent Adult Abuse and Iowa Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter training and submit certification to Human Resources before the start or transfer date.
Sound background in basic nursing principles and procedures.
Competency in unit-specific skills and ability to provide safe, effective basic nursing care.
Ability to demonstrate effective customer service, including verbal and non-verbal skills and proper phone etiquette.
Ability to lift up to 15 lbs. to waist and shoulder height frequently; up to 50 lbs. occasionally for patient transfers; and up to 100 lbs. rarely for controlled falls.
Ability to lift 15 lbs. overhead occasionally.
Ability to push or pull up to 20 lbs. of horizontal force frequently, 35 lbs. occasionally, and 50 lbs. rarely.
Ability to administer CPR.

Nice To Haves

Previous RN experience in an acute care setting.
Baccalaureate degree in Nursing.

Responsibilities

Communicate accurate, clinically relevant information to patients, families, and coworkers during handoffs and as needed.
Assess, plan, intervene, coordinate, and evaluate care according to each patient's plan of care.
Continually assess patient and family needs and provide quality, patient-centered care.
Use critical thinking and judgment to implement patient care plans, nursing interventions, and procedures.
Maintain accurate, real-time documentation of nursing care according to hospital policy.
Model a healthy work environment and support department or unit goals.
Treat patients, families, visitors, and coworkers with dignity and respect.
Direct and delegate care to licensed and non-licensed personnel as assigned.
Communicate effectively and appropriately for the patient's age and needs, including non-verbal, language, and cultural considerations.
Respond within scope of practice to emergencies and life-threatening conditions.
Promote patient safety throughout the patient experience and follow Mercy safety guidelines.
Collaborate effectively with members of the healthcare team.
Provide ongoing education to patients and families.
Remain current on evidence-based practice, protocols, and procedures.
Report unsafe conditions, situations, incidents, and injuries promptly.
Navigate computer systems effectively to find information, support handoffs, and inform clinical judgment.
Perform the NIH Stroke Scale accurately.