RN Observation Unit 7p-7:30a

Frederick Health•Frederick, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse in the Observation Unit independently provides patient care using the nursing process and performs leadership and teaching duties that support effective patient care. The role supports Frederick Health’s mission, vision, core values, and customer service philosophy; follows the FH Compliance Program and regulatory requirements; and adheres to the FH Standards of Behavior. The nurse participates in continuous quality improvement and works within applicable licensing, regulatory, and hospital policy requirements. The Observation Unit serves as an extension of the Emergency Room for patients who meet predetermined inclusion and exclusion standards. Patients are continually monitored by a licensed provider available on the unit 24/7. Services may include diagnostic testing, short-term treatment, assessment, and reassessment, with disposition generally made within 24–48 hours. This is a full-time position scheduled for three 12-hour night shifts per week, 7:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m., with weekend and holiday rotation. The position reports to the Department Manager and also receives supervision from the Director or Hospital Supervisor. The stated pay range is $36.07–$55.17 per hour, based on experience, skills, and education. The role includes assessing patients and developing, implementing, documenting, and evaluating individualized plans of care; communicating with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team; educating patients and families; supporting and mentoring staff; and demonstrating accountability, leadership, and professional conduct. Nurses may be asked to float to other hospital nursing units. The position involves exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, hazardous materials, and technical and heavy equipment, as well as physical and ergonomic demands.

Requirements

Eligible for or currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in Maryland or a compact state.
Associate degree in Nursing required.
CPR certification required; BLS certification is required of all nurses within 90 days of hire.
Clinical competency in the assigned departmental area of practice.
Ability to use technology and equipment to perform job duties and operate equipment needed to meet patient-care needs.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to use proper body mechanics when handling patients, supplies, and equipment, and to work in a physically demanding environment.
Ability to perform duties appropriate to the age-specific patient population served by the department.
Ability to meet Frederick Health Clinical Ladder requirements annually.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient and employee information.
Must complete required hospital-wide and department-specific competencies.
Must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skills for the department’s designated patient age groups; the posting lists neonates, infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.
Able to meet the position’s physical demands, including infrequent lifting up to 100 pounds, carrying up to 50 pounds while walking, and pushing or pulling loads as described in the posting.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred; alternatively, willingness to obtain it within five years of employment.

Responsibilities

Assess patients’ biophysical, psychosocial, environmental, self-care, educational, and discharge-planning needs according to nursing standards.
Complete and document initial and ongoing assessments and reassessments; recognize, document, and communicate changes in patient condition, and respond appropriately.
Anticipate patient needs and potential changes in condition based on assessment findings, proposed procedures, and the course of care.
Develop individualized plans of care based on nursing diagnoses and patient needs, using available resources such as family, caregivers, other disciplines, and community agencies.
Organize and prioritize care, seek assistance when necessary, and implement and document nursing interventions and patient responses in accordance with policies and standards.
Communicate pertinent information to patients, families, and the healthcare team in a timely, concise, and interdisciplinary manner; keep patients and families updated about status and changes to the plan of care.
Give and receive patient assignments flexibly based on staff skill mix and patient-care demands.
Evaluate nursing care, interventions, equipment, policies, procedures, and programs; document effectiveness, modify care plans as needed, and recommend responses to variances from expected outcomes.
Assess patient and family learning needs, barriers, readiness, and preferences; set learning goals, provide and evaluate education, document teaching, and communicate progress and follow-up needs.
Integrate discharge planning and referrals into patient and family education.
Provide support to less experienced staff, and demonstrate effective delegation, precepting, mentoring, and orientation practices.
Contribute to professional development, clinical ladder requirements, staff retention, employee morale, and department quality-improvement activities.
Use supplies, equipment, and technology appropriately to support quality patient care; float to other nursing units when requested.
Review quality-assurance data for accuracy and completeness and contribute to evaluations or audits of peers, CNAs, and technicians.
Complete hospital-wide and department-specific competencies and maintain patient and employee confidentiality.

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Life insurance
Short-term income replacement
Long-term disability
Paid time off
403(b) retirement plan with employer match for eligible employees
Free financial planning sessions
Educational assistance program
Employer-paid Employee Assistance Program
Shift differential and/or overtime pay may be available for eligible non-exempt positions