Per Diem RN - 4.2 Ortho
About The Position
The Registered Nurse works under the supervision of the Nurse Manager/Clinical Coordinator to assess, plan, implement, evaluate, and supervise individualized patient care on a nursing unit according to unit policies and procedures. The RN supervises non-RN personnel on the assigned unit and, when serving as charge nurse, delegates and supervises unit activities. The role may require working on other nursing units based on staffing and patient distribution. The RN performs other duties as assigned to maintain a high level of service. The position involves orthopedic patient care, including care related to total joint replacement, pain management, traction, orthopedic devices, recovery exercises, skin care, dressings, and assisting physicians with orthopedic procedures.
Requirements
- Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
- Valid State of Connecticut Registered Nurse license.
- BLS certification required.
- Proficient in computer software, including electronic patient records.
- Ability to use the internet for literature searches regarding patient care.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
Responsibilities
- Assess patients’ physical and psychosocial condition throughout the continuum of care.
- Develop, communicate, and document individualized plans of care, involving the patient, family, and healthcare team.
- Implement and coordinate plans of care in collaboration with the healthcare team.
- Evaluate care effectiveness, patient response, and readiness for discharge; revise care plans and make referrals as indicated.
- Assess patient and family learning needs and readiness, provide education, and document outcomes.
- Precept new staff.
- Participate in professional development activities and committees that foster clinical development.
- Function as a charge nurse, delegating and supervising unit activities.
- Provide a safe environment for self and patients.
- Meet performance expectations for customer service, teamwork, resource utilization, and staff and self-development.
- Perform other duties as assigned to ensure smooth operation of the department or unit.
- Demonstrate competency in orthopedic patient care and knowledge of total joint replacement protocols and JCAHO pain requirements.
- Set up, apply, and maintain Buck’s traction.
- Demonstrate knowledge and nursing skill in the use and application of casts, braces, splints, CPM, compression boots, Stryker reinfusion devices, PCA pumps, Datascope protocols, immobilizers, and slings.
- Assist with exercises that support patient recovery, such as gluteal and straight-leg-raising sling exercises.
- Implement skin care protocols and apply, maintain, and document occlusive dressings.
- Assist physicians with orthopedic procedures, such as joint aspiration or injection and Steinmann pin insertion.
