Registered Nurse - Short Term Observation

WellSpan Health•Chambersburg, PA

About The Position

The Registered Nurse works in a 13-bed Short Term Observation Unit specializing in short-term monitoring, assessment, and treatment to determine whether patients should be discharged or admitted to the hospital. The position includes an individualized, comprehensive orientation program; ACLS and EKG are provided. The nurse implements, directs, and coordinates patient care through assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation, including recognition and treatment of physical and psychosocial changes relevant to the age and population served. The role provides focused observation care, including assessment and treatment, patient and family education, coordination with providers and other disciplines, monitoring for changes in condition, and support for timely discharge or transfer. The nurse may also function as a virtual nurse, assisting with admissions, discharges, education, and documentation through a virtual platform in collaboration with bedside nursing staff.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
Eligible for or currently licensed as a Registered Professional Nurse in Pennsylvania.
CPR certification.
Experience applying customer-service behaviors and communication skills.
At least one year of Medical-Surgical, Telemetry, or Emergency Department experience is preferred for One Med Surg Observation.
ACLS is required for Tele Observation, or must be achieved within one year of the start date.
Proficiency in cardiac monitor interpretation is required for Tele Observation.
Participation in educational programs to update and maintain current knowledge and clinical skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Previous nursing experience in the specialty area.
Certification in the specialty.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate safe medication practices and accurately transcribe physician orders.
Complete chart checks to ensure no orders are missed.
Use therapeutic communication and assess patient education needs, using appropriate education resources.
Participate in unit activities by attending 50% of staff or committee meetings and area in-services.
Lead and supervise care through the nursing process while remaining accountable for treatment and patient outcomes.
Serve as a resource for patient care, the specialty area, orientation, and staff teaching.
Analyze assessment data, identify priority problems, and document the plan of care for patients, families, and significant others.
Use effective problem-solving skills to plan patient care and respond appropriately to changes in patient condition.
Complete and document discharge assessments against plan-of-care goals.
Initiate and maintain intravenous therapy according to applicable standards.
Respond appropriately to emergencies and use proper body mechanics when positioning, transferring, and transporting patients.
When assigned, function as a virtual nurse by supporting admissions, discharges, education, and documentation through a virtual platform in collaboration with bedside nursing staff.
Interact frequently with patients and families, keep them informed about care status, and provide education and follow-up regarding the observation plan.
Coordinate collaboratively with other departments and disciplines to meet patient needs.
Identify appropriate admission diagnoses and initiate plans of care based on order sets and provider communication.
Complete accurate problem-focused assessments and treatments, and follow up with providers to complete the plan and support timely discharge.
Provide basic dysrhythmia interpretation and treatment, basic and advanced life support, and medication dosage calculations, infusions, and monitoring.
Identify abnormal clinical findings, evaluate patient responses to medications and treatments, and recognize signs of instability and cardiopulmonary emergencies; initiate standardized interventions while awaiting transfer to a higher level of care.
Demonstrate proper bladder scanner technique, appropriate pre- and postoperative management, pain management, and fall-prevention protocols.
Round with physicians and perform hemodynamic monitoring, including equipment setup and troubleshooting and recognition of patient instability.
Recognize indications for and manage patients requiring noninvasive oxygen delivery systems.
Complete annual glucometer competency and attend annual unit-specific skills training and reviews.
Accurately complete and transmit 12-lead EKGs.
Complete mandatory education and in-services by their due dates and maintain general department cleanliness.
Recognize and evaluate family needs for enhanced involvement in care to support the transition from hospital to home.
Respond calmly to delays, apologize for inconveniences, and offer alternatives.