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 role implements, directs, and coordinates patient care through the nursing process: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. It includes recognizing and treating physical and psychosocial changes relevant to the age and population served on the unit. An individualized, comprehensive orientation program is provided; ACLS and EKG training are provided. The position is part-time at 0.6 FTE (48 hours biweekly), on a night schedule from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., with work every third weekend. Shift and weekend differentials are available.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Demonstrate safe medication practices and maintain a professional image.
Complete chart checks to ensure that no orders are missed and accurately transcribe physician orders.
Use therapeutic communication and assess patient education needs, making use of available education resources.
Attend at least 50% of unit staff or committee meetings and in-services.
Provide leadership through the nursing process and supervision while remaining accountable for treatment and patient outcomes.
Serve as a resource for patient care, the specialty area, orientation, and staff teaching.
Respond calmly to delays, apologize for inconvenience, and offer alternatives.
Analyze assessment data, identify priority problems, and document the plan of care for patients, families, and significant others.
Use problem-solving skills to plan care; identify changes in patient condition and respond appropriately.
Complete and document discharge assessments against plan-of-care goals.
Initiate and maintain intravenous therapy according to standards and respond appropriately to emergencies.
Use proper body mechanics and safely position, transfer, and transport patients.
Function as a virtual nurse when assigned, including admissions, discharges, education, and documentation through a virtual platform in collaboration with bedside nursing staff.
Interact frequently with patients and families, provide updates and education about the observation plan, and follow up on care.
Coordinate with other departments and disciplines to meet patient needs.
Identify appropriate admission diagnoses and initiate plans of care based on order sets or provider communication.
Complete focused assessments and treatments, follow up with providers to complete the plan, and support timely discharge.
Interpret basic dysrhythmias and provide basic and advanced life support.
Calculate drug dosages; administer continuous medication infusions; monitor medication effects and patient responses to medications and treatments.
Recognize abnormal clinical findings and patient instability, including cardiopulmonary emergencies, and initiate standardized interventions while arranging transfer to a higher level of care as needed.
Demonstrate proper bladder-scanner technique and appropriate pre- and postoperative patient management.
Apply pain-management techniques and fall-prevention protocols.
Round with physicians and perform hemodynamic monitoring, including equipment setup and troubleshooting and recognition of instability.
Recognize indications for and manage patients requiring noninvasive oxygen delivery systems.
Complete annual glucometer competency and attend annual skills days for unit competencies 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 greater involvement in care to support transition from hospital to home.