Registered Nurse - Short Term Observation

WellSpan Health•Chambersburg, PA

About The Position

The Registered Nurse in the Short Term Observation Unit works in a 13-bed 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 using the nursing process: assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This includes recognizing and treating physical and psychosocial changes specific to the age and population served. An individualized, comprehensive orientation program is provided; ACLS and EKG training are provided as noted in the posting. This is a full-time position at 0.9 FTE (72 hours biweekly), with a day schedule of 7 a.m.–7 p.m. and work every third weekend. Shift and weekend differentials are available. Nurses may also be assigned to function as virtual nurses, supporting admissions, discharges, education, documentation through a virtual platform, and 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 required.
ACLS required for Tele Observation, or must be achieved within one year of the start date.
Proficiency in cardiac monitor interpretation required for Tele Observation.
Evidence of participation in educational programs to maintain current knowledge and clinical skills.
Experience applying customer-service behaviors and communication skills required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred.
Previous nursing experience in the specialty area preferred.
At least one year of Medical-Surgical, Telemetry, or Emergency Department experience preferred for One Med Surg Observation.
Certification in the specialty preferred.

Responsibilities

Implement, direct, and coordinate patient care through assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Demonstrate safe medication practices and accurately transcribe physician orders.
Complete chart checks to ensure orders are not missed.
Use therapeutic communication and assess patient education needs, drawing on available education resources.
Participate in the unit by attending at least 50% of staff and committee meetings and area in-services.
Provide leadership through the nursing process and supervision, remaining accountable for treatment and patient outcomes.
Serve as a resource for patient care, specialty-area practice, orientation, and staff teaching.
Respond calmly to delays, apologize for inconveniences, and offer alternatives.
Analyze assessment data, identify priority problems, and document plans of care for patients, families, and significant others.
Use 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 IV standards.
Respond appropriately to emergencies and provide basic and advanced life support as required.
Use proper body mechanics and safely position, transfer, and transport patients.
When assigned as a virtual nurse, support admissions, discharges, education, documentation, and coordination with bedside nursing staff.
Interact frequently with patients and families, keeping them informed about care status and providing education and follow-up related to the observation plan.
Coordinate with other departments and disciplines to meet patient needs.
Identify appropriate admission diagnoses and initiate plans of care based on order sets and physician communication.
Complete accurate problem-focused assessments and treatments; follow up with providers to complete care plans and facilitate timely discharge.
Interpret basic dysrhythmias and provide treatment; calculate drug dosages, administer continuous medication infusions, and monitor medication effects and patient responses.
Identify abnormal clinical findings and signs of instability, and respond appropriately, including initiating standardized interventions for cardiopulmonary emergencies while patients await transfer to a higher level of care.
Demonstrate bladder-scanner technique, pre- and postoperative patient management, pain-management techniques, 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 skills day for other unit-specific competencies and reviews.
Accurately complete and transmit 12-lead EKGs.
Complete mandatory education and in-services by their due dates and maintain general cleanliness of the department.
Recognize and evaluate family needs for increased involvement in care to support the transition from hospital to home.