Registered Nurse - Med Surg Telemetry

Veterans Health Administration•Saint Louis, MO

10h•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse - Med / Surg / Telemetry at the VA St. Louis Health Care System, John Cochran Campus, provides care for veterans on medical-surgical and telemetry units and may be assigned to provide that care on other units. Patient care areas include 6 North, 7 North, 7 South, 5 Center, 5 North, and overflow areas such as the Emergency Department, 4 C-ICU, 6-C-ICU, or other identified areas. This is an intermittent position with varying work schedules and hours. The nurse is responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing or supervising direct patient care. The role coordinates care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care; administers medications and procedures in accordance with established policies and guidelines; and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to influence care outcomes. Core performance includes knowledge of and active participation in unit- or program-level quality improvement initiatives and customer service programs. The nurse provides competent, evidence-based care and appropriate oversight of licensed vocational nurses and nursing assistants. The role contributes to nursing education, orientation, competency development, quality improvement, and outcomes-utilization consultation. It also includes leadership in holistic care, ongoing evaluation of practice using best evidence, constructive peer feedback, support for a safe and professionally developmental environment, interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge sharing, and participation in strategies that sustain evidence-based practice. Work schedules are variable and typically consist of 8- or 12-hour shifts. Tours may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays, and schedules may change according to health care system needs. Telework and virtual work are not available. Relocation and recruitment incentives and permanent change-of-station benefits are not authorized.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved school of professional nursing accredited by ACEN or CCNE, or meet the stated alternative education provisions for bridge-program or foreign-school graduates.
Current, full, active, and unrestricted registered nurse license in a U.S. state, territory, or commonwealth, or the District of Columbia; a stated Graduate Nurse Technician exception may apply to eligible candidates pursuing licensure.
Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
Meet the applicable VA Nurse grade and level scope, education, experience, and dimension requirements.
Meet U.S. citizenship requirements; non-citizens may be appointed only when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
Undergo required pre-employment drug screening, background/security investigation, onboarding, and physical evaluation; seasonal influenza vaccination is required for VA health care personnel.
Comply with Selective Service registration requirements for males born after December 31, 1959.
Be able to work effectively in stressful situations, adapt to changing patient needs and priorities, and demonstrate maturity, flexibility, and sound judgment.
Physical ability to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods; lift or carry 45 pounds or more; walk or stand for up to eight hours at a time; kneel and bend repeatedly; and, when required, wear protective clothing.

Nice To Haves

Minimum 3 years of inpatient registered nurse experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide and supervise direct patient care on medical-surgical and telemetry units and, as assigned, other units and overflow areas.
Carry out all elements of the nursing process and coordinate care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction.
Administer medications and perform procedures in accordance with established policies and guidelines.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to influence care outcomes.
Provide competent, evidence-based care to assigned patients and oversee licensed vocational nurses and nursing assistants as appropriate.
Assist with nursing education, orientation, competency development, quality improvement, and outcomes-utilization consultation.
Lead and improve holistic care through collaborative strategies.
Evaluate nursing practice on an ongoing basis using the best available evidence and provide peers with constructive feedback.
Foster a safe, supportive environment conducive to professional development.
Share knowledge, educational findings, experiences, and ideas with colleagues to support safe, quality nursing care.
Participate in activities and strategies that sustain evidence-based practice.
Participate in unit- or program-level quality improvement initiatives and customer service programs.