RN Observation Unit 7p-7:30a part time

Frederick Health•Frederick, MD

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Observation Unit is an extension of the Emergency Room, serving patients who meet pre-determined inclusion/exclusion standards. Patients are continuously monitored by a licensed provider available 24/7. Clinically appropriate services include further diagnostic testing, ongoing short-term treatment, assessment, and reassessment. Patient disposition is expected within 24-48 hours. This role supports and incorporates the Frederick Health (FH) mission, vision, core values, and customer service philosophy, adhering to the FH Compliance Program, regulatory requirements, and FH Standards of Behavior. The position independently provides patient care using the nursing process, performing leadership and teaching duties to support effective patient care and participating in continuous quality improvement activities. Functions are within the limits of State and Federal licensing, regulatory bodies, and hospital policies.

Requirements

Eligible for or currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in State of Maryland or compact state.
Associates degree in Nursing required.
Certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
BLS certification is required of ALL nurses within 90-days of hire.
Clinical competency in their departmental area of practice.
Ability to use technology and equipment to perform job duties.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
Effective use of proper body mechanics when handling patients, supplies and equipment.
Ability to handle a physically demanding environment.
Skills and abilities to perform all job description duties according to the age specific patient population served by their department.
Ability to meet the requirements annually of the FH Clinical Ladder.
Ability to keep patient and employee information confidential.
Competency in operating equipment required to meet patient care needs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelors of Science in Nursing preferred or willing to obtain within 5 years of employment.

Responsibilities

Assesses the biophysical, psychosocial, environmental, self-care, educational, and discharge planning needs of patients according to nursing standards.
Uses knowledge and experience to identify patient needs and prioritize treatment.
Recognizes, accurately documents, and communicates subtle changes in patient assessment.
Provides initial assessment and reassessments according to current organizational and department standards for Assessment of Patients and Nursing Assessment, documenting per policy.
Anticipates potential changes in patient’s condition and responds appropriately.
Anticipates needs based on assessment findings and proposed procedure or course of care.
Ensures an effective plan of care for assigned patients based on standards for planning and providing care.
Initiates individualized plan of care using nursing diagnosis based on identified patient needs, including all available resources (e.g., family, caregivers, other disciplines, community agencies).
Efficiently organizes and prioritizes patient care, seeking assistance when necessary to meet individual patient needs.
Actively participates in the development of standards of care according to departmental, organizational, professional, or regulatory standards.
Implements plan of care in compliance with hospital and nursing policies and all appropriate standards.
Completely and accurately implements and documents nursing interventions and patient response.
Communicates pertinent information to the patient and members of the health care team concisely and timely, utilizing an interdisciplinary approach.
Assures that the patient/family is updated regarding the patient's status and any changes in the patient or plan of care as they evolve.
Demonstrates flexibility in giving and receiving patient assignments on the department and hospital-wide based on skill mix of staff available and patient care demands.
Evaluates nursing care, including tools and equipment related to patient care.
Reviews, evaluates, and documents the effectiveness of interventions, making modifications as needed to the plan of care.
Evaluates new and existing equipment, policies, procedures, and programs.
Anticipates patient’s response to interventions and collaborates with patient/family and health care team to revise treatment plan accordingly.
Identifies variances from expected outcomes and makes appropriate recommendations.
Assesses patient/family for current knowledge of health status, condition or disease process; barriers to learning; readiness, willingness, and ability to learn; and cultural, religious, financial, and patient preference implications related to learning.
Identifies learning needs and establishes goals using standardized or individualized teaching plans.
Implements the plan through direct, interactive teaching with additional use of teaching aids and materials as appropriate.
Evaluates the effectiveness of teaching.
Communicates patient/family progress toward learning goals and need for follow-up to other nurses and health care disciplines.
Integrates discharge planning and referral into the teaching process.
Documents teaching per policy.
Independently offers support to less experienced staff to aid in patient/family teaching.
Demonstrates professional expectations by incorporating suggestions for self-development and/or performance into daily practice.
Meets all requirements of clinical ladder level.
Actively engages in department efforts to promote retention of staff and provide for a high level of employee morale.
Utilizes supplies, equipment, and technology to ensure quality of patient care.
Floats to other nursing units in the hospital as requested.
Demonstrates leadership/accountability qualities.
Consistently utilizes a communication style that sets the department tone for positive professional behavior.
Promotes meaningful focused communication between all members of the healthcare team as appropriate.
Encourages professional interactions between ancillary healthcare givers, including physicians.
Demonstrates effective delegation skills as they pertain to nursing staff in the delivery of safe nursing care and communication to peers.
Demonstrates effective precepting and mentoring skills for RN’s and ancillary staff.
Adheres to program policies and participates in effective department orientation.
Demonstrates accountability for reviewing Quality Assurance report/data for accuracy and completeness according to departmental standards.
Contributes to the evaluation/auditing process for CNAs, Technicians, and peers, etc.
Completes all Hospital-wide and Department-specific competencies.