RN Observation Unit 7p-7:30a

Frederick Health

109d•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 is responsible for incorporating the Frederick Health (FH) mission, vision, core values, and customer service philosophy into job performance. It adheres to the FH Compliance Program, including regulatory requirements and FH Standards of Behavior. The position independently provides patient care using the nursing process and performs leadership and teaching duties to support effective patient care. It also supports and participates in continuous quality improvement activities and functions within the limits of state and federal licensing, regulatory bodies, and hospital policies.

Requirements

Candidates with previous RN experience required, no new grads considered at this time.
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, recognizing and accurately documenting/communicating subtle changes in patient assessment.
Provides initial and reassessments according to current organizational and department standards and documents according to policy.
Anticipates potential changes in patient 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 (family, caregivers, other disciplines, community agencies).
Organizes and prioritizes patient care efficiently, 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 the 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 patients and healthcare team members concisely and timely using an interdisciplinary approach.
Ensures patients/families are updated regarding patient status and any changes in the patient or plan of care.
Demonstrates flexibility in giving and receiving patient assignments based on skill mix 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 to the plan of care as needed.
Evaluates new and existing equipment, policies, procedures, and programs.
Anticipates patient's response to interventions and collaborates with patient/family and healthcare team to revise treatment plan.
Identifies variances from expected outcomes and makes appropriate recommendations.
Provides patient/family education, assessing current knowledge, barriers to learning, readiness, willingness, ability, and cultural/religious/financial/preference implications.
Identifies learning needs and establishes goals using standardized or individualized teaching plans.
Implements the plan through direct, interactive teaching with teaching aids and materials, and evaluates effectiveness.
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 and 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/performance, meeting clinical ladder requirements, actively engaging in department efforts to promote retention and morale, utilizing supplies/equipment/technology for quality patient care, and floating to other nursing units as requested.
Demonstrates leadership/accountability qualities, utilizing a communication style that promotes positive professional behavior and meaningful focused communication.
Encourages professional interactions between ancillary healthcare givers, including physicians.
Demonstrates effective delegation skills pertaining to nursing staff in delivering safe nursing care and communication to peers.
Demonstrates effective precepting and mentoring skills for RNs and ancillary staff, adhering to program policies and participating in effective department orientation.
Demonstrates accountability for reviewing Quality Assurance reports/data for accuracy and completeness, and contributing to the evaluation/auditing process for CNAs, Technicians, and peers.
Completes all Hospital-wide and Department-specific competencies.