RN STEP DOWN Unit

Community Health Systems•Laredo, TX

7h•Onsite

About The Position

Laredo Medical Center is hiring a Registered Nurse for its Step Down Unit. The RN provides patient-centered care through assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation, coordinating and delivering care in accordance with clinical protocols and physician or provider orders. The role collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to support effective care and desired patient outcomes in a compassionate environment for patients and families. The RN assesses patients, documents care, administers prescribed medications, supports procedures within documented competency, develops and evaluates individualized care plans, responds to emergencies, educates patients and families, and follows infection control and patient safety standards. The position also involves operating medical equipment, participating in audits and performance improvement, maintaining clinical competency, and fulfilling other assigned duties. Critical care duties listed in the posting include administering intravenous medications and therapies, managing ventilators and other life-support equipment, and performing procedures such as central line insertion, tracheostomy management, and advanced cardiac life support. The position requires regular and reliable attendance and compliance with organizational policies and standards. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer; immigration sponsorship is not available now or in the future.

Requirements

0–2 years of experience in a clinical nursing role or student clinical rotations in an acute care setting.
Strong knowledge of the nursing process and clinical nursing practices.
Ability to perform thorough patient assessments and communicate findings effectively.
Proficiency in administering medications and monitoring for side effects.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documenting patient care.
Knowledge of safety standards, infection control, and quality improvement initiatives.
Registered Nurse (RN) state licensure and/or compact state licensure required.
Basic Life Support (BCLS) certification required.
Must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer; immigration sponsorship is unavailable now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification preferred.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification preferred.
Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.
Conduct patient assessments, accurately document findings, and report changes in condition to appropriate care team members.
Provide age-appropriate care and education using knowledge of human growth and development.
Administer prescribed medications, monitor for side effects, and document administration.
Assist physicians during procedures within documented competency and skill level.
Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans.
Respond to medical emergencies and participate in life-saving interventions, including CPR and code team activities, as appropriate.
Advocate for patients’ rights and needs in care planning and delivery.
Educate patients and families about medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care.
Follow infection control protocols and promote patient safety in accordance with National Patient Safety Goals.
Monitor and operate medical equipment, such as IV pumps, monitors, and ventilators, as needed.
Maintain a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
Participate in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks.
Use responsible decision-making when planning and delegating care based on patient needs and organizational policies.
Document patient care and education thoroughly and promptly in the medical record.
Engage in professional development to maintain clinical competency and current nursing knowledge.
Participate in performance improvement initiatives, including data collection and process development.
For critical care duties described in the posting: administer intravenous medications and therapies; manage ventilators, monitoring devices, and other life-support systems; and perform procedures such as central line insertion, tracheostomy management, and advanced cardiac life support.
Perform other duties as assigned and maintain regular, reliable attendance.