PRN Rounding Nurse

Iowa Ortho•Des Moines, IA

4h•Onsite

About The Position

The rounding nurse provides physical and educational support to physicians rounding on inpatient postoperative and non-operative orthopedic patients. The nurse collects patient information in advance and compiles it into a written document for physicians, then gives a concise verbal report covering medical history, reason for hospitalization, complications, and changes since the previous visit. The role also supports patient education, wound care, documentation, and completion of records needed for discharge or physician sign-off. The position works nights, weekends, and holidays, generally averaging around 12–15 hours over the weekend: Friday evening, Saturday morning and a few evening hours, and Sunday morning.

Requirements

Current Iowa RN licensure.
Current BLS certification.
Current mandatory reporter certification.
Clear and effective English communication skills.
Basic computer skills and accurate data entry, with the ability to develop proficiency in the ACIS system.
Ability to apply nursing and administrative judgment to oral, written, and diagrammed instructions.
Ability to address problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Knowledge of AED use and Mercy Hospital emergency protocols.
Consistently demonstrate a positive attitude and demeanor with staff and patients.
Eligible and able to mentor new employees through training, shadowing, and feedback.

Nice To Haves

Orthopedic background is a plus but is not required.

Responsibilities

Regularly attend work and use the designated timekeeping system to track hours.
Adapt to changing meeting times and locations in response to physician schedules, and communicate with physicians and PAs about where to meet for rounds.
Communicate appropriately with patients and in a timely manner with supervisors and managers.
Practice autonomously in hospital-based nursing within guidelines established by the Board of Nursing and Iowa Ortho.
Recognize potentially dangerous symptoms outside orthopedic care and notify the physician immediately when needed.
At the physician’s direction, provide patient education, answer patient questions, and document actions in the electronic medical record.
Work collaboratively with physicians and other healthcare team members to process information accurately, consistently, and on time.
Use sound judgment to identify potential problems, including medication side effects or interactions, postoperative complications, and non-compliance with the care plan.
Manage a high volume of postoperative inpatients using good judgment and decision-making skills.
Accurately and concisely document health-related information and details from the most recent postoperative rounds in the medical record.
Protect patient privacy during examinations, including closing doors, covering body parts not being examined, and limiting room access to appropriate or approved people.
Act professionally and in accordance with Iowa Ortho’s mission, policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and professional standards; act as a patient advocate.
Assist the physician with removing dressings, examining wounds for postoperative complications, and cleaning or redressing surgical wounds as directed.
Ensure patient charts are complete for discharge or physician sign-off, including required physical documentation such as narcotic prescriptions, skilled nursing facility orders, and physical therapy orders.
Adapt to unexpected changes or delays during rounds, including computer issues, paper charting, and physicians delayed by emergencies.
Act as a first responder in cases of patient distress, using knowledge of AEDs and Mercy Hospital emergency protocols.
Mentor new employees through accurate training, shadowing, and feedback to support orientation and pilot programs.