Step Down RN Nights

Job Summary

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides patient-centered care through the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This role is responsible for coordinating and delivering high-quality care based on established clinical protocols and physician/provider orders. The RN collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care and desired outcomes, while maintaining a supportive and compassionate environment for patients and their families.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates and delivers high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.

• Conducts thorough patient assessments and documents findings accurately, reporting changes in condition to the appropriate care team members.

• Utilizes knowledge of human growth and development to provide age-appropriate care and education.

• Administers prescribed medications, monitors for side effects, and documents administration in accordance with standards of practice.

• Assists physicians during procedures within the scope of documented competency and skill level.

• Collaborates with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans based on patient assessments and needs.

• Responds to medical emergencies and participates in life-saving interventions, such as CPR and code team activities, as appropriate.

• Advocates for the rights and needs of patients, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in care planning and delivery.

• Provides patient and family education on medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care, ensuring understanding and adherence to instructions.

• Implements and adheres to infection control protocols to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.

• Monitors and operates medical equipment (e.g., IV pumps, monitors, ventilators) as needed for patient care and safety.

• Promotes patient safety by adhering to National Patient Safety Goals and maintaining a clean, safe environment for patients and staff.

• Participates in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to standards of practice and regulatory requirements.

• Demonstrates responsible decision-making in planning, delegating, and providing care based on patient needs and organizational policies.

• Documents patient care and education thoroughly and promptly in the medical record.

• Engages in professional development to maintain clinical competency and understanding of current nursing standards and regulations.

• Participates in performance improvement initiatives, including data collection and process development, to enhance patient outcomes and care delivery.

• Critical Care RN:

• Administers medications and other treatments as prescribed, including intravenous medications and therapies.

• Manages complex medical equipment, including ventilators, monitoring devices, and other life-support systems.

• Performs procedures such as inserting central lines, managing tracheostomies, and providing advanced cardiac life support.

• Emergency Services RN:

• Rapid Assessment and Triage: Evaluate patients' conditions quickly to determine the severity of their injuries or illnesses and prioritize care accordingly.

• Conducts emergency procedures such as intubation, wound care, and suturing.

• Implements interventions to stabilize patients, including administering medications, starting IV lines, and providing respiratory support.

• OR Services RN:

• Provides comprehensive care to patients before, during, and after surgery, including assessments, planning, and evaluation of nursing care.

• Scrubs in for surgeries, assisting the surgical team with instruments and supplies, and ensuring a sterile environment.

• Monitors patient vital signs, administers medications, and observes for changes in patient condition.

• Cardiac Surgery RN:

• Continuously assesses patients' condition, including vital signs, hemodynamic parameters, and ECG readings.

• Administers medications and IV drips, adjusting dosages based on the patient's condition.

• Proficient in operating and maintaining advanced life support equipment like ventilators, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and ECMO.

• After cardiac surgeries, monitors patients' recovery, manage chest tubes, pacing wires, and wound care.

• Endoscopy RN:

• Assesses patient needs, reviews medical history, explains procedures, obtains consent, and prepares the patient for procedure.

• Monitors patient vitals, administers medications, and assists the physician during procedure.

• Provides post-procedure care, monitors recovery, and educates patients about aftercare instructions.

• Ensures the endoscopy room is properly prepared, instruments are sterilized, and equipment is functioning correctly.

• Obstetrics/Labor and Delivery/Post Partum/Nursery RN:

• Educates patients about pregnancy, provides prenatal screenings, and prepares patients for labor and delivery.

• Assesses and monitors the new mother's physical recovery, including vital signs, postpartum hemorrhage, and potential complications like postpartum depression.

• Assists with epidurals and other pain management techniques during labor.

• Administers pain medication, induces labor, and manages other medication needs during labor and delivery.

• Assists during labor and delivery, monitors fetal well-being, administers medications, and provides pain relief. Monitors mothers and newborns after delivery, assessing their well-being, and providing education on postpartum care and breastfeeding.

• Assesses and monitors newborn health, taking vital signs, performing routine assessments, and educating parents on newborn care.

• Assists with gynecological exams and procedures, and provides education on reproductive health, contraception, and prenatal care.

• Educates patients about family planning, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.

• Interprets fetal heart rate patterns and assesses fetal well-being using electronic fetal monitoring.

• Oncology RN:

• Administers chemotherapy, manages side effects, monitors vitals, and manages pain.

• Explains treatments, answers questions, and provides information on resources.

• Provides emotional and psychological support to patients and their families.

• Orthopedics RN:

• Provides specialized care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, and diseases.

• Provides care for Orthopedic patients encompassing pre-operative and post-operative care.

• Conducts peripheral/vascular assessments.

• Treats patients with immobilization devices.

• Provides pain management.

• Provides patient education.

• PACU RN:

• Assesses the patient's level of consciousness and responsiveness as they wake up from anesthesia.

• Evaluates pain levels and administers pain medications as prescribed.

• Observes any side effects of anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, shivering, or muscle aches.

• Monitors for and respond to any post-operative complications.

• Administers medications, including pain relievers and other post-operative medications, as prescribed.

• Regulates intravenous (IV) fluids and monitor fluid balance.

• Checks and changes dressings on surgical wounds.

• Ensures a clear airway and provide oxygen support as needed.

• Educates patients and families about post-surgery care, potential complications, and discharge instructions.

• NICU RN:

• Continuously assesses and monitors vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) and other signs of distress.

• Administers prescribed medications, intravenous fluids, and other treatments, including respiratory support and oxygen therapy.

• Manages feeding needs, including tube, breast milk feeding support, and ensuring adequate nutrition.

• Provides basic care tasks like diaper changes, bathing, and positioning.

• Performs procedures like inserting IV lines, administering medications, and assisting with intubation or ventilation. Operates and adjusts specialized medical equipment used in the NICU.

• Telemetry RN:

• Using telemetry equipment to track heart rhythms (EKG), blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and other vital signs.

• Analyzes telemetry data to identify trends, abnormalities, and potential problems, and reports these findings to physicians.

• Provides direct patient care, including medication administration, wound care, and patient education, with a focus on cardiac health.

• Recognizes and responds to emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, and implements appropriate interventions.

• Dialysis RN:

• Sets up and operates dialysis machines, monitors patients before, during, and after treatment, and adjusts treatment parameters as needed.

• Takes vital signs, monitors signs of complications, and responds to changes in patient condition.

• Educates patients and families about kidney disease, dialysis procedures, and the importance of adhering to treatment plans, diet, and medication.

• Inspects and maintains dialysis machines and equipment.

• Cath Lab RN:

• Pre-Procedure:

• Reviews medical history, assesses patient's overall health, and prepares them for the procedure.

• Intravenous (IV) Line Initiation: Starts and maintains an IV line for medication administration.

• Administers medications as prescribed by the physician.

• Educates patients and families about the procedure and what to expect.

• Verifies that surgical consents have been signed.

• During the Procedure:

• Assists the Cardiologist during the catheterization process.

• Closely monitors the patient's vital signs, hemodynamic data, and sedation levels.

• Ensures proper functioning of equipment and supplies.

• Manages potential complications and responding to emergencies.

• Post-Procedure:

• Continues to monitor the patient's vital signs and overall condition after the procedure.

• Administers post-procedure medications as needed.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.

• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in a clinical nursing role or student clinical rotations in an acute care setting required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of the nursing process and clinical nursing practices.

• Ability to perform thorough patient assessments and communicate findings effectively.

• Proficient in administering medications and monitoring for side effects.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documenting patient care.

• Knowledge of safety standards, infection control, and quality improvement initiatives.

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required

• BCLS - Basic Life Support required

• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred

• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support preferred

• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation preferred

• Refer to facility or unit-specific guidelines for additional requirements.