Travel Nurse RN - $1,557 per week in Augusta, GA

Key Responsibilities : Patient Assessment and Monitoring : Perform initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments of patients admitted to the CDU, including vital signs, medical history, current symptoms, and any potential risk factors. A Registered Nurse (RN) – Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) is responsible for providing high-quality nursing care to patients who require observation and assessment for short-term medical conditions that do not necessarily require full admission to the hospital.

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A Registered Nurse (RN) – Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) is responsible for providing high-quality nursing care to patients who require observation and assessment for short-term medical conditions that do not necessarily require full admission to the hospital. The CDU is a specialized unit where patients are monitored to determine whether they need to be admitted, discharged, or transferred for further care. The RN in this role plays a critical part in patient triage, ongoing assessment, and ensuring timely interventions to support clinical decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

• Patient Assessment and Monitoring:

  • Perform initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments of patients admitted to the CDU, including vital signs, medical history, current symptoms, and any potential risk factors.
  • Monitor patients’ condition continuously, assessing for changes that may require immediate intervention or more intensive care.
  • Document nursing assessments, vital signs, laboratory results, and interventions in the electronic health record (EHR) accurately and promptly.

• Clinical Decision Support:

  • Assist physicians and clinical staff in determining whether a patient should be admitted, discharged, or transferred to a higher level of care based on observations and assessments.
  • Participate in patient care rounds and provide input regarding patient status and any developments in their condition that may influence discharge or admission decisions.
  • Ensure that patients meet the criteria for discharge when appropriate, coordinating with the healthcare team to ensure proper follow-up care and instructions.

• Patient Education and Communication:

  • Educate patients and their families about their medical conditions, the purpose of observation, and what to expect while in the CDU.
  • Provide guidance on post-discharge care, follow-up appointments, and any lifestyle modifications or treatments needed to manage their condition.
  • Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team, ensuring that patients understand the rationale for their stay in the CDU and their discharge instructions.

• Medication Administration and Management:

  • Administer prescribed medications as per physician orders, including oral, intravenous, and intramuscular medications.
  • Monitor for any side effects, allergic reactions, or adverse effects of medications, promptly notifying the physician if concerns arise.
  • Ensure proper medication reconciliation during admission and discharge, making sure that prescribed medications align with the patient’s health plan and history.

• Observation and Diagnostic Testing:

  • Assist with or perform basic diagnostic tests and procedures such as blood draws, EKGs, and vital sign monitoring to assist in patient evaluation.
  • Collaborate with laboratory staff, radiologists, and other clinical professionals to facilitate the completion of necessary diagnostic tests in a timely manner.
  • Track patient progress through observation and testing, helping to determine if further intervention is required or if discharge is appropriate.

• Safety and Infection Control:

  • Follow established infection control protocols to prevent the spread of infections in the CDU.
  • Maintain patient safety at all times, ensuring a safe and secure environment, including preventing falls and minimizing the risk of complications.
  • Assist with the safe handling and disposal of medications and medical equipment, ensuring the unit remains clean and sterile.

• Emergency Response and Critical Care:

  • Respond promptly to any signs of patient deterioration or emergencies, such as changes in vital signs, difficulty breathing, or significant pain.
  • Provide basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) interventions as required, until further care can be provided.
  • Coordinate with emergency department (ED) or intensive care unit (ICU) teams for potential transfers if a patient's condition worsens.

• Collaboration with Healthcare Team:

  • Work closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals to develop and adjust care plans based on the patient’s condition.
  • Attend patient care rounds and contribute to the decision-making process regarding diagnosis, treatment, and discharge plans.
  • Collaborate with case managers and social workers to arrange follow-up care, home health services, or referrals as needed for patients being discharged from the CDU.

• Documentation and Reporting:

  • Document patient assessments, progress, interventions, and outcomes in a timely and accurate manner in the patient’s medical record.
  • Report any significant changes in the patient’s condition to the healthcare provider immediately and assist in adjusting care plans as necessary.
  • Ensure accurate reporting for discharge instructions, follow-up appointments, and any necessary medical equipment or prescriptions.

• Quality Improvement and Professional Development:

  • Participate in ongoing education to maintain licensure, stay current on best practices, and improve nursing care.
  • Contribute to quality improvement initiatives by identifying potential process improvements to increase the efficiency and quality of care provided in the CDU.
  • Stay informed about new clinical guidelines, policies, and procedures that can improve patient outcomes.
• Skills & Qualifications:

  • Education:

    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred; Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) may be considered.
    • Current state licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).

  • Experience:

    • Previous experience in an emergency department (ED), urgent care, or acute care setting preferred, as the RN in the CDU must have expertise in managing a wide range of medical conditions.
    • Experience in triage, patient assessment, or observation settings is a plus.

  • Certifications:

    • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
    • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification may be required or preferred, depending on the facility.
    • Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification is desirable in some facilities.

  • Skills:

    • Strong critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills to assess and respond to changing patient conditions.
    • Excellent communication skills, particularly in educating patients and working within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
    • Ability to manage a diverse set of clinical tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
    • Compassionate care approach to improve patient experience, especially when dealing with uncertain diagnoses or outcomes.