Job Title
Registered Nurse (RN), Critical Access Hospital
Job Summary
Join our dedicated nursing team as a Registered Nurse at a Critical Access Hospital in Hot Springs, South Dakota. This role is integral to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care across various acuity levels within a dynamic community hospital setting. You will be responsible for applying the full scope of the nursing process to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
The successful candidate will deliver direct and indirect nursing care, encompassing patient assessment, care plan development, intervention, and evaluation. This includes medication administration, patient education, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to manage diverse patient populations. You will play a crucial role in maintaining patient safety, adhering to infection control protocols, and responding effectively to emergent situations, potentially assuming charge nurse responsibilities.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform comprehensive patient assessments, develop, implement, and evaluate individualized nursing care plans involving patients, families, and other healthcare team members.
- Administer prescribed medications and treatments, including fluid and respiratory therapies, in accordance with physician orders and established protocols.
- Delegate duties to supervised staff members and oversee their activities as appropriate, ensuring continuity and quality of nursing service.
- Educate patients and their families on disease processes, treatment plans, medication administration, and discharge instructions at an appropriate level of understanding.
- Monitor patient conditions, accurately interpret symptoms, and promptly report changes to physicians and the healthcare team.
- Initiate and implement remedial measures for adverse developments and respond effectively in stressful, unusual, or emergency situations.
- Ensure strict adherence to infection control policies and procedures to maintain a safe and clean patient environment.
- Maintain accurate and thorough documentation of patient observations, interventions, and outcomes, reflecting the implementation of the care plan.
- Participate in the orientation and ongoing education of new staff members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional development.
- Assume charge nurse responsibilities as assigned, promoting a positive attitude and productivity among staff while effectively solving problems.
- Provide safe, effective nursing care in conformance with recognized nursing techniques, facility policies, procedures, standards, and the South Dakota Nurse Practice Act.
Required Qualifications
- Current registration as a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of South Dakota.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR certification.
- Ability to obtain Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification within six months of hire.
- Ability to obtain Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification within six months of hire.
- Ability to obtain Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification within six months of hire for solo Emergency Room coverage.
Preferred Qualifications
Not specified.
Skills & Competencies
- Proficiency in the nursing process (assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation).
- Strong clinical skills in medication administration, fluid management, and respiratory therapy.
- Ability to perform technical skills and utilize medical equipment effectively within areas of assignment.
- Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, particularly in emergent situations.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills for patient, family, and interdisciplinary team interactions.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality.
- Demonstrated leadership capabilities, including delegation, coordination of shift activities, and staff support.
- Exceptional time management and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize patient care effectively.
- Commitment to patient safety and strict adherence to infection control protocols.
- Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, dynamic healthcare environment.
Shift Details
- Shift Type: Nights (NOC)
- Shift Duration: 12 hours
- Days per Week: 3
- Contract Length: 13 weeks
- Start Date: September 7, 2026
- Call Requirements: Not specified.
- Weekend Rotations: Not specified.
Licensing Requirements