Job Title: Level 2 Registered Nurse
Profession: Nursing
Specialty: ED Observation
Duration: 13 weeks
Shift: Nights
Hours per Shift: 12 hours
Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience in cardiac stepdown
License: Current license by the Ohio State Board of Nursing
Certifications: BLS and ACLS required
Must-Have:
- Minimum 2 years of experience in cardiac stepdown
- Current license by the Ohio State Board of Nursing
- BLS and ACLS certification
Description:
This nurse plays a key role in observing patients' physical conditions.
They provide basic nursing care and assist in early detection of potential health issues.
General Observation Nurses work closely with doctors, specialists, and other healthcare team members.
Their focus is to ensure that patients' conditions are regularly assessed and managed effectively.
Key Responsibilities:
Patient Monitoring and Assessment:
Continuously monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation.
Ensure timely updates and documentation of patient conditions.
Assess patients' overall physical condition, monitoring for changes in symptoms or sudden deterioration.
Conduct routine physical exams and record observations related to patient health status.
Document and report any significant changes in patient conditions to the medical team promptly.
Basic Patient Care:
Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
Ensure accurate dosage and proper method of delivery.
Provide assistance with daily living activities such as feeding, bathing, grooming, and mobility as needed.
Help patients with comfort measures, including positioning, pain management, and emotional support.
Assist in collecting patient samples for laboratory testing, such as blood, urine, or other fluids.
Collaboration and Communication:
Communicate effectively with physicians, specialists, and other healthcare team members regarding patient care plans and progress.
Assist in coordinating and planning patient care, ensuring timely interventions when necessary.
Provide education to patients and their families on health conditions, treatment plans, and care instructions.
Update patient records regularly, documenting treatments, interventions, observations, and communications with healthcare providers.
Emergency Response:
Recognize and respond to changes in patient conditions that may require urgent care or intervention.
Provide initial care and stabilization in emergencies and assist in the escalation of care when needed.
Follow emergency protocols, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and other life-saving techniques if necessary.
Infection Control and Safety:
Adhere to hospital infection control policies, ensuring proper hygiene and sanitation in patient care environments.
Ensure patient safety by following all safety protocols, including fall prevention measures.
Monitor for signs of patient distress and manage the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment for both patients and staff.
Documentation and Record-Keeping:
Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
Record observations, interventions, medications, and communications in the patient’s medical chart.
Ensure that all documentation is completed promptly and accurately reflecting the patient’s condition.
Qualifications:
Education: Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid state nursing license.
Experience: Previous experience in a general medical-surgical unit, observation, or similar nursing field is required.
Experience in monitoring patients, basic care procedures, and emergency response is desirable.
Skills and Abilities:
Strong observational skills to identify subtle changes in patient health.
Excellent communication skills, effectively communicating with patients, families, and medical teams.
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple patients and tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in basic nursing tasks, such as administering medications, wound care, and monitoring vital signs.
Compassionate and patient-centered approach to nursing care.
Post Cath Lab patient care experience is required.
Experience with post pacer management, post ablation management, femoral site management post-sheath removal, and TR band management is essential.
Working Conditions:
Shifts may include weekends and holidays depending on staffing requirements.
Physical demands include standing, walking, lifting, and moving patients.
Ability to manage emergency situations is necessary.