Job Title: Registered Nurse Step Down
Profession: RN Step Down
Specialty: RN Step Down
Duration: 13 weeks
Shift: Night
Hours per Shift: 12 hours
Experience: Minimum 1 year
License: RN License
Certifications: BLS, ACLS, NIH Certification
Must-Have: Strong critical thinking skills, clinical judgment, ability to manage complex patient conditions
Description:
The Step-Down Unit/Progressive Care Registered Nurse provides specialized nursing care to patients.
These patients require close monitoring and frequent assessment.
However, they do not meet criteria for intensive care.
The SDU/PCU RN is responsible for delivering safe, high-quality, patient-centered care.
This is done in collaboration with a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Strong critical thinking skills and clinical judgment are essential for this role.
The ability to manage complex patient conditions in a fast-paced environment is required.
Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Providing direct patient care for medically complex patients.
Monitoring these patients requires telemetry and frequent assessments.
Performing comprehensive assessments, including respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and hemodynamic status.
Monitoring and interpreting cardiac rhythms and vital signs.
Interpreting laboratory results and notifying providers of changes in patient condition.
Administering medications safely, including IV medications, per physician orders.
Managing and caring for patients with various medical devices.
These devices may include telemetry monitoring and IV drips.
Also included are central lines, PICC lines, and oxygen therapy.
Implementing and evaluating individualized patient care plans.
Collaborating with various healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes.
Educating patients and families regarding diagnosis, treatment plan, medications, and discharge instructions.
Documenting assessments, interventions, and patient responses accurately.
Recognizing early signs of patient deterioration and activating rapid response or escalating care as needed.
Adhering to infection prevention protocols, fall precautions, and patient safety standards.
Floating to other medical/surgical units as required.
The unit serves a wide variety of patients including cardiac, neuro/stroke, dialysis, post-operative, respiratory, and general medical surgical overflow patients.