Registered Nurse/RN - Medical Respiratory Unit - 7 North

Overview

Our Medical Respiratory Unit is a 42-bed unit primarily specializing in the care of acute and chronic respiratory conditions. Nurses have a 1:6 ratio and provide care to predominately respiratory patients requiring treatment for pneumonia, shortness of breath, COPD or other various lung diseases. In addition, this unit will further provide care to a variety of medical patients with GI issues, diabetes, and occasional stroke and surgical patients. Patients in this area benefit from daily rounds with the entire interdisciplinary team. This unit will soon house a step-down unit for more acute respiratory patients at a 1:4 nursing ratio as well.

Responsibilities

Performance planning

Plans, coordinates and directs quality, compassionate care by maintaining standards of professional nursing practice and creating positive therapeutic relationships with patients/families. Supervises LPNs, PCAs, PCAs/US, US, Ortho Techs and other non-licensed staff.

Key responsibilities/essential job functions

Assesses condition on each assigned patient on admission and on an ongoing basis to include but not limited to the patient's physical condition, psychological status, social status, spiritual and cultural needs, pain assessment/management, nutritional and functional status, developmental or age related factors, and discharge planning needs. Plans, provides, and documents patient and/or significant other education based on physical, behavioral, psychological, developmental, and age-related factors, after identifying barriers to learning. Evaluates and regularly reevaluates patient care; coordinates care planning with patient, family, providers and other disciplines to achieve patient-centered outcomes.

Assigns and delegates nursing care to team members in accordance with the patient's needs and the capabilities of the team members. Applies safety principles when performing care Accurately documents observations, care provided, and changes in care plan. Provides accurate handoff reports and participates in unit based huddles Assists in performance improvement (PI) activities by serving on PI teams as warranted, assisting with PI measures and supporting and implementing changes necessary for improvement.

Performs initial and annual competency per job class.

DCH Standards

Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation. Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self. Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.

Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees. Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees. Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.

Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures. All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum knowledge, skills, experience required

Current approved Alabama Board of Nursing RN license or multi-state license required or ability to obtain prior to start. Current American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider training required. BSN preferred, minimum Associates required Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

Required within 6 months of start date: American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted

Cardiac/C