Gastrointestinal (GI) Step-Down / Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Job Description
Job Title: GI Step-Down Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (RN)
Department: Gastrointestinal Services / Medical-Surgical Step-Down Unit
Reports To: Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing
Position Summary
The GI Step-Down Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (RN) provides comprehensive nursing care to adult patients recovering from gastrointestinal illnesses, surgeries, procedures, and acute medical conditions requiring a higher level of monitoring than a traditional medical-surgical unit. The RN utilizes the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care while collaborating with physicians, advanced practice providers, therapists, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure safe, high-quality outcomes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform comprehensive patient assessments and develop individualized nursing care plans.
- Monitor patients with gastrointestinal disorders, post-operative GI surgical procedures, liver disease, pancreatitis, bowel obstructions, GI bleeding, ostomies, and other complex medical conditions.
- Provide continuous monitoring and care for patients requiring step-down level observation, including cardiac telemetry and frequent assessments.
- Administer medications, IV therapies, blood products, and nutritional support according to physician orders and hospital policies.
- Assess and manage pain, nausea, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and post-procedural complications.
- Monitor drains, feeding tubes, ostomies, central lines, and other specialized medical devices.
- Recognize and respond promptly to changes in patient condition and initiate appropriate interventions.
- Educate patients and families regarding diagnoses, medications, procedures, discharge instructions, dietary restrictions, and disease management.
- Collaborate with physicians, case managers, dietitians, pharmacists, and ancillary staff to coordinate patient care.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation within the electronic medical record (EMR).
- Participate in interdisciplinary rounds, quality improvement initiatives, and patient safety activities.
- Adhere to infection prevention, regulatory, and organizational standards.
Required Qualifications
- Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required or obtained within designated timeframe.
- Minimum one year of acute care nursing experience preferred.
- Experience in medical-surgical, telemetry, step-down, critical care, or gastrointestinal nursing preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong assessment and clinical decision-making skills.
- Knowledge of gastrointestinal diseases, surgical recovery, and medical-surgical nursing practices.
- Ability to interpret cardiac rhythms and recognize clinical deterioration.
- Proficiency in IV therapy, medication administration, and patient education.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
- Ability to prioritize care in a fast-paced environment.
- Competency in electronic medical record documentation.
Physical Requirements
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting.
- Ability to lift and move patients with assistance and appropriate equipment.
- Manual dexterity sufficient for clinical procedures and equipment operation.
- Ability to work 12-hour shifts, weekends, holidays, and on-call schedules as required.
Preferred Certifications
- ACLS Certification
- Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification (CMSRN)
- Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN)
- Gastroenterology Nursing Certification (CGRN) preferred