Registered Nurse - Medical Stepdown Unit

Duties

The practice of nursing requires specialized knowledge, judgment, and skills to provide care to groups and individuals. The RN utilizes knowledge derived from the principles of biological, physical, behavioral, social, and nursing sciences to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care. All care is provided based on the concepts inherent in the model of care which promotes an ongoing partnership between patients, families, and the healthcare team. The care is culturally based and age-specific. The RN adheres to the American Nursing Association (ANA) code of ethics and the scope of practice described in the relevant Nurse Practice Act.

Unit Description

The Medical-Surgical Stepdown unit is a 29-bed medical stepdown unit specializing in the care of patients diagnosed with acute MI, cardiac arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, CHF, and other low-risk cardiac/chest pain diagnoses. The unit offers general medical services to all types of patients requiring cardiac monitoring, including cardiology, renal, endocrinology, general medicine, pulmonology, gastroenterology, and oncology.

• Staff on this unit undergo special training and education regarding non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (Bi-PAP, C-PAP, and A-PAP).
• They also provide infusion therapy, transfusions, injections, and central line care.
• Patient care assistants provide support with ADLs, POC glucose testing, and 12 Lead EKGs.
• This unit is a dedicated stroke unit, and all RNs are NIH stroke scale certified.

Skills

Required Skills & Experience

• The RN demonstrates the knowledge, abilities, and skills to provide age and culturally specific patient care and education.
• The RN effectively communicates with peers, utilizes appropriate channels of communication, and maintains absolute confidentiality.
• The RN maintains competence and demonstrates evidence of continuing professional growth.
• The RN demonstrates the ability to accept and implement change and the ability to work in a culturally diverse setting.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• NIHHS stroke certification preferred as well as some form of leadership experience Charge RN/ Preceptor.

Schedule Notes

• Duration: 13 weeks
• Schedule: 3x12 Nights
• Required: ACLS certified; 1 year of Stepdown/Tele experience