RN Full Time Nights Observation Unit

Desert Regional Medical Center is a 385 bed acute-care hospital classified as a stroke receiving center and level 2 trauma facility with an innovative , patient centered and evidence-based Rehabilitation Services Department. Our compassionate team provides a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services, including acute care rehabilitation,joint replacement & spinal surgery, neurosurgery, ICU, Telemetry, step-down care, skilled nursing, as well as outpatient therapy, hand and lymphedema clinics.

GENERAL DUTIES:
The clinical nurse assumes principal responsibility for the total care assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of each assigned patient. The clinical nurse initiates teaching and educates the patient and family and/or significant other to attain optimal health. The clinical nurse is responsible for adhering to all standards of nursing care.

DEPARTMENT SPECIFIC DUTIES:
Ability to care for patients on telemetry monitoring including strip interpretation
Knowledge and ability to care for neurologically compromised patients; ability to care for pre and post -op orthopedic patients
Knowledge and ability to care for combative or psychologically impaired patients
Obtains information and interpret information in terms of the patient�s needs.
Demonstrates knowledge of growth and development.
Understands the range of treatment needed as appropriate to the ages of the patients served.
Maintains Annual Competencies
Performs and documents accurate comprehensive and daily assessments per policy and standards for specific unit.
Demonstrates knowledge associated with specific unit disease processes.
Demonstrates knowledge of commonly used drugs for specific unit.
Initiates interdisciplinary communications and incorporates recommendations.
Consistently demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the ages of the patients served on the assigned unit.
Acts as a liaison between patient, physicians, family/significant other and other health disciplines.
Develops, implements and updates an individualized teaching and discharge plan.
Initiates and documents progressive patient and family/significant teaching.
Facilitates the discharge process ensuring all goals are addressed prior to discharge.
Utilizes current theories and knowledge for accurate assessments and evaluations
Completes acuity evaluation on all assigned patients according to unit protocol.
Consistently performs proficiently on nursing unit. Including but not limited to: Manages an average caseload specific to unit. Adapts to altered work patterns, sets priorities, and modifies assignments to meet patient needs utilizing available resources and staff ability and availability.
Administers medications prescribed by physicians according to policy, including IV�s, blood and blood products. Knows actions, indications, contraindications, precautions, adverse reactions, dosage and route of administration on all drugs before administering to patient.
Verifies against MAR for accuracy on an ongoing basis.
Consistently recognizes, evaluates and intervenes appropriately in life-threatening situations.
Consistently checks for new patient orders throughout the shift and implements them in an appropriate timeframe. Completes an end of shift review of physician orders.
Consistently recognizes variances of diagnostic tests, vital signs and assessments. Notifies the physician in time appropriate to the variance.
Functions as a charge nurse as assigned.
Supports changes in clinical practice as evidenced by the plan of care for the patient and subsequent documentation.
Functions as a resource to co-workers. Acts as preceptor, and other duties as assigned.
Ensures compliance with Departmental policies and procedures. Assume responsibility for knowledge and implementation of policy, procedure, practice, CPG, changes.
Maintains competence in nursing practice through in services and participation in ongoing continuing education per year. 3 = > 25 CEU or 10 CEU + 3 Units College Credit, 2 = 10 - 24 CEU , 1 = < 10 CEU
Participates in the Quality Improvement Program.
Monitors resource utilization and charge completion
Follows appropriate chain of command for problem resolution approaching problem solving with a positive attitude and suggestions.
Consistently demonstrates accountability for supervision and communication when assigned with LVN�s , unlicensed assistive personnel, and float personnel.
Reports, documents, and takes appropriate action (by the end of shift) for incidents and or quality care issues that may affect the patient�s or staff wellbeing.
Consistently assesses patients for risk of injury and takes appropriate action to reduce risk and promote safety.
Uses restraints according to policy and consistently explores other options less restrictive. Accurate documentation demonstrated in medical record.
Serves as advocate for patient/family by providing information and assists in utilization of available resources and or alternatives for making health care decisions (i.e. advanced directives, ethics consult etc.)
Handles and disposes hazardous waste safely and appropriately
Consistently handles oxygen safely
Consistently practices hand washing and use of protective wear
Establishes or assesses proper identification prior to delivery of care.
Requests clarification of Physician orders as necessary

Required:
� Graduate of accredited professional nursing program
� Current RN licensure in the State of California.
� Current American Heart Association BLS certification (maintain current at all times).
� Current American Heart Association ACLS certification (maintain current at all times).
� Prior clinical experience is desired.
� Effective verbal and written communication skills to communicate with people on all levels and able to maintain positive working relationships with patients, families, and co-workers inter- and intra-departmentally.
� Possess active listening skills.
� Demonstrates knowledge of current nursing theory and practice.
� Compassionate, non-judgmental patient caregiver and advocate.
� Must be able to tolerate physically and mentally demanding work.
� Possesses audible acuity necessary for taking blood pressures and maintaining patient safety.
� Completion of mandatory programs to meet TJC standards is a job requirement.
� Must successfully complete EKG test within the first 30 days of hire
� NIHSS

Preferred:
American Heart Association PALS certification
Specialty unit specific certifications
BSN

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Employment practices will not be influenced or affected by an applicant�s or employee�s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status or any other legally protected status. Tenet will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship.