RN Observation Unit 7p-7:30a

Observation Unit Nurse

Experienced nurses may be eligible for a $30,000.00 sign on bonus for night shift positions

Unit Description: The Observation Unit is an extension of the Emergency Room for patients meeting a pre-determined inclusion/exclusion standards set forth for the unit. Patients are continually monitored by a licensed provider, who is available on the unit 24/7. Clinically appropriate services can include further diagnostic testing, ongoing short-term treatment, assessment, and reassessment. The disposition of the patient should be made in 24-48 hours.

Schedule: Full time (3) 12hr shifts/week, night shift 7p-7:30a with weekend and holiday rotation

Job Summary Supports, and is responsible for incorporating into job performance, the Frederick Health (FH) mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy and adheres to the FH Compliance Program, including following all regulatory requirements and the FH Standards of Behavior. Independently provides patient care using the nursing process and performs leadership and teaching duties necessary that supports effective patient care. Supports and participates in continuous quality improvement activities. Functions within the limits of the State and Federal licensing, regulatory bodies and hospital policies.

Essential Functions:

• Assesses the biophysical, psychosocial, environmental, self-care, educational and discharge planning of patients according to nursing standards.
• Uses knowledge and experience in identifying patient needs and prioritizing treatment. Recognizes and accurately documents and communicates subtle changes in patient assessment.
• Provides initial assessment and reassessments according to current organizational and department standards for Assessment of Patients and Nursing Assessment and documents according to policy.
• Anticipates potential changes in patient's condition and responds appropriately.
• Anticipates needs based on assessment findings and proposed procedure or course of care.
• Efficiently organizes and prioritizes patient care and seeks assistance when necessary in order to meet the needs of individual patients.
• Actively participates in development of standards of care according to departmental, organizational, professional or regulatory standards.
• Implements plan of care in compliance with hospital and nursing policies in accordance with all appropriate standards.
• Completely and accurately implements and documents nursing interventions and patient response. Communicates pertinent information to patient and members of the health care team in a concise and timely manner utilizing an interdisciplinary approach.
• Assures that the patient/family are updated regarding the status of the patient and any changes in the patient or plan of care as they evolve.
• Demonstrates flexibility in giving and receiving patient assignments on the department and hospital-wide based on skill mix of the staff available and patient care demands.
• Evaluates nursing care, which includes tools and equipment related to patient care.
• Reviews, evaluates and documents effectiveness of interventions, making modifications as needed on the plan of care.
• Evaluates new and existing equipment, policies, procedures and programs.
• Anticipates patient's response to interventions and collaborates with patient/family and health care team to revise treatment plan accordingly.
• Identifies variances from expected outcomes and makes appropriate recommendations.
• Provides patient/family education
• Assesses patient/family for:
• Current knowledge of health status, condition or disease process; barriers to learning; readiness, willingness and ability to learn
• Cultural, religious, financial and patient preference implications related to learning.
• Identifies learning needs and establishes goals using standardized or individualized teaching plans.
• Implements the plan through direct, interactive teaching with additional use of teaching aids and materials as appropriate. Evaluates effectiveness of teaching.
• Communicates patient/family progress toward learning goals and need for follow-up to other nurses and health care disciplines.
• Integrates discharge planning and referral into the teaching process. Documents teaching per policy.
• Independently offers support to less experienced staff to aid in patient/family teaching.
• Demonstrates professional expectations as evidenced by:
• Incorporates suggestions for self-development and/or performance into daily practice.
• Meets all requirements of clinical ladder level.
• Actively engages in department efforts to promote retention of staff and provide for a high level of employee morale.
• Utilizes supplies, equipment, and technology to ensure quality of patient care.
• Floats to other nursing units in the hospital as requested
• Demonstrates leadership/accountability qualities.
• Consistently utilizes communication style that sets department tone for positive professional behavior. Promotes meaningful focused communication between all members of the healthcare team as appropriate.
• Encourages professional interactions between ancillary healthcare givers, including physicians.
• Demonstrates effective delegation skills as they pertain to nursing staff in the delivery of safe nursing care and communication to peers.
• Demonstrates effective precepting and mentoring skills for RN's and ancillary staff. Adheres to program policies and participates in effective department orientation.
• Demonstrates accountability for the following which includes but is not limited to:
• Reviewing Quality Assurance report/data for accuracy and completeness according to departmental standards.
• Contributing to the evaluation/auditing process for CNA's, Technicians, and peers, etc.
• Must complete all Hospital wide and Department specific competencies.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Clinical competency in their departmental area of practice.
• Ability to use technology and equipment to perform job duties.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective use of proper body mechanics when handling patients, supplies and equipment.
• Ability to handle a physically demanding environment.
• Skills and abilities to perform all job description duties according to the age specific patient population served by their department.
• Ability to meet the requirements annually of the FH Clinical Ladder.
• Ability to keep patient and employee information confidential
• Competency in operating equipment required to meet patient care needs.

Minimum Education, Training, and Experience Required:

• Eligible for or currently licensed as a Registered Nurse in State of Maryland or compact state.
• Associates degree in Nursing required; Bachelors of Science in Nursing preferred or willing to obtain within 5 years of employment
• Certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
• BLS certification is required of ALL nurses within 90-days of hire.

The following certifications are required for the nursing units specified. Each certification must be completed within 1 year of hire.

• 2C (Oncology/Thorasic) Chemotherapy
• 4B, 4A, 4G, 2G (Telemetry) ACLS
• L&D, OB/OR NRP, C-EFM w/in 3 years
• Family Center NRP
• NICU NRP
• ICU ACLS
• Peds/Peds ED PALS
• OR ACLS
• Cath Lab ACLS
• PACU ACLS
• ENDO ACLS
• Pre-Op ACLS
• Emergency Dept ACLS, PALS, Base Station

Patient Contact Must demonstrate and maintain current knowledge and skills in providing appropriate care/contact for patients in the following age groups * This would be based on designated patient population for each nursing department.

• X Neonate (0 thru 30 days)
• X Infant (31 thru 12 months)
• X Child (13 months thru 12 years)
• X Adolescent (13 years thru 17 years)
• X Adult (18 years thru 65 years)
• X Geriatric (66+ years)

Physical Demands: Medium-Heavy Work Lifting up to 100 pounds on an infrequent basis (less