RN - MedSurg

New Orleans VA Medical CenterNew Orleans VA Medical Center provides quality, compassionate, and safe health care to veteran patients throughout 23 parishes in southeast Louisiana. Recently, the SLVHCS expanded the New Orleans community of clinics by opening an Urgent Care Center. Patients can now avoid long waits in the emergency room for minor illnesses or injuries and receive timely health care provided by VA professionals experienced in urgent care. If the patient's emergency does require immediate attention they should dial 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.RequirementsMust have ACEN or CCN.Must have a current and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of ColumbiaMust have ACLS and BLS Certification.ResponsibilitiesProvide patient-centered care by performing the following tasks:Assess the health care needs of the patient and maintain or develop a plan of care to meet interdisciplinary goalsAssess and act on significant changes in the patient's health conditionCarry out the plan of care by performing assigning delegated tasksCollect and document pertinent data into the electronic patient medical recordCommunicates and treats all patients and/or families in a courteous, tactful, and respectful mannerComplete nursing assessments within required time framesIdentify and act on predictable needs of the patientMeet the health care needs of patient by assessing and assisting the patient to meet expressed needsMeet the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and/or familiesPrioritize and complete tasks within the RN's assigned shiftNotify assigned physician of any changes in condition and update patient care plansReport incidents of verbal or physical abuse immediately to the Nurse Manager of the unit they are assigned; or designated off-shift nursing leadershipPerform head-to-toe assessmentInsert IV linesCare of PICC linesAdminister medication including IVsCoordinate and participate in admission and discharge of patientMeasure vital signs, including Pain (the 5th Vital Sign), pulse oximetry, etc.Interpret cardiac "rhythm strips" to correctly identify cardiac arrythmias and provide appropriate interventionPerform wound care including dressing changes and obtaining wound cultures as necessaryObtain and deliver specimens to labPerform tracheostomy carePerform non-acute/acute ventilator care, as neededPerform suctioning including oral, nasogastric, and tracheostomyPerform deep suctioning, which may include obtaining specimensAssess for and administer tube feedingsAssist with routine urinary and bowel elimination including catheters, colostomies, and digital stimulationEducate patients and/or families regarding health and diagnoses and medication administrationActivate the Emergency Medical Response as indicated based on patient presentation or change in conditionRespond and assist in an emergency situationPerform Continuous Protective Observation (CPO) duties to maintain veteran safetyPerform patient belongings and Contraband inspection and documentation as outlined by facility policyProvide clinical oversight to Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants and Health Technician