Registered Nurse - Clinical - Stepdown

Job Summary The Registered Nurse is a professional practitioner who assesses, manages, directs, and provides nursing care activities during the patient’s hospital stay and coordinates planning with other disciplines utilizing a patient/customer driven approach. Job Responsibilities Perform comprehensive nursing assessment/reassessment. Perform age‑appropriate admission or transfer assessment and obtain input from family or guardian when appropriate. Accurately and completely document all findings. Perform assessment of post‑operative or post‑invasive procedure patients. Assess and document education and discharge needs at admission and throughout hospitalization. Provide patient reassessment, documenting pertinent observations according to the plan of care, changes in condition, status or diagnosis, response to care, and procedures. Establish, coordinate, and evaluate a plan of care based on assessment data, patient diagnosis, lab data, tests, procedures, physician orders, protocols, and standards of care. Identify short‑ and long‑term goals based on patient needs. Formulate nursing interventions to achieve desired outcomes. Incorporate disease‑specific evidence‑based practice into the nursing care plan and documentation. Provide and document nursing interventions based on assessed patient needs and changes in status. Collaborate with health team members for daily plan of care coordination. Provide, coordinate, and communicate patient care, including accurate handoff communication reports. Administer and document medications accurately according to policies and procedures. Monitor, maintain, and document accurate IV fluids and parenteral nutrition per policies and procedures. Complete referrals as indicated by the assessment data. Request consultation for special needs, equipment, or information for patient and/or family. Provide patient/family education and discharge planning per documentation guidelines and protocol. Clarify all physician orders when warranted. Acknowledge and implement physician orders accurately and timely, documented in the medical record. Assist physician with procedures/treatments as requested or delegate to the Care Partner as appropriate. Document “Readback” for all telephone or verbal orders. Take telephone or verbal orders only in emergency situations. Recognize changes in the patient’s condition and take appropriate nursing actions. Involve family or guardian when providing care and in decision‑making as appropriate. Recognize risks for the patient and take appropriate action. Incorporate infection control practices into daily care. Document and communicate nursing care and changes in patient condition. Perform and document ongoing evaluation of effectiveness of care based on assessment data, nursing interventions, and patient responses. Evaluate effectiveness of patient/family education. Evaluate and modify the plan of care as indicated. Recognize significant changes in clinical parameters and report immediately to the physician and others. Identify problems, gather data, suggest solutions, communicate through appropriate lines of authority, and work toward resolution. Report variations from care/treatment per the occurrence reporting policy and procedures. Provide specialized care to patients at high risk for injury: Restraint Care – initiate/evaluate alternatives prior to application, apply restraints consistently with approved procedure, monitor response, provide necessary care, consult on alternatives, and document use thoroughly. Pain Management – assess pain on admission and during reassessments, incorporate patient cultural/spiritual beliefs, implement pain management techniques, involve patient/family in plan, and consider non‑pharmacologic methods. Abuse Assessment – recognize signs, report to appropriate authorities, and take action to support safety. Demonstrate accountability for professional practice, including adherence to quality standards, participation in learning experiences, maintaining currency, and attending staff meetings. Demonstrate ability to change and adapt to changing work demands. Adapt positively to changes in unplanned workload and job demands. Orient or precept new employees when required. Participate in and maintain a collaborative team approach. Act as a resource to co‑workers, patients/families, and medical staff. Effectively assume and delegate care and other activities to appropriate team members. Redirect clinical staff when plan of care is altered and communicate plan precisely. Supervise and teach students or new staff nurses. Perform job in accordance with safety and infection control policies, practice standard precautions, dispose of hazardous waste, and maintain a safe, clean, therapeutic environment. Follow hand hygiene procedures and utilize safe patient handling techniques. Report risk management concerns using eSRM. Assume responsibility for completing annual mandatory requirements: maintain license and certifications, BLS/HI, TB screening, influenza vaccination, ethics training, safety training, information security course, abuse & neglect course, bloodborne pathogens training, and other competency programs. Provide service excellence by delivering timely, high‑quality care with courtesy, addressing patient and family needs, maintaining confidentiality, active communication, accurate handoff, wise resource use, and participation in performance improvement and research initiatives. Qualifications Licensed Registered Nurse in the state of Missouri. Valid BLS (Basic Life Support) certification (and other state certifications as required). Minimum 1 year of hospital nursing experience preferred. Demonstrated competency in nursing assessment, documentation, and evidence‑based practice. Knowledge of infection control and safety regulations. Strong communication, teamwork, and patient education skills. Ability to adapt to changing demands and to work in a fast‑paced environment. Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuing education. Job Specifications Minimum Education: Licensed to work as an RN in the state of Missouri. Working Conditions: May be exposed to the risk of blood borne diseases; subject to unpredictable situations, emergencies, irregular hours, and challenges associated with patient care. Physical Requirements: Occasional prolonged standing/walking, occasional lifting, positioning, pushing, and/or transferring patients, occasional reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching. Benefits Competitive health insurance and wellness programs. Retirement savings program. Professional development and continuing education opportunities. PTO accrual begins day one. Employee assistance programs (EAP). Paid parental leave, flexible payment options, and upfront tuition coverage. EEO Statement SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr