RN - MedSurg

New Orleans VA Medical Center

New 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.

Requirements

• Must 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 Columbia
• Must have ACLS and BLS Certification.

Responsibilities

Provide 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 goals
• Assess and act on significant changes in the patient's health condition
• Carry out the plan of care by performing assigning delegated tasks
• Collect and document pertinent data into the electronic patient medical record
• Communicates and treats all patients and/or families in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner
• Complete nursing assessments within required time frames
• Identify and act on predictable needs of the patient
• Meet the health care needs of patient by assessing and assisting the patient to meet expressed needs
• Meet the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and/or families
• Prioritize and complete tasks within the RN's assigned shift
• Notify assigned physician of any changes in condition and update patient care plans
• Report incidents of verbal or physical abuse immediately to the Nurse Manager of the unit they are assigned; or designated off-shift nursing leadership
• Perform head-to-toe assessment
• Insert IV lines
• Care of PICC lines
• Administer medication including IVs
• Coordinate and participate in admission and discharge of patient
• Measure vital signs, including Pain (the 5th Vital Sign), pulse oximetry, etc.
• Interpret cardiac "rhythm strips" to correctly identify cardiac arrythmias and provide appropriate intervention
• Perform wound care including dressing changes and obtaining wound cultures as necessary
• Obtain and deliver specimens to lab
• Perform tracheostomy care
• Perform non-acute/acute ventilator care, as needed
• Perform suctioning including oral, nasogastric, and tracheostomy
• Perform deep suctioning, which may include obtaining specimens
• Assess for and administer tube feedings
• Assist with routine urinary and bowel elimination including catheters, colostomies, and digital stimulation
• Educate patients and/or families regarding health and diagnoses and medication administration
• Activate the Emergency Medical Response as indicated based on patient presentation or change in condition
• Respond and assist in an emergency situation
• Perform Continuous Protective Observation (CPO) duties to maintain veteran safety
• Perform patient belongings and Contraband inspection and documentation as outlined by facility policy
• Provide clinical oversight to Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants and Health Technician