Registered Nurse II - CONTINUOUS

Registered Nurse II

Western Massachusetts Hospital operated by the Department of Public Health (DPH) is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse II. We are a specialty care hospital providing in-patient services to individuals in need of ventilator/respiratory, end of life care, neuromuscular, Alzheimer's, and chronic care. The selected candidate directs and participates in the nursing care of adult and geriatric patients on an inpatient unit following standards of care. Transcribes, administers and/or supervises administration of medication in accordance with standard practices and protocols. Maintains accurate records related to activities, meetings, groups, treatment plan schedules and all nursing assignments. Establishes and maintains a current nursing care plan and completes written assessment of nursing needs. Provides professional expertise and knowledge in carrying out emergency functions, all codes, and unexpected emergencies.

Please Note: There are full time (40 hours per week) and part time (24 or 32 hours per week) positions available with rotating days off and every other weekend required. The shifts are: 1st Shift (7:00AM to 3:30PM), working every other weekend with days off as assigned. 2nd Shift (3:00PM to 11:30PM), working every other weekend with days off as assigned. 3rd Shift (11:15PM to 7:15AM), working every other weekend with days off as assigned. The ideal candidate will have one (1) year of experience as a registered nurse and will combine the knowledge, clinical skills, and judgment necessary to perform all nursing procedures as outlined in the scope of practice. Employees in this position will be required to perform mandatory overtime.

Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive): Performs direct hands-on nursing care using established hospital policies and procedures along with nursing standards of care to ensure a consistent approach to patient care. Assesses and records the patient's health status upon admission and therefore, using the Western Massachusetts Hospital Nursing Assessment process. Develops and maintains an up-to-date written plan of care for each patient using nursing diagnosis to identify patient problems/needs, care to be given and patient goals. The inter-disciplinary team is responsible for each element of care. Documents changes in the patient's condition and care rendered according to established nursing service guidelines. Participates and takes actions that are directed by nursing and hospital-wide Quality Assurance activities. Establishes and maintains therapeutic relationships with patients, families and other members of the care team in order to enhance continuity of patient care. Maintains personal and professional growth by attending in-services, keeping current with contemporary nursing practice and participation on hospital committees. Participates in employee performance reviews by keeping supervisors informed of staff performance through consultation and documentation. Performs duties of charge nurse on the unit for a single shift or regular basis May instruct unit personnel in nursing techniques, procedures and equipment.

Required Qualifications Knowledge of the principles and practices of nursing Understanding of the problems in providing nursing services to special client groups such as mentally, physically and or emotionally handicapped. Knowledge of the types and application of emergency medical procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation and tourniquets.

About Western Massachusetts Hospital: The Western Massachusetts Hospital is the only public hospital operating in the western region of Massachusetts with a mission to serve as a medical safety net for many uninsured and under-insured citizens residing in the region. Western Massachusetts Hospital provides both acute and chronic hospital care to patients with a variety of chronic diseases and complicated medical conditions, such as: Cardiac and pulmonary disease Chronic neurological disorders Complications of strokes Dementia with major behavioral issues End stage terminal illnesses of various diagnoses Consider joining our dynamic team of health care professionals in a work environment that provides high staff to patient ratio and delivers high quality care to all patients on all units. Enjoy the opportunity to provide quality services in a long-term care setting where familiar faces are the norm rather than the exception.

Northern Essex Community College