Registered Nurse

General Surgical Unit NurseOur General Surgical Unit is a 32-bed unit specializing in exceptional postoperative care for our general surgical patients. Nurses in this area have a 1:6 ratio and are trained in all aspects of postoperative care; including pain management, mobility, and bedside procedures. In this area especially, we value a comfortable and healing environment for each individual patient and their unique needs. This team will closely collaborate with local family practice physicians, hospitalists, as well as our surgeons.ResponsibilitiesPlans, coordinates and directs quality, compassionate care by maintaining standards of professional nursing practice and creating positive therapeutic relationships with patients/families. Supervises LPNs, PCAs, PCAs/US, US, Ortho Techs and other non-licensed staff.Assesses condition on each assigned patient on admission and on an ongoing basis to include but not limited to the patient's physical condition, psychological status, social status, spiritual and cultural needs, pain assessment/management, nutritional and functional status, developmental or age related factors, and discharge planning needs.Plans, provides, and documents patient and/or significant other education based on physical, behavioral, psychological, developmental, and age-related factors, after identifying barriers to learning.Evaluates and regularly reevaluates patient care; coordinates care planning with patient, family, providers and other disciplines to achieve patient-centered outcomes.Assigns and delegates nursing care to team members in accordance with the patient's needs and the capabilities of the team members.Applies safety principles when performing careAccurately documents observations, care provided, and changes in care plan.Provides accurate handoff reports and participates in unit based huddlesAssists in performance improvement (PI) activities by serving on PI teams as warranted, assisting with PI measures and supporting and implementing changes necessary for improvement.Performs initial and annual competency per job class.Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee HandbookMust adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.All other duties as assigned.QualificationsCurrent approved Alabama Board of Nursing RN license or multi-state license required or ability to obtain prior to start.Current American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider training required.BSN preferred, minimum Associates requiredMust be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.Required within 6 months of start date: American Heart Association or American Red Cross acceptedDemonstrate leadership skillsRequires decision making that will affect othersResponsible to achieve outcomesMust be able to communicate clearly and accuratelyAbility to delegate to team members and studentsMust be able to receive delegationAddress conflict and stressful situationCommunicate with different personalities and engage in face to face discussionDealing with unpleasant or verbally/physically aggressive personalitiesMust be able to use electronic mail, telephone and textingMust be able to work in groupsMust be able to perform structured and unstructured workMust be able to meet time pressure and time linesIncludes possible exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazardous materials and/or cleaning solutionsRequires wearing of common protective and safety equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, mask, gowns, etc.Schedules vary; every other weekend required. Weekends include Saturday & SundayMedium work. Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must be able to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walkingMust be able to reach reasonable distances in any directionMust be able to stand, walk, kneel, bend, sit and stoopMust be able to run in an emergencyMust have the ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull and carry objectsMust be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner and must be able to feel and perceive temperature, texture, shape and size with fingertipsMust be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodationMust possess stamina to work prolonged shiftsHearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.Physical presence onsite is essential.Keywords: Staff Nurse, Registered Nurse, Nurse, RN