RN - Acute/MedSurg General

Indianapolis VAMC Nursing Position

Indianapolis VAMC helps Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to financial hardship, unemployment, addiction, depression, or transition from jail.

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 Technicians

Requirements

Must have an Associates or Bachelor's degree from an ACEN or CCNE accredited Nursing program.

Must have a current and unrestricted license in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States or the District of Columbia

Must have a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification by a provider recognized by the American Heart Association. Advance Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification is preferred, but not required for Med/Surg RNs.

RNs must have a minimum of one-year experience in the clinical areas of intended assignment