RN - MedSurg

RN - MedSurg

Registered Nurse (RN) Departments: Medical Surgical

Qualifications:

• Current and valid RN license in any state.
• 18 months experience in specialty care area (within the past 5 years)
• Demonstrated clinical competency in acute and long-term care settings.
• Proficiency in electronic medical record documentation. (Trainings on VA systems will be provided during 2-day orientation prior to official start.)
• Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication and critical thinking skills.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Patient/Resident Safety & Confidentiality

• Maintain confidentiality of patient/resident information.
• Ensure a safe care environment in compliance with The Joint Commission, VA regulations, and other oversight bodies.
• Adhere to protocols for medication administration, discharge processes, restraint usage, hazardous waste disposal, and patient/family education.

2. Patient/Resident-Centered Care

• Conduct comprehensive health assessments and develop interdisciplinary care plans.
• Monitor and respond to changes in patient/resident conditions.
• Document all relevant data in the electronic medical record.
• Complete nursing assessments within required timeframes.
• Address emotional and spiritual needs of patients/residents and families.
• Update care plans and communicate changes to the assigned physician.
• Report any incidents of abuse immediately to the Nurse Manager or designated leadership.

3. Clinical Duties

• Perform head-to-toe assessments.
• Insert and manage IV lines, including peripheral, central, and PICC lines.
• Administer medications, including IV therapies.
• Coordinate admissions and discharges.
• Measure and monitor vital signs, including pain and pulse oximetry.
• Conduct wound care and dressing changes; obtain wound cultures.
• Collect and deliver lab specimens.
• Provide tracheostomy and non-acute ventilator care.
• Perform oral, nasogastric, and tracheostomy suctioning, including deep suctioning.
• Administer tube feedings and manage urinary/bowel elimination needs.
• Educate patients/residents and families on diagnoses and medications.
• Respond to emergency situations.
• Provide clinical oversight to LPNs, Nursing Assistants, and Health Technicians.
• Conduct one-to-one and virtual patient observation.
• Perform capillary blood glucose testing and monitoring.

Medical-Surgical RN Specialty Responsibilities

Medical-Surgical RNs provide care for patients with complex medical conditions and surgical needs. Additional responsibilities include:

• Pre- and Post-Operative Care
  • Prepare patients for surgical procedures, including education and consent verification.
  • Monitor post-operative patients for complications and ensure pain management protocols are followed.
  • Perform surgical site assessments and dressing changes.
• Complex Patient Management
  • Manage patients with multiple comorbidities and varying acuity levels.
  • Administer and monitor IV therapies, blood transfusions, and electrolyte replacements.
  • Perform frequent assessments to detect early signs of deterioration and intervene promptly.
• Coordination of Care
  • Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care.
  • Facilitate discharge planning and patient education for recovery and self-care at home.
• Technical Skills
  • Operate and troubleshoot medical-surgical equipment such as infusion pumps, wound vacs, and telemetry monitors.
  • Perform advanced procedures including central line care, chest tube management, and nasogastric tube insertion.
• Patient Education
  • Provide education on surgical procedures, recovery expectations, medication regimens, and lifestyle modifications.
  • Support patients and families in understanding complex diagnoses and treatment plans.