Registered Nurse - Clinical - Neurology

Overview MO-SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital Worker Type: Regular Job Summary: The Registered Nurse is a professional practitioner who assesses, manages, directs, and provides nursing care activities during the patient’s hospital stay and coordinates planning with other disciplines utilizing a patient/customer‑driven approach. Responsibilities Perform comprehensive nursing assessment and reassessment: Perform age‑appropriate admission or transfer assessment, obtaining input from family/guardian when appropriate. Accurately and completely document findings. Assess post‑operative or post‑invasive procedure patients. Assess and document education and discharge needs of patient and family at admission and throughout hospitalization. Provide continual reassessment documenting pertinent observations according to the patient plan of care and changes in condition, status, diagnosis, response to care, and procedures. Establish, coordinate, and evaluate plan of care: Identify short‑term and long‑term goals based on patient care needs. Formulate nursing interventions to achieve desired patient outcomes. Incorporate disease‑specific evidence‑based practice into nursing care plans and documentation. Provide and document nursing interventions: Collaborate with health‑team members to coordinate daily plan of care for assigned patients. Provide, coordinate, and communicate patient care, including accurate handoff communication reports. Administer and document medications accurately in accordance with policies and procedures. Monitor, maintain, and document IV fluids and parenteral nutrition according to policies and procedures. Complete referrals as indicated by assessment data. Request consultation for special needs, equipment, or information for patient and/or family. Provide patient/family education and discharge planning per documentation guidelines and protocols. Clarify all physician orders as warranted, and acknowledge and implement them accurately and timely. Assist physicians with procedures/treatments or delegate to Care Partner as appropriate. Document “Readback” for all telephone or verbal orders. Takes telephone or verbal orders only in emergency situations. Recognize changes in patient condition and take appropriate nursing actions. Involve family/guardian when providing care and decision‑making as appropriate. Recognize patient risks and take appropriate action. Incorporate infection control practices in daily care. Document and communicate nursing care and changes in patient condition: Perform and document ongoing evaluation of effectiveness of care based on assessment data, interventions, and patient response. Evaluate effectiveness of patient/family education and modify plan of care as needed. Report significant changes in clinical parameters immediately to physician and others as indicated. Identify problems, gather pertinent data, propose solutions, communicate through appropriate lines of authority, and work toward problem resolution. Report variations from care/treatment following the occurrence reporting policy and procedures. Provide specialized care to high‑risk patients: Restraint Care: Initiate and evaluate alternatives to restraint prior to application. Apply restraints in accordance with approved procedures. Monitor and assess patient response throughout restraint period at appropriate intervals. Provide specified care (toileting, skin care, hydration, feeding, etc.) in a timely manner. Consult peers to determine alternatives to restraints and 1:N observation. Document restraint use and associated care thoroughly. Pain Management: Assess patient for presence of pain on admission and during reassessments. Incorporate patient’s cultural and spiritual beliefs regarding pain into the pain management plan. Implement pain‑management techniques, focusing on prevention rather than treatment. Include patient and/or family members in developing the pain management plan. Consider other methods of pain control when developing the plan of care (massage, repositioning, immobilization, music therapy). Abuse Assessment: Be aware of abuse recognition criteria and incorporate it into assessments. Report signs of possible abuse or neglect to the appropriate administrators, physicians, risk management, and social work. Takes appropriate action to support patient safety when signs of abuse are noted. Demonstrate professional practice accountability: Adhere to quality and performance standards, policies, procedures, and protocols when implementing clinical and technical aspects of care. Participate in learning experiences that increase professional competence. Demonstrate appropriate technical and cognitive skills for the area of practice. Maintain currency in all hospital/unit information, communication, policies, and procedures. Participate in committees, shared governance, work teams, and other leadership or membership roles. Respond positively to change and provide assistance and support to peers and coworkers. Relationship with coworkers: Orient or precept new employees when required. Maintain a collaborative team approach toward work. Act as a resource person to coworkers, patients/families, medical staff, and other health‑care team members. Effectively assume and delegate care and other activities to appropriate team members. Communicate the plan of care in a precise and professional manner. Supervise and teach students or new staff nurses. Safety and Infection Control: Practice standard precautions and dispose of hazardous waste per established guidelines. Maintain a safe, clean, comfortable, and therapeutic environment for patients, families, and employees. Follow hand hygiene procedures and utilize safe patient handling techniques and equipment. Keep personal conversations and background noise to a minimum. Adhere to dress code. Report risk‑management concerns using eSRM. Complete all annual mandatory requirements, including licensure, certifications, TB screening, influenza vaccination, ethics training, safety training, information‑security course, abuse & neglect course, blood‑borne pathogens training, and other competency training. Provide service excellence: Demonstrate care, courtesy, and respect toward patients, families, and colleagues. Provide prompt, courteous service and meet emotional, psychological, and physical needs. Respond promptly to patient requests. Maintain confidentiality and communicate effectively. Use resources wisely and recommend changes to improve efficiency and minimize waste. Incorporate performance improvement and evidence‑based practice: Assist in developing and implementing nursing unit goals and action plans. Remain current with evidence‑based initiatives. Identify opportunities for improvement, participate in data collection, and work toward problem resolution. Lead performance improvement teams and contribute to quality indicator maintenance. Age‑appropriate care: Provide care tailored to adults, geriatric patients, and other age groups served, demonstrating knowledge of normal growth and development, assessment techniques, and communication skills. Cost‑effective services: Use resources efficiently, document chargeable supplies, prioritize responsibilities, and complete work on time. Utilize non‑clinical time constructively for chart audits, education, and mandatory training. Other duties: Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. Qualifications RN license in Massachusetts, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, or Wisconsin (state‑specific certification requirements listed). Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider certification. Background in patient care, evidence‑based practice, and infection control. Demonstrated ability to collaborate, communicate, and teach. Commitment to maintaining current licensure, certifications, and mandatory education requirements. Work Conditions & Physical Requirements Working Conditions: May be exposed to blood‑borne diseases, unpleasant elements, emergencies, irregular hours, and unpredictable situations. Physical Requirements: Occasional prolonged standing/walking; occasional lifting, positioning, pushing, or transferring patients; occasional reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, or crouching. Benefits Paid Parental Leave: One week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro‑rated based on FTE). Flexible Payment Options: Access to earned, unpaid base pay through DailyPay (fees may apply). Upfront Tuition Coverage: Coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members. Comprehensive benefits package available; see Benefits portal for details. Equal Opportunity Employer SSM Health is an equal opportunity employer. SSM Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Learn more about our non‑discrimination policies at #J-18808-Ljbffr SSM Health