Registered Nurse (RN) - Acute Care - Nights

VCU Health System Authority; Tappahannock (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

VCU Health System Authority’s Acute Care Unit in Tappahannock seeks Registered Nurses at Clin I–III levels. The role delivers and documents direct age-specific care, administers medications, and collaborates with an interdisciplinary team under medical orders and unit policies.

Expect leadership development and adherence to Virginia nursing regulations. Requires current RN license in Virginia or eligible/compact state, and BSN pathways per unit policy.

Qualifications

• Current RN licensure in Virginia or eligible or compact state.
• AHA BLS HCP Certification or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Clin II: 12–24 months RN experience.
• Clin III: 3 years of clinical experience.
• Diploma or Associate Degree in nursing from an approved program.
• RN to BSN required within two years of start date; complete within five years.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

Education

Diploma or Associate Degree in Nursing

RN to BSN: required within 2 years; complete within 5 years

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred

Job description

The Acute Care Unit at Tappahannock treats medical/surgical patients with a multitude of acute medical conditions, such as, diabetes, congestive heart failure, respiratory, pain management, surgical procedures, GI, and orthopedic. The unit is capable of offering telemetry monitoring when needed. The unit is structured with 24 private rooms and 6 rooms can be converted to semi-private to allow for 30 patients, three of these rooms have negative pressure. Skill mix includes RNs, LPNs, Patient Care Techs, and Unit Secretaries. There is one full time Nurse Director and one full-time Clinical Coordinator managing both Acute Care Unit and ICU. Staffing is based on patient census, acuity and adjusted accordingly per shift. Initial nursing data base assessments are completed within 24 hours of admission and reassessment minimum standards are every 12 hours or by adherence to appropriate nursing policies.

The Clinical Nurse I job Integrates technical skills and theoretical knowledge to meet the needs of the patient and family. This job assists the health care team with the prevention of illness and injury, maintenance of wellness, and provision of comfort. This job provides direction, education, and begins to acquire leadership skills at the unit level. This job delivers and accurately documents direct, age-specific care to a patient or group of patients based on medical orders and an integrated, multidisciplinary plan of care. This job also safely administers prescribed medications, identifying incompatibilities and/or interactions.

The Clinical Nurse II job demonstrates a mastery of clinical skills and begins to apply this knowledge to a specific patient population. This job assists the health care team with the prevention of illness and injury, maintenance of wellness, and provision of comfort. This job recognizes changes in patient situations and intervenes appropriately. This job mobilizes resources to meet the individualized needs of patient/families. This job provides direction, education, and assumes leadership responsibilities at the unit level. This job delivers and accurately documents direct, age-specific care to a patient or group of patients based on medical orders and an integrated, multidisciplinary plan of care. This job safely administers prescribed medications, identifying incompatibilities and/or interactions.

The Clinical Nurse III job demonstrates clinical knowledge at the unit level and begins to apply this knowledge to a specific patient population. This job assists the health care team with the prevention of illness and injury, maintenance of wellness, and provision of comfort. This job anticipates changes in patient situations and intervenes appropriately. This job provides direction, education, and serves as a role model in a clinical setting. This job delivers and accurately documents direct, age-specific care to a patient or group of patients based on medical orders and an integrated, multidisciplinary plan of care. This job safely administers prescribed medication, identifying incompatibilities and/or interactions.

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for Hire:

• Clin I, Clin II, Clin III: Current RN licensure in Virginia or eligible or compact state

Licensure, Certification, or Registration Requirements for continued employment:

• Clin I, Clin II, Clin III: Current RN licensure in Virginia, AHA BLS HCP Certification or equivalent

Experience REQUIRED:

• Clin I: N/A
• Clin II: 12 to 24 months RN experience
• Clin III: 3 years of clinical experience

Experience PREFERRED:

• Clin I: Experience as an LPN, nursing assistant or care partner in either an acute care setting or as applicable to area of practice
• Clin II, Clin III: Academic Health Care Experience; Experience with similar patient population in either an acute care setting or as applicable to area of practice

Education/training REQUIRED:

• Clin I, Clin II, Clin III: Diploma or Associates Degree from a professional nursing program recognized and/or approved by the corresponding state's Board of Nursing.
• All registered nurses without a Bachelor's degree in Nursing (or higher) will be required to enroll in an approved RN to BSN program within two years of their start date and to complete the program within five years of their start date unless grandfathered under previous requirements.

Education/training PREFERRED:

• Clin I, Clin II, Clin III: Completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (or higher) from an accredited program
• Clin III: Certification in specialty area

Independent action(s) required:

• Follows documented physician/licensed independent provider orders.
• Practices within the boundaries of the regulations governing the practice of nursing in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
• Practice is guided by the ANA Code of Ethics for Nursing and established national nursing practice standards.
• All practice is guided by and follows the VCUHS policies and procedures and established practice.