RN - 5S - General Surgical Unit

DCH Health System; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is looking for a compassionate and skilled Staff Nurse. Responsibilities include planning and directing quality care, supervising team members, and assessing patient needs. Candidates must possess an Alabama RN license or a multi-state license, with BLS certification preferred. The role involves effective communication and documentation of patient care, as well as physical presence onsite for prolonged shifts. This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on patient outcomes.

Qualifications

• Current Alabama RN license or multi-state license required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification needed.
• Must be able to communicate effectively in English.

Responsibilities

• Plans and directs quality, compassionate care to patients.
• Supervises and supports team members in their roles.
• Assesses patient needs and coordinates care planning.
• Documents and evaluates patient care accurately.

Skills

Compassionate care

Leadership skills

Patient assessment

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Education

Associates degree in Nursing

BSN preferred

Job description

Overview

Our General Surgical Unit is a 32-bed unit specializing in exceptional postoperative care for our general surgical patients. Nurses in this area have a 16:1 ratio and are trained in all aspects of postoperative care, including pain management, mobility, and bedside procedures. We value a comfortable and healing environment for each patient and their unique needs. This team collaborates closely with local family practice physicians, hospitalists, and surgeons.

Responsibilities

• Plans, coordinates and directs quality, compassionate care by maintaining standards of professional nursing practice and creating positive therapeutic relationships with patients and families.
• Provides leadership to other team members by articulating and delegating expected standards of care, supervising and encouraging team members, and supporting their contributions.
• Supervises LPNs, PCAs, PCAs/US, US, Ortho Techs and other non-licensed staff.
• Assesses condition on each assigned patient on admission and ongoing basis, including 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 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 patient needs and team capabilities.
• Applies safety principles when performing care.
• Accurately documents observations, care provided and changes in care plan.
• Provides accurate handoff reports and participates in unit-based huddles.
• Assists 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.

Required Qualifications and Certifications

• Current 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 degree required.
• Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

Within 6 Months of Start

• American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted certifications as applicable.
• ACLS required or as specified by department.

Specialty Areas and Certifications

• Cardiac/Critical Care: ACLS
• Emergency Department (both campuses): ACLS, PALS
• Emergency Department - Regional Campus: Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
• Perioperative: ACLS, PACU - PALS; ACLS
• Women’s/Children: NICU - Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP); Labor & Delivery ACLS, NRP, and Intermediate Fetal Monitoring; Mother Baby Unit NRP; Pediatrics - PALS
• Clinical Support: Cardiac Monitoring Unit ACLS
• Dialysis: ACLS
• International RNs: license requirements and BLS/CPR as applicable; English literacy

Work Context

• Demonstrate leadership skills and decision-making that affects others.
• Will communicate clearly and accurately; delegate to team members and students; receive delegation.
• Address conflicts and stressful situations; engage in face-to-face discussions with diverse personalities.
• Use electronic mail, telephone and texting; work in groups; meet time pressures and deadlines.
• Exposure to body fluids, disease, chemicals and hazardous materials; requires wearing protective equipment as needed.

Physical Factors

• Medium work; exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects. Prolonged standing and walking required.
• Must be able to reach in all directions; stand, walk, kneel, bend, sit and stoop; run in an emergency.
• Must be able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation; stamina for prolonged shifts; normal or corrected vision and hearing.
• Physical presence onsite is essential.

Keywords

Staff Nurse, Registered Nurse, Nurse, RN