Stepdown RN

Job Summary

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides patient-centered care through the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This role is responsible for coordinating and delivering high-quality care based on established clinical protocols and physician/provider orders. The RN collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care and desired outcomes, while maintaining a supportive and compassionate environment for patients and their families.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates and delivers high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.
• Conducts thorough patient assessments and documents findings accurately, reporting changes in condition to the appropriate care team members.
• Utilizes knowledge of human growth and development to provide age-appropriate care and education.
• Administers prescribed medications, monitors for side effects, and documents administration in accordance with standards of practice.
• Assists physicians during procedures within the scope of documented competency and skill level.
• Collaborates with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans based on patient assessments and needs.
• Responds to medical emergencies and participates in life-saving interventions, such as CPR and code team activities, as appropriate.
• Advocates for the rights and needs of patients, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in care planning and delivery.
• Provides patient and family education on medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care, ensuring understanding and adherence to instructions.
• Implements and adheres to infection control protocols to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.
• Monitors and operates medical equipment (e.g., IV pumps, monitors, ventilators) as needed for patient care and safety.
• Promotes patient safety by adhering to National Patient Safety Goals and maintaining a clean, safe environment for patients and staff.
• Participates in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to standards of practice and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrates responsible decision-making in planning, delegating, and providing care based on patient needs and organizational policies.
• Documents patient care and education thoroughly and promptly in the medical record.
• Engages in professional development to maintain clinical competency and understanding of current nursing standards and regulations.
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives, including data collection and process development, to enhance patient outcomes and care delivery.
• Critical Care RN:
  • Administers medications and other treatments as prescribed, including intravenous medications and therapies.
  • Manages complex medical equipment, including ventilators, monitoring devices, and other life-support systems.
  • Performs procedures such as inserting central lines, managing tracheostomies, and providing advanced cardiac life support.
• Emergency Services RN:
  • Rapid Assessment and Triage: Evaluate patients' conditions quickly to determine the severity of their injuries or illnesses and prioritize care accordingly.
  • Conducts emergency procedures such as intubation, wound care, and suturing.
  • Implements interventions to stabilize patients, including administering medications, starting IV lines, and providing respiratory support.
• OR Services RN:
  • Provides comprehensive care to patients before, during, and after surgery, including assessments, planning, and evaluation of nursing care.
  • Scrubs in for surgeries, assisting the surgical team with instruments and supplies, and ensuring a sterile environment.
  • Monitors patient vital signs, administers medications, and observes for changes in patient condition.
• Cardiac Surgery RN:
  • Continuously assesses patients' condition, including vital signs, hemodynamic parameters, and ECG readings.
  • Administers medications and IV drips, adjusting dosages based on the patient's condition.
  • Proficient in operating and maintaining advanced life support equipment like ventilators, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and ECMO.
  • After cardiac surgeries, monitors patients' recovery, manage chest tubes, pacing wires, and wound care.
• Endoscopy RN:
  • Assesses patient needs, reviews medical history, explains procedures, obtains consent, and prepares the patient for procedure.
  • Monitors patient vitals, administers medications, and assists the physician during procedure.
  • Provides post-procedure care, monitors recovery, and educates patients about aftercare instructions.
  • Ensures the endoscopy room is properly prepared, instruments are sterilized, and equipment is functioning correctly.
• Obstetrics/Labor and Delivery/Post Partum/Nursery RN:
  • Educates patients about pregnancy, provides prenatal screenings, and prepares patients for labor and delivery.
  • Assesses and monitors the new mother's physical recovery, including vital signs, postpartum hemorrhage, and potential complications like postpartum depression.
  • Assists with epidurals and other pain management techniques during labor.
  • Administers pain medication, induces labor, and manages other medication needs during labor and delivery.
  • Assists during labor and delivery, monitors fetal well-being, administers medications, and provides pain relief. Monitors mothers and newborns after delivery, assessing their well-being, and providing education on postpartum care and breastfeeding.
  • Assesses and monitors newborn health, taking vital signs, performing routine assessments, and educating parents on newborn care.
  • Assists with gynecological exams and procedures, and provides education on reproductive health, contraception, and prenatal care.
  • Educates patients about family planning, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
  • Interprets fetal heart rate patterns and assesses fetal well-being using electronic fetal monitoring.
• Oncology RN:
  • Administers chemotherapy, manages side effects, monitors vitals, and manages pain.
  • Explains treatments, answers questions, and provides information on resources.
  • Provides emotional and psychological support to patients and their families.
• Orthopedics RN:
  • Provides specialized care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, and diseases.
  • Provides care for Orthopedic patients encompassing pre-operative and post-operative care.
  • Conducts peripheral/vascular assessments.
  • Treats patients with immobilization devices.
  • Provides pain management.
  • Provides patient education.
• PACU RN:
  • Assesses the patient's level of consciousness and responsiveness as they wake up from anesthesia.
  • Evaluates pain levels and administers pain medications as prescribed.
  • Observes any side effects of anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, shivering, or muscle aches.
  • Monitors for and respond to any post-operative complications.
  • Administers medications, including pain relievers and other post-operative medications, as prescribed.
  • Regulates intravenous (IV) fluids and monitor fluid balance.
  • Checks and changes dressings on surgical wounds.
  • Ensures a clear airway and provide oxygen support as needed.
  • Educates patients and families about post-surgery care, potential complications, and discharge instructions.
• NICU RN:
  • Continuously assesses and monitors vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) and other signs of distress.
  • Administers prescribed medications, intravenous fluids, and other treatments, including respiratory support and oxygen therapy.
  • Manages feeding needs, including tube, breast milk feeding support, and ensuring adequate nutrition.
  • Provides basic care tasks like diaper changes, bathing, and positioning.
  • Performs procedures like inserting IV lines, administering medications, and assisting with intubation or ventilation. Operates and adjusts specialized medical equipment used in the NICU.
• Telemetry RN:
  • Using telemetry equipment to track heart rhythms (EKG), blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and other vital signs.
  • Analyzes telemetry data to identify trends, abnormalities, and potential problems, and reports these findings to physicians.
  • Provides direct patient care, including medication administration, wound care, and patient education, with a focus on cardiac health.
  • Recognizes and responds to emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, and implements appropriate interventions.
• Dialysis RN:
  • Sets up and operates dialysis machines, monitors patients before, during, and after treatment, and adjusts treatment parameters as needed.
  • Takes vital signs, monitors signs of complications, and responds to changes in patient condition.
  • Educates patients and families about kidney disease, dialysis procedures, and the importance of adhering to treatment plans, diet, and medication.
  • Inspects and maintains dialysis machines and equipment.
• Cath Lab RN:
  • Pre-Procedure:
    • Reviews medical history, assesses patient's overall health, and prepares them for the procedure.
    • Intravenous (IV) Line Initiation: Starts and maintains an IV line for medication administration.
    • Administers medications as prescribed by the physician.
    • Educates patients and families about the procedure and what to expect.
    • Verifies that surgical consents have been signed.
  • During the Procedure:
    • Assists the Cardiologist during the catheterization process.
    • Closely monitors the patient's vital signs, hemodynamic data, and sedation levels.
    • Ensures proper functioning of equipment and supplies.
    • Manages potential complications and responding to emergencies.
  • Post-Procedure:
    • Continues to monitor the patient's vital signs and overall condition after the procedure.
    • Administers post-procedure medications as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in a clinical nursing role or student clinical rotations in an acute care setting required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of the nursing process and clinical nursing practices.
• Ability to perform thorough patient assessments and communicate findings effectively.
• Proficient in administering medications and monitoring for side effects.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documenting patient care.
• Knowledge of safety standards, infection control, and quality improvement initiatives.

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support required
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support preferred
• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation preferred
• Refer to facility or unit-specific guidelines for additional requirements.