As a Registered Nurse (RN) working in the Step-Down Unit, you will be responsible for providing specialized care to patients who require intermediate-level monitoring and treatment. The Step-Down Unit, also known as the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) or Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU), is designed to care for patients who have been transferred from the intensive care unit (ICU) or those who need more intensive monitoring and support than provided on general medical-surgical floors.
Responsibilities:
1. Patient Assessment: Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients upon admission and throughout their stay in the Step-Down Unit. This includes monitoring vital signs, evaluating symptoms, and assessing the overall condition of the patient.
2. Telemetry Monitoring: Continuously monitor patients' cardiac rhythms through telemetry and other medical equipment. Promptly report any significant changes or abnormalities to the healthcare team.
3. Medication Administration: Administer medications as prescribed by physicians and ensure proper dosage, route, and timing. RNs must also be knowledgeable about potential side effects and adverse reactions.
4. Nursing Care: Provide specialized nursing care to patients with various medical conditions, such as post-surgical patients, those with cardiac or respiratory issues, and other acute or chronic conditions.
5. Collaboration: Work closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals to create and implement individualized care plans for patients. Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure the best possible patient outcomes.
6. Patient Education: Educate patients and their families about the illness, treatment plans, medications, and post-discharge care requirements. Empower patients to actively participate in their recovery process.
7. Intervention: Respond to any medical emergencies or critical situations that may arise in the Step Down Unit. Administer appropriate interventions and communicate effectively with the healthcare team.
8. Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, documenting all assessments, interventions, and responses to treatments, in compliance with California's healthcare regulations.
9. Safety and Infection Control: Adhere to strict safety protocols and infection control measures to prevent the spread of infections and ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.
10. Quality Improvement: Participate in quality improvement initiatives and follow evidence-based practice guidelines to enhance patient care outcomes, in accordance with California's healthcare standards.
11. Patient Advocacy: Serve as an advocate for patients, ensuring their rights are respected, and their preferences are considered in the decision-making process, adhering to California's healthcare laws and patient rights.
12. Shift Handover: Communicate effectively during shift handovers to ensure continuity of care and accurate transfer of patient information, following the facility's protocols and guidelines.
Qualifications:
- Valid and current RN license in the state of California.
- Graduation from an accredited nursing program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred, but an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) may be accepted.
- Relevant clinical experience, preferably in critical care, ICU, or telemetry settings.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification may be required or preferred, following California's healthcare facility requirements.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Demonstrated commitment to professional development and staying updated on the latest medical practices and technologies, in compliance with California's continuing education requirements.