RN-Registered Nurse Charge Ortho Spinal Unit Days NEW UNIT

New Ortho Spine Pavilion opening September 2006.  Unit will have a patient service focus with all private rooms and complete amenities including internet access.


The Ortho/Surgical RN manages the nursing care of orthopedic and surgical patients in accordance with established policies, procedures and protocols of the healthcare organization. The Charge Nurse is a professional nurse who demonstrates a commitment to the holistic management of the biopsychosocial needs of patients, their families and staff.  The Charge Nurse will ensure that patients receive nursing care based on a documented assessment of their needs as relates to their admission diagnosis; uses a collaborative effort consistent with the physician’s regime and other disciplines, and involve the patient/family/significant other.  They collaborate with others of the health care team to maintain hospital standard of care of patients, support improvement of care, and discharge planning.  The Charge Nurse exercises independent judgment to supervise the floor/unit staff. The tasks and responsibilities include:

Assesses, plans and evaluates patient care needs.
Recognizes common manifestations of musculoskeletal disorders and implements and monitors patient care plans.
Carries out physician orders.
Supervision of unit
Scheduling
Patient Assignment
Administers prescribed medications, changes dressings, cleans wounds, monitors vital signs.
Continuously performs postoperative assessments, performs nursing interventions and evaluates patient outcomes.
Serves as the primary coordinator of all disciplines for well coordinated patient care.
Monitors, records and communicates patient condition as appropriate utilizing computerized documentation systems. 
Instructs and educates patients and families.
Assesses and coordinates patient's discharge planning needs with members of the healthcare team.
Provides age and culturally appropriate care.
Orients and mentors new staff members.
Follows Standard Precautions using personal protective equipment as required.



Required Job Qualifications include:

Current licensure as an RN.
Current certification as a BLS Healthcare Provider.
Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing.
Charge experience
Orthopedic certification
Customer service abilities including effective listening skills.
Critical thinking skills, decisive judgment and the ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast paced environment.
Ability to perform work that requires frequent standing, bending, reaching, squatting, kneeling, moving, lifting of patients and/or equipment up to 50 pounds.