Emergency Department Registered Nurse

Job Title: Emergency Department Registered Nurse

Location:
Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS) at 2400 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70119

Period of Performance: 3/1/25 -

Compensation: $40.65 per hour

Position Description: Emergency Department Nurses will provide prescribed medical treatment and personal care services to ill and injured veterans. The RN will utilize their broad-based clinical knowledge to effectively assess, implement health promotion and prevention interventions, manage acute and chronic illness states, assist patient/residents in the attainment of optimal levels of functioning rehabilitation, evaluate patient/resident response to actual or potential health problems, and provide supportive measures for the dying patient/resident and their significant others.

Nursing care is performed in accordance with the Louisiana Registered Nurses Practice Act and within the individual nurse’s scope of license. The VA Nurse Manager(s), or appropriate nursing leadership delegate (i.e. Assistant Nurse Manager), will provide the RN with clinical oversight during their tour of duty.

Key Responsibilities: Duties include documenting observations, assessments, and changes in patient's condition; collaborating with health team members to facilitate positive patient care outcomes; providing a full range of nursing care to patients with a variety of physical and/or behavioral problems; and accountable for meeting and maintaining the qualification standards.

(1) Maintain patient/resident confidentiality and a safe patient/resident care environment, including familiarity with requirements such as medication administration, patient/resident/family education, discharge process, restraint usage, hazardous waste disposal, etc., as defined by The Joint Commission and all other VA regulatory bodies (i.e. Long-Term Care Unannounced Survey Program and Office of Inspector General).

(2) Provide patient/resident-centered care by performing the following tasks:

• assess the health care needs of the patient/resident and maintain or develop a plan of care to meet interdisciplinary goals.
• assess and act on significant changes in the patient’s/resident’s health condition.
• carry out the plan of care by performing/assigning delegated tasks.
• collect and document pertinent data into the electronic patient/resident medical record.
• complete nursing assessments within required time frames, and in accordance with policy and procedure.
• identify and act on predictable needs of the patient/resident.
• meet the health care needs of patient/resident by assessing and assisting the patient/resident to meet expressed needs.
• meet the emotional and spiritual needs of patients/residents and/or families.
• prioritize and complete tasks within the RN’s assigned shift.
• update patient/resident care plans.
• notify assigned physician of any changes in condition.
• report incidents of verbal or physical abuse immediately to the Nurse Manager of the unit they are assigned; or designated off-shift nursing leadership.

(3) Perform the following tasks:

• perform head-to-toe assessment.
• insert IV lines.
• care and management of peripheral and central lines, including PICC lines.
• administer medication including IVs.
• coordinate and participate in admission and discharge of patient.
• measure vital signs, including pain (the 5th vital sign), pulse oximetry, etc.
• perform wound care assessments including dressing changes (sterile and non-sterile) and obtaining wound cultures as necessary.
• obtain and deliver specimens to lab.
• perform tracheostomy care.
• perform non-acute ventilator care, if needed.
• perform suctioning including oral, nasogastric, and tracheostomy.
• perform deep suctioning, which may include obtaining specimens.
• assess for and administer tube feedings.
• assist with routine urinary and bowel elimination including catheters, colostomies, and digital stimulation.
• educate patients/residents and/or families regarding health and diagnoses and medication administration including indications for the medication.
• respond and assist in an emergency situation.
• provide clinical oversight to Licensed Practical Nurses, Nursing Assistants and Health…