Clinical Nurse II, RN | Surgery​/Trauma | Nights

About the Role

The Clinical Nurse II (CN II) is a Registered Nurse reporting directly to the Nurse Manager and embedded on Howard University Hospital’s 5 North Surgery/Trauma Unit. Through collaboration with the interdisciplinary team you will deliver safe, effective, patient-centered care to a diverse adult patient population including patients with acute medical conditions and surgery/trauma patients admitted for complications, symptom management, workup, and supportive care.

Whether you arrive with a medical-surgical or surgery/ trauma background, you’ll find a supportive practice environment with structured orientation, ongoing education, and clear pathways to build your specialty expertise. You will exemplify HUH’s values, adhere to ANA standards of practice, and serve as a clinical resource and role model for newer nurses and orientees on the unit.

• Assess, plan, intervene, and evaluate patient care at the bedside; identify patient care requirements by establishing personal rapport with patients, families, and friends; provide a compassionate environment through emotional, psychological, and spiritual support
• Deliver evidence-based nursing care to a diverse adult patient population — including patients with cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, endocrine, gastrointestinal, and infectious conditions, and hematology-oncology patients admitted for complications, symptom management, workup, and supportive care
• Perform comprehensive assessments including pain and symptom evaluation; implement evidence-based pain and symptom management strategies in coordination with the medical team and palliative care
• Manage central venous access including peripheral lines, midlines, PICCs, implanted ports, and central venous catheters; perform sterile dressing changes, blood draws, and infusion administration per policy
• Administer medications and IV therapies safely and accurately across oral, intramuscular, subcutaneous, IV push, and infusion routes; recognize and respond to adverse effects and drug interactions
• Recognize early signs of clinical deterioration — including sepsis, respiratory compromise, and altered mental status; activate Rapid Response and Code Blue teams as indicated and support resuscitation with BLS interventions pending team arrival
• Provide comprehensive patient and family education on disease processes, medications, self-care strategies, and follow-up care; support patients and families through complex medical treatment plans, chronic disease management, and advance care planning
• Coordinate care with case management, pharmacy, nutrition, physical and occupational therapy, palliative care, hematology-oncology, and social work to support safe transitions of care and continuity of treatment
• Document patient care and outcomes accurately in the electronic health record; maintain continuity among nursing teams by communicating actions, irregularities, and continuing care needs through SBAR and structured handoff
• Delegate tasks appropriately to non-licensed personnel and assistants while retaining accountability for patient outcomes
• Adhere to infection control policies and protocols, medication administration and storage procedures, and controlled substance regulations
• Serve in the role of charge nurse with approval by the Nurse Manager; serve as a clinical resource and role model for newer nurses, orientees, and student nurses on the unit
• Participate in unit performance improvement programs targeting overtime reduction, patient safety, and HCAHPS outcomes; engage in education, engagement, and practice committees
• Ensure operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements, following manufacturer’s instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, calling for repairs,…