RN - 5S - General Surgical Unit

Overview

Our General Surgical Unit is a 32-bed unit specializing in exceptional postoperative care for our general surgical patients. Nurses in this area have a 16:1 ratio and are trained in all aspects of postoperative care, including pain management, mobility, and bedside procedures. We value a comfortable and healing environment for each patient and their unique needs. This team collaborates closely with local family practice physicians, hospitalists, and surgeons.

• Plans, coordinates and directs quality, compassionate care by maintaining standards of professional nursing practice and creating positive therapeutic relationships with patients and families.
• Provides leadership to other team members by articulating and delegating expected standards of care, supervising and encouraging team members, and supporting their contributions.
• Supervises LPNs, PCAs, PCAs/US, US, Ortho Techs and other non-licensed staff.
• Assesses condition on each assigned patient on admission and ongoing basis, including physical condition, psychological status, social status, spiritual and cultural needs, pain assessment/management, nutritional and functional status, developmental or age-related factors, and discharge planning needs.
• Plans, provides, and documents patient and/or significant other education based on physical, behavioral, psychological, developmental, and age-related factors, after identifying barriers to learning.
• Evaluates and reevaluates patient care; coordinates care planning with patient, family, providers and other disciplines to achieve patient-centered outcomes.
• Assigns and delegates nursing care to team members in accordance with patient needs and team capabilities.
• Applies safety principles when performing care.
• Accurately documents observations, care provided and changes in care plan.
• Provides accurate handoff reports and participates in unit-based huddles.
• Assists in performance improvement (PI) activities by serving on PI teams as warranted, assisting with PI measures and supporting and implementing changes necessary for improvement.
• Performs initial and annual competency per job class.

• Current approved Alabama Board of Nursing RN license or multi-state license required or ability to obtain prior to start.
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider training required.
• BSN preferred, minimum Associates degree required.
• Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

• American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted certifications as applicable.
• ACLS required or as specified by department.

• Cardiac/Critical Care: ACLS
• Emergency Department (both campuses): ACLS, PALS
• Emergency Department
  - Regional Campus:
  Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
• Perioperative: ACLS, PACU - PALS; ACLS
• Women’s/Children: NICU
  - Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP);
  Labor & Delivery ACLS, NRP, and Intermediate Fetal Monitoring;
  Mother Baby Unit NRP;
  Pediatrics - PALS
• Clinical Support:
  Cardiac Monitoring Unit ACLS
• Dialysis: ACLS
• International RNs: license requirements and BLS/CPR as applicable;
  English literacy

• Demonstrate leadership skills and decision-making that affects others.
• Will communicate clearly and accurately; delegate to team members and students; receive delegation.
• Address conflicts and stressful situations; engage in face-to-face discussions with diverse personalities.
• Use electronic mail, telephone and texting; work in groups; meet time pressures and deadlines.
• Exposure to body fluids, disease, chemicals and hazardous materials; requires wearing protective equipment as needed.

• Medium work; exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 30 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects. Prolonged standing and walking required.
• Must be able to reach in all directions; stand, walk, kneel, bend, sit and stoop; run in an emergency.
• Must be able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation; stamina for prolonged shifts; normal or corrected vision and hearing.
• Physical presence onsite is essential.

Staff Nurse, Registered Nurse, Nurse, RN