RN, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Stepdown

Atlanta

Overview

6E is a 24-bed Cardiovascular Surgical Intermediate Care Unit that provides comprehensive health care twenty-four hours daily to adults with cardiovascular illness. Diagnoses and procedures include but are not limited to coronary bypass grafts, aortic, mitral, and pulmonic or tricuspid valve repair or replacement, heart transplantation, thoracic aneurysm repair, congenital heart defect repair, and ventricular assist devices. The patient population also includes cardiology patients with ICD's, pacemakers, CHF, pre-PTCA, pre or post-cardiac catheterization, EP studies, or CAD. In addition, 6E assists in managing care for patients with non-cardiac diagnoses who need cardiac telemetry monitoring secondary to new-onset cardiac dysrhythmias or patients with worsening cardiac symptoms.

6E consists of twenty-four beds and is a primary telemetry unit. In addition, telemetry antennae allow for monitoring patients from a remote location. This unit is proud to be part of a Magnet-recognized hospital that is helping define a new standard of care for patients.

The nursing staff must complete an orientation program with competency assessments and recertification conducted annually or as needed. Registered nurses provide nursing care with a nurse/patient ratio of 1:4. Patient care assistants provide assistive care with a patient ratio of 1:8. The nursing staff is required to maintain BLS and ACLS certification.

Our staff raise the bar by providing clinical expertise and the highest quality care, in the most compassionate way. If you have a passion for helping others, 6E is excited to have you!

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION:

* Capable clinician who has acquired broad experience in caring for patients, and has developed a sound understanding about the care of a particular patient population.

* Routinely uses acquired knowledge, theory, research and experience to respond to changes in clinical situations.

* Is able to apply the Synergy Model for Care in practice, and use this knowledge to personalize care for each patient/family.

* Serves as a resource to colleagues and strong advocate for patients/families.

* Consistently communicates effectively and respectfully with the patient, the patient's family, and other members of the healthcare team.

* Delivers safe, dependable and effective care to a patient population independently utilizing the nursing process.

* Demonstrates developed assessment skills. Recognizes the impact of nursing care on patient outcomes.

* Continues to recognize own performance limitations, but requires minimal assistance. Documents the nursing process accurately and in the appropriate format (e.g. computer, clinical pathway, chart).

* Plans and implements patient care independently. Utilizes patient/family input and goals in planning plan of care.

* Evaluates patient's response to planned care and adjusts plan of care as appropriate.

* Identifies patient and family learning needs and makes recommendations to resources regarding those needs. Incorporates AACN Synergy Model into clinical practice.

* Manages time effectively. Identifies the need to revise policies and procedures for a patient population based on receipt/review of evidence-based research.

* Delegates appropriately utilizing the Synergy model of care. Recognizes the roles of the interdisciplinary team, patient and family care partners and utilizes them appropriately as resources in planning patient care.

* Functions in a developing leadership role. Functions as Charge Nurse when assigned. Orients staff or students as assigned in absence of designated preceptor.

* Utilizes resources in a responsible manner with a focus on cost containment. Demonstrates effective listening skills. Reduces barriers to facilitate communication.

* Utilizes effective conflict resolution skills. Individualizes care based upon the knowledge of the patient and the family.

* Recognizes needs and advocates for patient based on knowledge of condition. Has awareness of one's own values and how they affect interactions and relationships.

* Recognizes that cultural differences need to be considered in developing patient and family relationships (focus on identifying cultural norms). Identifies and implements a course of action in non-routine situations.

* May seek assistance to resolve complex issues. Respects and maintains confidential information.

* Accepts personal accountability for professional development and growth. Participates within the unit to identify and address discipline specific issues and needs.

* Articulates application of Synergy model for care in clinical practice. Collects, reports, analyzes and provides data on an ongoing basis and as required by physician and/or interdisciplinary teams in accordance with organization standards.

* Revises and evaluates effectiveness of patient care documentation. Uses interviews, surveys, focus groups and questionnaires to identify and resolves areas for improvement.

* Meets all Clinical Nurse I Employee Commitments. Achieves points and contact hours as defined in the PLAN (clinical lattice) point system to maintain position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing 12 months of recent nursing experience within the past five years or recent completion of a re-entry nursing program. Must have a valid, active unencumbered Nursing license or temporary permit approved by the Georgia Licensing Board. BLS certification required and ACLS may be required in designated departments. Exceptions: Individuals currently employed as a LPN within the EHC system at the time of completion of an accredited RN program and becoming licensed as a RN will be considered eligible to move to the Nurse Clinician title while matriculating through the Resident program.

Additional Details

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (Medium-Heavy) 36-75 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 20-35 lbs, 34-66% of the workday; (frequently); 10-20 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 75 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 35 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking; Occasional sitting; Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing); Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure; Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors; Communicable diseases; Electrical shock; Floor Surfaces; Hot/Cold Temperatures; Indoor/Outdoor conditions; Latex; Lighting; Patient care/handling injuries; Radiation; Shift work; Travel may be required; Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators; environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.