Registered Nurse - Virtual Response Center, On-Site position (Part Time Evenings)

St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.

The Virtual Acute Care Nurse utilizes proactive technology and software to remotely monitor patients to assist the bedside clinical care teams in making real time decisions in the delivery of care for patients. The Virtual Acute Care Nurse is responsible for remotely monitoring all patients within the Network and in-home settings where Epic, Masimo, Patient Safety Net, etc. are utilized. The Nurse will notify nursing and providers of any clinical concerns in a timely manner to facilitate real time, proactive clinical decision making and compliance with protocols.

The Virtual Acute Care Nurse acts as a clinical supervisor for the Virtual Patient Observation program and the Virtual Patient Observation Attendants working in the VRC. The Virtual Acute Care Nurse also provides direct patient care using telehealth technology. This care is supplemental to the care delivered by the bedside RN and is part of a growing strategy to leverage technology to provide team nursing across the Network.

The Virtual Acute Care Nurse functions in collaboration with the bedside RN to maintain standards for professional nursing practice. These nursing functions of Virtual Acute Care Nurse are carried out according to the New Jersey/Pennsylvania Nurse Practice Act (based on work location) hospital policy, the network Mission Statement, and the network Philosophy of Nursing.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•  Utilizes clinical assessment skills and available technology to assist the bedside clinical team in timely identification of potential patient clinical deterioration.

• Demonstrates competence in the predictive analytic model and articulates understanding of each type of alert to include Sepsis Time Zero, Deterioration Index, etc.

• Documents precisely in Epic the outcome of each encounter with clinical staff.

• Partners with bedside nurses/clinicians effectively to inform, coach and support onsite nurses/clinicians, cultivating a therapeutic team approach.  Clearly articulates reasons for the communication and interventions to clinical staff.

• Formulates collaborative and individualized plan of care and identifies expected patient outcomes, using the nursing process.

• Effectively communicates to VRC team members through formal handoffs including patient concerns to the oncoming staff.  

• Functions as a professional role model and resource person providing guidance to co-workers.

• Maintains responsibility for own professional development through active participation in in-services and/or continuing education programs.

• Complies with established chain of command for work-related problems.

• Participates in identifying unit needs and support unit goals and objectives.

• Maintains departmental records for administrative and regulatory purposes.

• Maintains confidentiality of all materials handled within the Network/ Entity as well as the proper release of information.  

• Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient, and environmental safety and follows appropriate reporting requirements.

• Demonstrates Performance Improvement in the following areas as appropriate:  Clinical Care/Outcomes, Customer/Service Improvement, Operational System/Process, and Safety.

• Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding attendance and dress code. 

• Demonstrates competency in assessment, range of treatment, knowledge of growth and development and communication appropriate to the age of the patient treated.

• Promotes compliance with the implementation of evidence-based protocols.

• Utilizes problem-solving, prioritization, collaboration, and customer relation skills.

• Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient and environmental safety and follows appropriate reporting requirements.  

• Possesses intermediate to advanced computer and typing skills.

• Manages care coordination for patients with a variety of chronic conditions, including calling to ensure compliance with medications, updating medical records, and assisting with coordinating specialist visits.

• Follows procedures, per training, to assist patients with various trea