Registered Nurse (RN) (Total Joint/Orthopedic Center) - NIGHTS

Overview

The Total Joint & Orthopedic Unit is a brand new, 21-bed private unit that offers excellent opportunities to specialize in the care of orthopedic patients. This busy unit consistently supports a full census while still offering an appealing nurse to patient ratio of 1 to 5. Currently serving a mix of orthopedic and less acute medical patients, the unit is transitioning to a dedicated orthopedic focus as more orthopedic physicians join the team. Each private room includes a shower to support rehabilitation and promote independence in daily living activities. Spacious accommodations also allow for personalized physical therapy sessions in-room. The patient population includes post-operative cases such as total joint knee and hip replacements, ankle surgeries, and fracture recovery—creating a dynamic environment for professional growth and successful patient outcomes.

CentraState Medical Center currently has an employment opportunity available for a Registered Nurse (RN). The Registered Nurse (RN) administers culturally sensitive nursing care to assigned patients that is in accordance with ANA standards, the NJ Practice Act, Joint Commission, professional standards and established hospital and Nursing Department policy and procedures in accordance with evidence based nursing practice. Utilizes the Nursing Process in providing patient centered care. Evaluates the effectiveness of nursing care through the analysis of nurse sensitive indicators and patient outcomes. Orientation will include satisfactory completion of IV Course and CPR Certification. A patient focused care model utilizing a multidisciplinary approach is used as the method to deliver patient care.

Responsibilities

• Provides considerate respectful care focused upon the patient's individual needs to ensure patient satisfaction.
• Affirms the patient's right to make decisions regarding his/her medical care, including the decision to discontinue treatment, to the extent permitted by law.
• Successfully completes life-span education as appropriate.
• Obtains a complete nursing history and baseline assessment that is systematic, consistent and continuous. This assessment is communicated effectively utilizing Hand-off policy and documented.
• Documents results of patient assessment, nursing diagnosis, care plan nursing interventions and evaluation and patient progress in medical record according to hospital/nursing policy and the Nursing Standards of Care/Practice for the specific patient type.
• Appropriately analyzes patient information /assessment to determine nursing diagnosis and needs for appropriate nursing care, medical intervention or services of other clinical professionals.
• Identifies patient problems and formulates nursing diagnosis according to physical, psychological, spiritual/cultural and educational needs in conjunction with a multi disciplinary approach.
• Consistently includes patient and family in the development of an individualized plan of care.
• Administers medication as needed following CSHS policies and manufacturer's instructions.
• Takes immediate and appropriate actions in the event of a medication variance occurrence.
• Recognizes changes in patient condition and/or emergency situations and takes immediate and appropriate actions.
• Participates in unit conferences to discuss quality issues and quality improvement strategies. Offers ideas to improve processes for patient safety.
• Delegates components of care to non-professional caregivers as appropriate. Follows up on any delegated components of care and assignments given.
• Makes decisions that demonstrate knowledge of nursing practice; utilizes sound nursing judgment in clinical and patient care management situations.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in the care of patients and in the coordination of care to assure the best patient outcomes.
• Follows CSHS Pain Assessment policy.
• Successfully functions as a Resource Nurse, making decisions in the absence of the Clinical Leader and/or the Nurse Manager.
• Supports cost containment through efficient use of equipment, supplies and other pertinent resources.
• Recognizes adverse reaction to medications and takes immediate and appropriate action.
• Evaluates the patient's needs for discharge and accesses appropriate resources for the patient and/or family.
• Consistently provides written and verbal education to patients and/or families.
• Successfully functions as a preceptor/mentor to students and new staff members.
• Consistently promotes teamwork within the unit and between departments.
• Consistently adheres to hospital policy regarding the insertion, maintenance and removal of foley catheters, if applicable.
• Able to verbalize and demonstrate proper rationale and techn