RN Med/Surg

A Registered Nurse (RN) in Med-Surg (Medical-Surgical) is a vital member of the healthcare team responsible for providing general nursing care to adult patients who are recovering from surgery, managing chronic conditions, or experiencing acute medical issues. Med-Surg nurses work in a wide range of hospital settings and typically care for patients who are not in intensive care, but still need monitoring and treatment.

Here’s a detailed RN Med-Surg job description:

RN Med-Surg (Medical-Surgical Nurse) Job Description

1. Patient Care:

• Assessment and Monitoring: Conduct thorough assessments of patients’ health, including reviewing medical histories, performing physical exams, and documenting vital signs (e.g., blood pressure, temperature, heart rate).
• Plan of Care: Develop and implement individualized care plans based on patient needs, collaborating with the healthcare team to ensure comprehensive care.
• Administer Medications: Safely administer medications as prescribed, monitor their effects, and educate patients about their medications and possible side effects.
• Wound Care: Provide wound care for patients recovering from surgery or injury, including dressing changes, cleaning, and monitoring for signs of infection.
• IV Therapy: Insert and maintain intravenous (IV) lines, administer fluids and medications, and monitor for complications (e.g., infiltration, phlebitis).
• Assist with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): Help patients with personal hygiene tasks, eating, and mobility when needed.

2. Clinical Responsibilities:

• Post-Surgical Care: Provide care for patients recovering from surgery, including monitoring for complications (e.g., infections, bleeding, blood clots).
• Acute Medical Care: Care for patients with acute medical conditions such as respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, infections, or injuries.
• Pain Management: Assess pain levels, administer pain medications, and implement non-pharmacological interventions to manage pain effectively.
• Monitor and Manage Chronic Conditions: Support patients with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease, ensuring they receive appropriate care and education for managing their conditions.

3. Patient Education:

• Health Education: Teach patients and their families about their medical conditions, treatments, and post-discharge care, including medication management, diet modifications, and follow-up appointments.
• Discharge Planning: Assist in preparing patients for discharge by providing education on self-care, mobility, and lifestyle changes. Provide resources for follow-up care and support services.

4. Collaboration and Teamwork:

• Multidisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, physical therapists, social workers, and other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care to patients.
• Communication: Effectively communicate with patients, families, and team members to ensure care plans are understood and followed. Document all patient interactions, treatments, and observations accurately in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Report Changes: Notify physicians or charge nurses of any significant changes in patient conditions, including signs of deterioration, unusual symptoms, or adverse reactions.

5. Infection Control and Safety:

• Prevent Infection: Follow infection control protocols to prevent the spread of infections within the hospital (e.g., hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, sterilization of equipment).
• Patient Safety: Ensure patient safety through fall prevention, proper use of medical equipment, and timely interventions to avoid complications like pressure ulcers or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

6. Administrative Responsibilities:

• Documentation: Maintain accurate, up-to-date patient records, including admission data, nursing assessments, progress notes, and discharge plans. Ensure compliance with hospital and regulatory guidelines (e.g., HIPAA).
• Charting: Chart patient progress and responses to treatments in a timely manner, ensuring that all documentation is clear, concise, and legally compliant.

7. Emergency Response:

• Critical Care Response: Respond to emergencies such as code blue (cardiac arrest) or other acute situations, following established protocols for resuscitation, stabilization, and transfer to higher care when necessary.
• Rapid Response: Participate in rapid response teams when a patient's condition suddenly worsens.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an accredited program.
• Licensing: Active and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state where employed.
• Clinical Experience: Experience in a Med-Surg unit or a related clinical setting is often preferred, but new graduate nurses may also be considered.
• Certification: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications are often required or preferred.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) and medical equipment such as IV pumps, telemetry monitors, and patient care devices.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to assess patients, make quick decisions, and take appropriate actions in response to changing conditions.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Compassionate Care: Demonstrates empathy, patience, and understanding, particularly when working with patients who are ill or recovering from surgery.
• Physical Stamina: Ability to stand, walk, lift, and assist patients for extended periods, as well as handle the physical demands of the job.

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $67.35 - $76.25 per hour

Expected hours: 36 per week

Medical Specialty:

• Medical-Surgical

Physical Setting:

• Hospital

Work Location: In person

Salary : $67 - $76