PCU is the ideal nursing unit if you are looking for an environment to develop a solid foundation for your nursing skills and foster a culture of family and teamwork. PCU is the only 24/7 acute care unit on the NMC campus that specializes in medical and surgical care and can accommodate up to 36 patients. Medical patients include dialysis and telemetry monitoring, along with other acute medical needs. Surgical patient populations include orthopedic procedures (fractures, shoulders, and backs) and general surgery (appendectomy, hernia repair, cholecystectomy, and colon resection). Our dedicated team of nursing and ancillary staff provides patient-centered care to support the patient’s recovery with the goal of reaching optimal patient outcomes. Strong focus is placed on pain management, mobility, and prevention of complications. Our team is dedicated to making our patients' experience pleasant and comfortable in a safe and secure environment. The nurse/patient ratio is 1:6 and is supported by a Team Leader that is out of staffing.

Plans, coordinates, and directs quality, compassionate care by maintaining standards of professional nursing practice and creating positive therapeutic relationships with patients/families. Supervises LPNs, PCAs, PCAs/US, US, Ortho Techs and other non-licensed staff.

1. Assesses condition on each assigned patient on admission and on an ongoing basis to include but not limited to the patient’s 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.
2. 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.
3. Evaluates and regularly reevaluates patient care; coordinates care planning with patient, family, providers and other disciplines to achieve patient-centered outcomes.
4. Assigns and delegates nursing care to team members in accordance with the patient’s needs and the capabilities of the team members.
5. Applies safety principles when performing care
6. Accurately documents observations, care provided, and changes in care plan.
7. Provides accurate handoff reports and participates in unit based huddles
8. 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.
9. Performs initial and annual competency per job class.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Must have at least two (2) years of previous direct-care RN experience in a hospital setting and meet the qualifications of the job description requirements, required certifications, licensure, and education for the unit(s) applying to. Must be able to successfully complete a cardiac dysrhythmia test and medication dosage calculation test during Nursing Orientation.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical:  Physical presence onsite is essential.  Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to normal range.  Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.  Ability to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking.  Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 lbs.  Is able to push stretcher/wheelchair with average adult patient.  Is able to do frequent stooping and on occasion crouching, crawling or kneeling.  Ability to reach reasonable distances in any direction.  Ability to run in emergency situations.  Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner.  Must have ability to feel and perceive temperature, texture, shape and size with fingertips.

Environmental:  Includes exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazard materials and/or cleaning solutions.  Requires wearing common protective or safety equipment.

Psychological:  Includes receiving delegation, working with team members, addressing conflict, communicating with all types of personalities, and being responsible for outcomes/results.