Our General Surgical Unit is a 32-bed unit specializing in exceptional postoperative care for our general surgical patients. Nurses in this area have a 1:6 ratio and are trained in all aspects of postoperative care; including pain management, mobility, and bedside procedures. In this area especially, we value a comfortable and healing environment for each individual patient and their unqiue needs. This team will closely collaborate with local family practice physicians, hospitalists, as well as our surgeons. 

Plans, coordinates and directs quality, compassionate care by maintaining standards of professional nursing practice and creating positive therapeutic relationships with patients/families.  Provides leadership to other team members by articulating and delegating expected standards of care, supervising and encouraging team members, and supporting their contributions.  Supervises LPNs, PCAs, PCAs/US, US, ED Tech, ED Clerical/PCA, CRSS and OTs.

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 and accurately documents observations, care provided and changes in care plan.
6. Participates in transition rounds, care planning/problem identification and team shift reports.
7. 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.
8. 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. 
• 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. 

Current Alabama RN licensure. Associate degree in Nursing required. Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider training required. Professional Nursing Certifcation preferred. Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.