Our Medical Respiratory Unit is a 42-bed unit primarily specializing in the care of acute and chronic respiratory conditions. Nurses have a 1:6 ratio and provide care to predominately respiratory patients requiring treatment for pneumonia, shortness of breath, COPD or other various lung diseases. In addition, this unit will further provide care to a variety of medical patients with GI issues, diabetes, and occasional stroke and surgical patients. Patients in this area benefit from daily rounds with the entire interdisciplinary team. This unit will soon house a step-down unit for more acute respiratory patients at a 1:4 nursing ratio as well.

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.