Nurse (Observation Pre- Post Op)

General Description of Assigned Duties:

Responsible and accountable for all elements of the nursing process when providing and/or supervising direct patient care. Assumes responsibility for the coordination of care focused on patient education, self-management, and customer satisfaction throughout the continuum of care. Administers medications and procedures per established policies and guidelines. Influences care outcomes by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team. Core elements of performance include knowledge and active participation in the unit/program level quality improvement process and initiatives as well as customer service programs.

Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties:

The Nurse II Specialty Care Outpatient Staff Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing competent, evidence-based specialty care to assigned patients and oversight of licensed vocational nurses/nursing assistants, as appropriate to the clinic setting. This nurse provides patient care, care coordination, health promotion, health education and coaching on wellness, disease prevention, and chronic care management. The nurse will assist in directing the provision of nursing education, orientation, competencies and providing quality improvement and outcomes utilization. Demonstrates leadership in delivering and improving holistic, specialty care through collaborative strategies with others. Evaluates practice in an ongoing process, based on best evidence. Provides peers with informal constructive feedback for improvement. Fosters a safe and supportive environment conducive to the professional development of healthcare professionals. Contributes professional nursing perspective in discussions with the interdisciplinary team. Partners with others to effect change and produce optimal outcomes. Supports colleagues through knowledge sharing to provide safe, quality specialty nursing care.

1. Responsible for setting up, providing nursing care/education, and assisting with Transesophageal Echocardiograms and Cardioversions, Dobutamine Stress testing, Nuclear stress testing, Stress echo testing, echo bubble studies, assisting with patients in critical situations. The RN administers IV contrast, agitated saline, medications, and moderate sedation per standard operating procedure as ordered by the Cardiologist. IV insertions/removal and infusions.
2. Reviews and records all documentation, lab values, pertinent patient information- pre and post procedures for accuracy, safety, and adherence VA requires and Joint commission safety goals.
3. Administers medications, including ACLS medications, utilizing all safety precautions including pre-procedure safety checklists and time out and appropriate hand-off.
4. Administers moderate sedation with appropriate patient monitoring, assessment, documentation and maintains Moderate Sedation Competency annually.
5. Follows strict adherence to infection control, and safety practices and notifies Physicians of critical lab values.
6. Participates in maintaining a clean environment.
7. All other duties as assigned within clinical scope of practice to support advanced cardiac care and procedures to the inpatient and outpatient populations.