Inpatient Orthopedics Registered Nurse - Appalachian Regional Healthcare System
Boone, NC 28607
About the Job
The Inpatient Orthopedic Registered Nurse (RN) at Watauga Medical Center is responsible for delivering high-quality, compassionate care to patients undergoing orthopedic procedures and treatments. This role involves assessing patient needs, developing and implementing nursing care plans, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical skills in orthopedic care, excellent communication abilities, and a dedication to patient-centered care. Key Responsibilities:
Patient Care:
- Provide comprehensive nursing care to patients with orthopedic conditions, including pre- and post-operative care.
- Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized nursing care plans based on patient needs and clinical guidelines.
- Administer medications, treatments, and procedures as prescribed by physicians.
- Monitor patients' responses to treatments and adjust care plans accordingly.
Assessment and Monitoring:
- Conduct thorough patient assessments, including physical, emotional, and psychosocial evaluations.
- Monitor vital signs, pain levels, mobility, and other indicators of patient health.
- Recognize and respond to changes in patient conditions, communicating effectively with the healthcare team.
Patient Education:
- Educate patients and their families about orthopedic conditions, treatment plans, post-operative care, and rehabilitation.
- Provide instructions on pain management, mobility aids, and home care to promote recovery and prevent complications.
Collaboration and Coordination:
- Collaborate with physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated care.
- Participate in multidisciplinary rounds, case conferences, and care planning meetings.
- Ensure effective handoff communication during shift changes and patient transfers.
Documentation:
- Maintain accurate and detailed patient records, including assessments, interventions, and patient responses.
- Document all care provided in the electronic health record (EHR) system in accordance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.
Quality and Safety:
- Adhere to all safety protocols and infection control guidelines to ensure a safe environment for patients and staff.
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of best practices in orthopedic nursing.
- Follow hospital policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Compensation is commensurate with education and experience. Hiring compensation ranges from $30.50-$39.65 per hour and qualifies for shift differential on top of base rate of pay. Benefits eligible after a 60-day waiting period.
Position QualificationsMinimum Education- Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
- Previous experience as a registered nurse is not required but is preferred.
- Previous Health Care Experience in an acute or clinic setting is preferred.
- One-year prior experience in a similar role with a similar scope is preferred.
- Current licensure as an RN in North Carolina.
- Basic Life Support (BLS). BLS from the American Heart Association is required at the time of hire.
- All required certifications must be obtained within 1 year of hire date, except Basic Life Support (BLS).
- BLS, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications must be obtained from American Heart Association.
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Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course (ENPC) and Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certifications must be obtained from the ENA.
- Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with the public, patients, family, staff, and physician and acts within the chain of command, utilizing positive verbal and non-verbal skills.
- Competent in delivering safe and effective patient care within legal limits of licensure and hospital policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of the continuum of nursing care provided in the patient care department.
- Ability to demonstrate exceptional customer service to patients, family, staff, and physicians.
- Lifts, positions, pushes, pulls and/or transfers up to and greater than 50 pounds
- Manual dexterity and mobility
- Prolonged, extensive or considerable sitting/standing/walking
- Bending, squatting, twisting, turning
- Near acuity: ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less
- Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne diseases
- Frequently exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment; odorous chemicals and specimens; and, unpleasant elements (accident, injury, slippery surfaces uneven surfaces), etc.
- Subject to irregular hours (days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays); and emergency situations.
- Continuous standing and walking long periods = to, or, greater than >8 hours per shift
- Speaking, reading and writing, expanded > 8 hours per day
- Exposed to vibration; and cramped spaces >1 hour day
- Frequently mobilizes patients >4 hours per day
- Frequently per shift: lifts, carries; pushes; and/or, pulls >50 lbs
- Frequently per hour: bends; squats; kneels; twists; turns; and reaches.
- Frequently per minute: hand, finger and wrist repetition; and moderate dexterity.
- Frequently per hour, exposed to soft voices >3ft away.
- Frequently per hour, exposed to close eye work
- Infrequently per shift, may be exposed to Ionizing/nonionizing radiation exposure including x-ray and microwave
About UNC Health Appalachian
UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply “making life better.“
About UNC Health
UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.
UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.
Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen.
For accommodations or additional information, contact recruitment@apprhs.org.
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