RN
Other
Augusta, GA
ASAP
13 weeks
Nights - 3x12
$1,557/week*
About the Position
A Registered Nurse (RN) – Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) is responsible for providing high-quality nursing care to patients who require observation and assessment for short-term medical conditions that do not necessarily require full admission to the hospital. The CDU is a specialized unit where patients are monitored to determine whether they need to be admitted, discharged, or transferred for further care. The RN in this role plays a critical part in patient triage, ongoing assessment, and ensuring timely interventions to support clinical decision-making.
Key Responsibilities:
Patient Assessment and Monitoring:
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Perform initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments of patients admitted to the CDU, including vital signs, medical history, current symptoms, and any potential risk factors.
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Monitor patients’ condition continuously, assessing for changes that may require immediate intervention or more intensive care.
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Document nursing assessments, vital signs, laboratory results, and interventions in the electronic health record (EHR) accurately and promptly.
Clinical Decision Support:
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Assist physicians and clinical staff in determining whether a patient should be admitted, discharged, or transferred to a higher level of care based on observations and assessments.
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Participate in patient care rounds and provide input regarding patient status and any developments in their condition that may influence discharge or admission decisions.
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Ensure that patients meet the criteria for discharge when appropriate, coordinating with the healthcare team to ensure proper follow-up care and instructions.
Patient Education and Communication:
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Educate patients and their families about their medical conditions, the purpose of observation, and what to expect while in the CDU.
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Provide guidance on post-discharge care, follow-up appointments, and any lifestyle modifications or treatments needed to manage their condition.
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Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team, ensuring that patients understand the rationale for their stay in the CDU and their discharge instructions.
Medication Administration and Management:
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Administer prescribed medications as per physician orders, including oral, intravenous, and intramuscular medications.
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Monitor for any side effects, allergic reactions, or adverse effects of medications, promptly notifying the physician if concerns arise.
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Ensure proper medication reconciliation during admission and discharge, making sure that prescribed medications align with the patient’s health plan and history.
Observation and Diagnostic Testing:
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Assist with or perform basic diagnostic tests and procedures such as blood draws, EKGs, and vital sign monitoring to assist in patient evaluation.
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Collaborate with laboratory staff, radiologists, and other clinical professionals to facilitate the completion of necessary diagnostic tests in a timely manner.
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Track patient progress through observation and testing, helping to determine if further intervention is required or if discharge is appropriate.
Safety and Infection Control:
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Follow established infection control protocols to prevent the spread of infections in the CDU.
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Maintain patient safety at all times, ensuring a safe and secure environment, including preventing falls and minimizing the risk of complications.
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Assist with the safe handling and disposal of medications and medical equipment, ensuring the unit remains clean and sterile.
Emergency Response and Critical Care:
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Respond promptly to any signs of patient deterioration or emergencies, such as changes in vital signs, difficulty breathing, or significant pain.
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Provide basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) interventions as required, until further care can be provided.
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Coordinate with emergency department (ED) or intensive care unit (ICU) teams for potential transfers if a patient's condition worsens.
Collaboration with Healthcare Team:
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Work closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals to develop and adjust care plans based on the patient’s condition.
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Attend patient care rounds and contribute to the decision-making process regarding diagnosis, treatment, and discharge plans.
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Collaborate with case managers and social workers to arrange follow-up care, home health services, or referrals as needed for patients being discharged from the CDU.
Documentation and Reporting:
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Document patient assessments, progress, interventions, and outcomes in a timely and accurate manner in the patient’s medical record.
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Report any significant changes in the patient’s condition to the healthcare provider immediately and assist in adjusting care plans as necessary.
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Ensure accurate reporting for discharge instructions, follow-up appointments, and any necessary medical equipment or prescriptions.
Quality Improvement and Professional Development:
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Participate in ongoing education to maintain licensure, stay current on best practices, and improve nursing care.
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Contribute to quality improvement initiatives by identifying potential process improvements to increase the efficiency and quality of care provided in the CDU.
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Stay informed about new clinical guidelines, policies, and procedures that can improve patient outcomes.
Skills & Qualifications:
Education:
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Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred; Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) may be considered.
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Current state licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).
Experience:
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Previous experience in an emergency department (ED), urgent care, or acute care setting preferred, as the RN in the CDU must have expertise in managing a wide range of medical conditions.
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Experience in triage, patient assessment, or observation settings is a plus.
Certifications:
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Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
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Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification may be required or preferred, depending on the facility.
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Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification is desirable in some facilities.
Skills:
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Strong critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills to assess and respond to changing patient conditions.
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Excellent communication skills, particularly in educating patients and working within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
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Ability to manage a diverse set of clinical tasks simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
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Compassionate care approach to improve patient experience, especially when dealing with uncertain diagnoses or outcomes.
Requirements
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Required for Onboarding
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BLS
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