Registered Nurse – Spinal Cord

Job Description
The spinal cord RN will provide patient-centered care by performing tasks that meet the health, emotional, and practical needs of the patients. These duties will include but are not limited to the following.
Assess the health care, emotional, and logistical needs of the patient and maintain or develop a plan of care to meet interdisciplinary goals
Collect and document pertinent data into the electronic patient medical record
Communicates and treats all patients and/or families in a courteous, tactful, and respectful manner
Perform head-to-toe assessment, administer medication including IVs, are of PICC lines
Coordinate and participate in admission, transfer, and discharge of patient
Measure vital signs, including Pain (the 5th Vital Sign), pulse oximetry, etc. EKGs as needed
Perform wound care including dressing changes and obtaining wound cultures as necessary
Obtain and deliver specimens to lab
Perform tracheostomy care, Perform suctioning including oral, nasogastric, and tracheostomy
Perform non-acute/acute ventilator care, as needed
Assess for and administer tube feedings
Assist with routine urinary and bowel elimination including indwelling and suprapubic catheters, colostomies, external devices, and digital stimulation
Educate patients and/or families regarding health and diagnoses and medication administration
Activate the Emergency Medical Response as indicated based on patient presentation or change in condition
Perform Continuous Protective Observation (CPO) duties to maintain veteran safety
Perform patient belongings and Contraband inspection and documentation as outlined by facility policy
Provide clinical oversight to Licensed Practical Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants and Health Technicians
Rapid Response and Cardiac Arrest (code) response within the unit.
Accu-checks
Other duties as assigned by VA team