Travel Nurse RN - Med Surg / Telemetry
West Des Moines, IA
Magnet Medical
3x12 hrs, Nights

Patient Assessment and Monitoring:

• Perform comprehensive and continuous assessments of patients, including evaluating vital signs, heart rhythms (via telemetry), and overall condition.
• Monitor and interpret telemetry data to detect any irregularities in heart rate, rhythm, and other vital parameters, notifying the healthcare team if needed.
• Assess physical, emotional, and psychological needs of patients, developing individualized care plans to promote recovery and wellness.

Medication Administration and Management:

• Administer prescribed medications, including oral, intravenous, and intramuscular medications, while ensuring proper dosing and timing.
• Monitor patients for side effects and adverse reactions to medications, immediately reporting any issues to the physician or healthcare team.
• Provide pain management interventions and adjust care based on patient response and comfort level.

Telemetry and Cardiac Monitoring:

• Monitor patients with telemetry units to assess heart rate, rhythm, and overall cardiac health, documenting and reporting any irregularities to the medical team.
• Assist in the interpretation of telemetry readings, ensuring prompt intervention for any abnormal findings such as arrhythmias, tachycardia, or bradycardia.
• Maintain and troubleshoot telemetry equipment to ensure proper function and reliable patient monitoring.

Wound Care and Post-Surgical Care:

• Provide post-operative care for surgical patients, including monitoring incision sites, managing drains, and ensuring proper wound healing.
• Perform dressing changes, assess for signs of infection, and educate patients on post-surgical care instructions.
• Administer treatments to manage or prevent complications, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pressure ulcers, or infections.

Patient Education:

• Educate patients and their families on disease management, including medication regimens, lifestyle modifications, and post-discharge care.
• Offer guidance on managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, ensuring patients understand their role in maintaining health.
• Provide education on fall prevention, nutrition, activity restrictions, and discharge planning.

Collaboration with Healthcare Team:

• Work closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare providers to implement and adjust patient care plans.
• Participate in daily rounds to discuss patient progress, care needs, and treatment adjustments.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including physical therapy, social work, and dietitians, to provide holistic care to patients.

Emergency Response and Critical Care:

• Respond promptly to medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests, respiratory distress, and sudden changes in patient condition.
• Provide immediate interventions, including CPR, advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), or other life-saving measures, in collaboration with the healthcare team.
• Manage patients who experience acute changes in their condition, escalating care as necessary (e.g., transferring to ICU if required).

Documentation and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation of all assessments, interventions, patient responses, and communications in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Ensure that patient information is up-to-date and readily available for other healthcare professionals involved in patient care.
• Report any changes in patient condition or concerns to the appropriate healthcare provider and follow up on recommendations.

Infection Control and Safety:

• Follow infection control protocols to prevent the spread of infections, including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and sterile techniques when necessary.
• Ensure patient safety by regularly assessing for fall risks, managing medications safely, and preventing hospital-acquired infections.
• Maintain a clean and safe environment for patients by adhering to hospital policies and infection prevention measures.

Quality Improvement and Continuing Education:

• Participate in hospital quality improvement initiatives and patient safety programs aimed at enhancing care delivery and outcomes.
• Stay current with the latest nursing practices, healthcare technologies, and patient care protocols, especially in telemetry monitoring and MedSurg nursing.
• Attend continuing education workshops, certification programs, and professional development opportunities to maintain licensure and expertise.