Travel Nurse RN - Med Surg
Sioux City, IA
Magnet Medical
5x8 hrs, Days

Patient Assessment and Care:

• Perform initial and ongoing patient assessments, including reviewing medical history, vital signs, and relevant symptoms.
• Collect patient data, including current medications, allergies, and health concerns, to help guide diagnosis and treatment plans.
• Assist providers with physical exams and assist with diagnostic procedures or minor treatments as needed.
• Administer medications, vaccines, and injections per physician orders and within scope of practice.

Patient Education and Counseling:

• Educate patients about their medical conditions, prescribed medications, lifestyle changes, and preventive care strategies (e.g., diet, exercise, smoking cessation).
• Provide instructions for home care, such as wound care, medication management, and follow-up care after procedures.
• Offer emotional support and counseling to patients, especially for those with chronic conditions, helping them manage their health outside of the clinic setting.

Treatment Administration and Procedures:

• Administer prescribed treatments, including IV infusions, blood draws, and wound care, ensuring patient comfort and safety.
• Assist with routine diagnostic tests, such as EKGs, laboratory specimen collection, and basic imaging procedures.
• Prepare and manage medical equipment and instruments, ensuring they are sanitized and ready for use.

Coordination of Care:

• Collaborate with the healthcare team (physicians, nurse practitioners, medical assistants) to create and implement individualized care plans.
• Schedule follow-up appointments, diagnostic tests, and specialty consultations as needed.
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team to ensure coordinated care and seamless transitions between appointments or procedures.
• Monitor patient progress and provide ongoing support to ensure treatment plans are being followed.

Health Promotion and Preventive Care:

• Advocate for patient wellness by promoting preventive services such as annual check-ups, cancer screenings, immunizations, and wellness exams.
• Identify risk factors for common conditions and provide educational materials and resources to encourage healthy lifestyle changes.
• Assist in managing chronic disease care (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, asthma) by monitoring patient symptoms and supporting self-management strategies.

Documentation and Record Keeping:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records in the electronic medical record (EMR) system, documenting patient history, assessments, treatments, and outcomes.
• Ensure all patient interactions, diagnoses, and treatments are appropriately documented in accordance with clinic protocols and legal standards.
• Complete necessary paperwork, such as consent forms, insurance verifications, and referrals, in a timely manner.

Infection Control and Safety:

• Adhere to infection control practices, including proper hand hygiene, sterilization of medical equipment, and ensuring a clean and safe environment for patients and staff.
• Ensure that all safety protocols are followed, including proper disposal of medical waste and monitoring for potential patient safety hazards.

Administrative and Support Functions:

• Assist in the triage of patient calls, answering medical inquiries, and advising on home care instructions or follow-up procedures.
• Support clinic operations by managing patient flow, maintaining supplies, and handling administrative tasks as required.
• Maintain inventory of medical supplies and medications, ordering and restocking as needed to ensure clinic operations run smoothly.

Quality Improvement and Professional Development:

• Participate in clinic quality improvement initiatives, ensuring that care processes are continuously evaluated and improved.
• Stay current with the latest medical guidelines, nursing practices, and clinic protocols through ongoing professional development, training, and certification.
• Engage in patient satisfaction initiatives, ensuring high levels of patient care and service.