Community Health Systems

Operates acute care hospitals nationwide

Med Surg RN

Nursing & Frontline Patient CareConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeBirmingham, AL, USANo salary listedIn-person

About the Job

Requirements

Zero to two years of experience in a clinical nursing role or student clinical rotations in an acute care setting are required.
Strong knowledge of the nursing process and clinical nursing practices.
Ability to perform thorough patient assessments and communicate findings effectively.
Proficiency in administering medications and monitoring for side effects.
Ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
Organizational skills and attention to detail in documenting patient care.
Knowledge of safety standards, infection control, and quality improvement initiatives.
Registered Nurse state licensure and/or compact state licensure is required.
Basic Life Support certification is required.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.
Conduct thorough patient assessments, document findings accurately, and report changes in condition to appropriate care team members.
Use knowledge of human growth and development to provide age-appropriate care and education.
Administer prescribed medications, monitor for side effects, and document administration in accordance with standards of practice.
Assist physicians during procedures within the scope of documented competency and skill level.
Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans based on patient assessments and needs.
Respond to medical emergencies and participate in life-saving interventions, such as CPR and code team activities, as appropriate.
Advocate for patients' rights and needs, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in care planning and delivery.
Provide patient and family education on medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care, ensuring understanding and adherence to instructions.
Implement and adhere to infection control protocols to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.
Monitor and operate medical equipment, such as IV pumps, monitors, and ventilators, as needed for patient care and safety.
Promote patient safety by adhering to National Patient Safety Goals and maintaining a clean, safe environment for patients and staff.
Participate in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to standards of practice and regulatory requirements.
Make responsible decisions in planning, delegating, and providing care based on patient needs and organizational policies.
Document patient care and education thoroughly and promptly in the medical record.
Engage in professional development to maintain clinical competency and understanding of current nursing standards and regulations.
Participate in performance improvement initiatives, including data collection and process development, to enhance patient outcomes and care delivery.
For critical care assignments, administer prescribed medications and treatments, including intravenous medications and therapies; manage complex medical equipment, including ventilators, monitoring devices, and other life-support systems; and perform procedures such as inserting central lines, managing tracheostomies, and providing advanced cardiac life support.
For emergency services assignments, rapidly assess and triage patients by evaluating the severity of injuries or illnesses and prioritizing care; conduct emergency procedures such as intubation, wound care, and suturing; and stabilize patients by administering medications, starting IV lines, and providing respiratory support.
For operating room assignments, provide comprehensive pre-, intra-, and post-operative care; scrub in for surgeries to assist the surgical team with instruments and supplies while ensuring a sterile environment; and monitor vital signs, administer medications, and observe changes in patient condition.
For cardiac surgery assignments, continuously assess patients' conditions, including vital signs, hemodynamic parameters, and ECG readings; administer medications and IV drips and adjust dosages based on patient condition; operate and maintain advanced life-support equipment such as ventilators, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and ECMO; and monitor recovery after cardiac surgeries, including managing chest tubes, pacing wires, and wound care.
For endoscopy assignments, assess patient needs, review medical histories, explain procedures, obtain consent, and prepare patients; monitor vital signs, administer medications, and assist physicians during procedures; provide post-procedure care, monitor recovery, and educate patients about aftercare; and prepare endoscopy rooms, sterilize instruments, and ensure equipment is functioning correctly.
For obstetrics, labor and delivery, postpartum, or nursery assignments, educate patients about pregnancy, provide prenatal screenings, and prepare patients for labor and delivery; assess and monitor new mothers' physical recovery, including vital signs, postpartum hemorrhage, and complications such as postpartum depression; assist with epidurals and other labor pain management; administer pain medication, induce labor, and manage other medication needs during labor and delivery; assist during labor and delivery, monitor fetal well-being, administer medications, and provide pain relief; monitor mothers and newborns after delivery, assess their well-being, and provide education on postpartum care and breastfeeding; assess and monitor newborn health, take vital signs, perform routine assessments, and educate parents on newborn care; assist with gynecological exams and procedures and provide education on reproductive health, contraception, and prenatal care; educate patients about family planning, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care; and interpret fetal heart rate patterns and assess fetal well-being using electronic fetal monitoring.
For oncology assignments, administer chemotherapy, manage side effects, monitor vital signs, and manage pain; explain treatments, answer questions, provide information on resources, and provide emotional and psychological support to patients and families.
For orthopedic assignments, provide specialized care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, and diseases; provide pre- and post-operative orthopedic care; conduct peripheral and vascular assessments; treat patients using immobilization devices; provide pain management; and educate patients.
For post-anesthesia care unit assignments, assess patients' level of consciousness and responsiveness as they wake from anesthesia; evaluate pain and administer prescribed pain medication; observe for anesthesia side effects such as nausea, vomiting, shivering, or muscle aches; monitor for and respond to post-operative complications; administer prescribed post-operative medications; regulate IV fluids and monitor fluid balance; check and change surgical wound dressings; ensure a clear airway and provide oxygen support as needed; and educate patients and families about post-surgery care, potential complications, and discharge instructions.
For neonatal intensive care unit assignments, continuously assess and monitor vital signs and signs of distress; administer prescribed medications, IV fluids, and other treatments, including respiratory support and oxygen therapy; manage feeding needs, including tube feeding and breast milk feeding support, and ensure adequate nutrition; provide basic care such as diaper changes, bathing, and positioning; perform procedures such as inserting IV lines and assisting with intubation or ventilation; and operate and adjust specialized NICU medical equipment.
For telemetry assignments, use telemetry equipment to track heart rhythms (EKG), blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and other vital signs; analyze telemetry data to identify trends, abnormalities, and potential problems and report findings to physicians; provide direct patient care, including medication administration, wound care, and patient education focused on cardiac health; and recognize and respond to emergencies such as cardiac arrest.
For dialysis assignments, set up and operate dialysis machines, monitor patients before, during, and after treatment, and adjust treatment parameters as needed; take vital signs, monitor for complications, and respond to changes in patient condition; educate patients and families about kidney disease, dialysis procedures, and adherence to treatment plans, diet, and medication; and inspect and maintain dialysis machines and equipment.
For catheterization laboratory assignments, review medical histories, assess patients' overall health, and prepare them for procedures; initiate and maintain IV lines for medication administration; administer medications as prescribed; educate patients and families about procedures; verify surgical consent; assist cardiologists during catheterization; monitor vital signs, hemodynamic data, and sedation levels; ensure equipment and supplies function properly; manage complications and respond to emergencies; monitor patients' vital signs and overall condition after procedures; and administer post-procedure medications as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Comply with all policies and standards.

Desired Qualifications

Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification is preferred.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification is preferred.
Neonatal Resuscitation certification is preferred.

Job Summary

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides patient-centered care through the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This role is responsible for coordinating and delivering high-quality care based on established clinical protocols and physician/provider orders. The RN collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care and desired outcomes, while maintaining a supportive and compassionate environment for patients and their families.

Essential Functions

Coordinates and delivers high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.
Conducts thorough patient assessments and documents findings accurately, reporting changes in condition to the appropriate care team members.
Utilizes knowledge of human growth and development to provide age-appropriate care and education.
Administers prescribed medications, monitors for side effects, and documents administration in accordance with standards of practice.
Assists physicians during procedures within the scope of documented competency and skill level.
Collaborates with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans based on patient assessments and needs.
Responds to medical emergencies and participates in life-saving interventions, such as CPR and code team activities, as appropriate.
Advocates for the rights and needs of patients, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in care planning and delivery.
Provides patient and family education on medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care, ensuring understanding and adherence to instructions.
Implements and adheres to infection control protocols to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.
Monitors and operates medical equipment (e.g., IV pumps, monitors, ventilators) as needed for patient care and safety.
Promotes patient safety by adhering to National Patient Safety Goals and maintaining a clean, safe environment for patients and staff.
Participates in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to standards of practice and regulatory requirements.
Demonstrates responsible decision-making in planning, delegating, and providing care based on patient needs and organizational policies.
Documents patient care and education thoroughly and promptly in the medical record.
Engages in professional development to maintain clinical competency and understanding of current nursing standards and regulations.
Participates in performance improvement initiatives, including data collection and process development, to enhance patient outcomes and care delivery.
Critical Care RN:
- Administers medications and other treatments as prescribed, including intravenous medications and therapies.
- Manages complex medical equipment, including ventilators, monitoring devices, and other life-support systems.
- Performs procedures such as inserting central lines, managing tracheostomies, and providing advanced cardiac life support.
Emergency Services RN:
- Rapid Assessment and Triage: Evaluate patients' conditions quickly to determine the severity of their injuries or illnesses and prioritize care accordingly.
- Conducts emergency procedures such as intubation, wound care, and suturing.
- Implements interventions to stabilize patients, including administering medications, starting IV lines, and providing respiratory support.
OR Services RN:
- Provides comprehensive care to patients before, during, and after surgery, including assessments, planning, and evaluation of nursing care.
- Scrubs in for surgeries, assisting the surgical team with instruments and supplies, and ensuring a sterile environment.
- Monitors patient vital signs, administers medications, and observes for changes in patient condition.
Cardiac Surgery RN:
- Continuously assesses patients' condition, including vital signs, hemodynamic parameters, and ECG readings.
- Administers medications and IV drips, adjusting dosages based on the patient's condition.
- Proficient in operating and maintaining advanced life support equipment like ventilators, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and ECMO.
- After cardiac surgeries, monitors patients' recovery, manage chest tubes, pacing wires, and wound care.
Endoscopy RN:
- Assesses patient needs, reviews medical history, explains procedures, obtains consent, and prepares the patient for procedure.
- Monitors patient vitals, administers medications, and assists the physician during procedure.
- Provides post-procedure care, monitors recovery, and educates patients about aftercare instructions.
- Ensures the endoscopy room is properly prepared, instruments are sterilized, and equipment is functioning correctly.
Obstetrics/Labor and Delivery/Post Partum/Nursery RN:
- Educates patients about pregnancy, provides prenatal screenings, and prepares patients for labor and delivery.
- Assesses and monitors the new mother's physical recovery, including vital signs, postpartum hemorrhage, and potential complications like postpartum depression.
- Assists with epidurals and other pain management techniques during labor.
- Administers pain medication, induces labor, and manages other medication needs during labor and delivery.
- Assists during labor and delivery, monitors fetal well-being, administers medications, and provides pain relief. Monitors mothers and newborns after delivery, assessing their well-being, and providing education on postpartum care and breastfeeding.
- Assesses and monitors newborn health, taking vital signs, performing routine assessments, and educating parents on newborn care.
- Assists with gynecological exams and procedures, and provides education on reproductive health, contraception, and prenatal care.
- Educates patients about family planning, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
- Interprets fetal heart rate patterns and assesses fetal well-being using electronic fetal monitoring.
Oncology RN:
- Administers chemotherapy, manages side effects, monitors vitals, and manages pain.
- Explains treatments, answers questions, and provides information on resources.
- Provides emotional and psychological support to patients and their families.
Orthopedics RN:
- Provides specialized care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, and diseases.
- Provides care for Orthopedic patients encompassing pre-operative and post-operative care.
- Conducts peripheral/vascular assessments.
- Treats patients with immobilization devices.
- Provides pain management.
- Provides patient education.
PACU RN:
- Assesses the patient's level of consciousness and responsiveness as they wake up from anesthesia.
- Evaluates pain levels and administers pain medications as prescribed.
- Observes any side effects of anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, shivering, or muscle aches.
- Monitors for and respond to any post-operative complications.
- Administers medications, including pain relievers and other post-operative medications, as prescribed.
- Regulates intravenous (IV) fluids and monitor fluid balance.
- Checks and changes dressings on surgical wounds.
- Ensures a clear airway and provide oxygen support as needed.
- Educates patients and families about post-surgery care, potential complications, and discharge instructions.
NICU RN:
- Continuously assesses and monitors vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) and other signs of distress.
- Administers prescribed medications, intravenous fluids, and other treatments, including respiratory support and oxygen therapy.
- Manages feeding needs, including tube, breast milk feeding support, and ensuring adequate nutrition.
- Provides basic care tasks like diaper changes, bathing, and positioning.
- Performs procedures like inserting IV lines, administering medications, and assisting with intubation or ventilation. Operates and adjusts specialized medical equipment used in the NICU.
Telemetry RN:
- Using telemetry equipment to track heart rhythms (EKG), blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and other vital signs.
- Analyzes telemetry data to identify trends, abnormalities, and potential problems, and reports these findings to physicians.
- Provides direct patient care, including medication administration, wound care, and patient education, with a focus on cardiac health.
- Recognizes and responds to emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, and implements appropriate interventions.
Dialysis RN:
- Sets up and operates dialysis machines, monitors patients before, during, and after treatment, and adjusts treatment parameters as needed.
- Takes vital signs, monitors signs of complications, and responds to changes in patient condition.
- Educates patients and families about kidney disease, dialysis procedures, and the importance of adhering to treatment plans, diet, and medication.
- Inspects and maintains dialysis machines and equipment.
Cath Lab RN:
- Pre-Procedure:
- During the Procedure:
- Post-Procedure:
Performs other duties as assigned.
Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

0-2 years of experience in a clinical nursing role or student clinical rotations in an acute care setting required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong knowledge of the nursing process and clinical nursing practices.
Ability to perform thorough patient assessments and communicate findings effectively.
Proficient in administering medications and monitoring for side effects.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documenting patient care.
Knowledge of safety standards, infection control, and quality improvement initiatives.

Licenses and Certifications

RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required
BCLS - Basic Life Support required
ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred
PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support preferred
NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation preferred
Refer to facility or unit-specific guidelines for additional requirements.

About the Company

Community Health Systems

Operates acute care hospitals nationwide

Community Health Systems operates general acute care hospitals across 14 states, owning or leasing 71 facilities to deliver healthcare outside urban centers. Its main business is running hospital networks and providing medical and surgical services to patients, funded by payments from patients, insurers, and government programs like Medicare and Medicaid. The company also offers management services to its affiliates through a professional services corporation. Its workflow centers on developing and operating healthcare delivery systems, supporting a wide range of needs from emergency care to specialized treatments. The goal is to help people get well and live healthier by providing accessible non-urban and suburban hospital-based care while navigating a regulated, competitive US healthcare market.

Company size: 5,001-10,000
Company stage: IPO
Headquarters: Franklin, TN
Founded: 1985

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