Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital

Job Summary

The Graduate Registered Nurse (RN) provides basic nursing care under the direct supervision of a licensed registered nurse (RN) in an acute care setting. This role is designed for newly graduated nurses who are transitioning into professional nursing practice. The Graduate RN delivers patient care, administers treatments, and supports patient education to promote recovery, safety, and well-being.

Essential Functions

• Assists in the development and implementation of individualized patient care plans, collaborating with experienced RNs and healthcare teams.
• Administers medications and treatments as ordered by physicians, ensuring accuracy, safety, and compliance with protocols.
• Performs patient assessments, documenting vital signs, patient responses, and any changes in condition promptly in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Provides patient and family education, addressing basic care, procedures, and treatment plans to promote patient understanding and adherence.
• Supports patient mobility, personal hygiene, and daily living activities, maintaining a clean and safe environment.
• Communicates effectively with patients, families, and healthcare teams, reporting changes in patient conditions to supervising RNs.
• Adheres to infection control protocols, patient safety guidelines, and hospital policies to maintain a safe care environment.
• Critical Care Graduate 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 Graduate RN:
  • Rapid Assessment and Triage: Evaluates 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 Graduate 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 Graduate 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, manages chest tubes, pacing wires, and wound care.
• Endoscopy Graduate RN:
  • Assesses patient needs, reviews medical history, explains procedures, obtains consent, and prepares the patient for the procedure.
  • Monitors patient vitals, administers medications, and assists the physician during the 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 Graduate 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, assesses their well-being, and provides education on postpartum care and breastfeeding.
  • Assesses and monitors newborn health, takes vital signs, performs routine assessments, and educates 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 Graduate 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 Graduate 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 assessment.
  • Treats patients with immobilization devices.
  • Provides pain management.
  • Provides patient education.
• PACU Graduate 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 responds to any post-operative complications.
  • Administers medications, including pain relievers and other post-operative medications, as prescribed.
  • Regulates intravenous (IV) fluids and monitors fluid balance.
  • Checks and changes dressings on surgical wounds.
  • Ensures a clear airway and provides oxygen support as needed.
  • Educates patients and families about post-surgery care, potential complications, and discharge instructions.
• NICU Graduate 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 Graduate RN:
  • Uses 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 reporting 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 implementing appropriate interventions.
• Dialysis Graduate RN:
  • Sets up and operates dialysis machines, monitors patients before, during, and after treatment, and adjusts treatment parameters as needed.
  • Takes vital signs, monitors for 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 Graduate RN:
  • Pre-Procedure:
    • Reviews medical history, assesses patient's overall health, and prepares them for the procedure.
    • Intravenous (IV) Line Initiation: Starts and maintains an IV line for medication administration.
    • Administers medications as prescribed by the physician.
    • Educates patients and families about the procedure and what to expect.
    • Verifies that surgical consents have been signed.
  • During the Procedure:
    • Assists the cardiologist during the catheterization process.
    • Closely monitors the patient's vital signs, hemodynamic data, and sedation levels.
    • Ensures proper functioning of equipment and supplies.
    • Manages potential complications and responds to emergencies.
  • Post-Procedure:
    • Continues to monitor the patient's vital signs and overall condition after the procedure.
    • Administers post-procedure medications as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• 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.