Carlsbad Medical Center

Why Carlsbad Medical Center?
At Carlsbad Medical Center, our Medical-Surgical Unit is the heart of our hospital, providing care to patients with a wide variety of medical and post-surgical needs. As a Med/Surg RN, you will play a key role in delivering comprehensive, compassionate care while building a strong foundation of clinical skills. You will work in a collaborative environment where teamwork and professional growth are prioritized. If you are looking for a role that offers diverse patient experiences, ongoing learning opportunities, and the chance to make a daily impact, apply today and take advantage of our exceptional training and development programs.

Carlsbad Medical Center
Carlsbad Medical Center is your community healthcare provider: a 115-bed facility with inpatient and outpatient care. We believe in the power of people to create great care. We are more than 150 healthcare professionals strong and are a Joint Commission-accredited facility. Carlsbad, New Mexico, offers small-town charm with unique attractions and access to world-famous Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Here, you can enjoy the beauty of the desert, nearby rivers and lakes, and year-round sunshine-making it a wonderful place to live, work, and explore.

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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.