Travel Nurse RN

Magnet Medical is seeking a travel nurse RN CDU - Clinical Decision Unit for a travel nursing job in Olympia, Washington. Job Description & Requirements
•  Specialty: CDU - Clinical Decision Unit
•  Discipline: RN
•  Start Date: 01/07/2025
•  Duration: 13 weeks
•   48 hours per week
•  Shift: 12 hours, nights
•  Employment Type: Travel A Registered Nurse (RN) - Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) is responsible for providing high-quality nursing care to patients who require observation and assessment for short-term medical conditions that do not necessarily require full admission to the hospital. The CDU is a specialized unit where patients are monitored to determine whether they need to be admitted, discharged, or transferred for further care. The RN in this role plays a critical part in patient triage, ongoing assessment, and ensuring timely interventions to support clinical decision-making. Key Responsibilities :
•   Patient Assessment and Monitoring :
•  Perform initial and ongoing comprehensive assessments of patients admitted to the CDU, including vital signs, medical history, current symptoms, and any potential risk factors.
•  Monitor patients' condition continuously, assessing for changes that may require immediate intervention or more intensive care.
•  Document nursing assessments, vital signs, laboratory results, and interventions in the electronic health record (EHR) accurately and promptly.
•   Clinical Decision Support :
•  Assist physicians and clinical staff in determining whether a patient should be admitted, discharged, or transferred to a higher level of care based on observations and assessments.
•  Participate in patient care rounds and provide input regarding patient status and any developments in their condition that may influence discharge or admission decisions.
•  Ensure that patients meet the criteria for discharge when appropriate, coordinating with the healthcare team to ensure proper follow-up care and instructions.
•   Patient Education and Communication :
•  Educate patients and their families about their medical conditions, the purpose of observation, and what to expect while in the CDU.
•  Provide guidance on post-discharge care, follow-up appointments, and any lifestyle modifications or treatments needed to manage their condition.
•  Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the healthcare team, ensuring that patients understand the rationale for their stay in the CDU and their discharge instructions.
•   Medication Administration and Management :
•  Administer prescribed medications as per physician orders, including oral, intravenous, and intramuscular medications.
•  Monitor for any side effects, allergic reactions, or adverse effects of medications, promptly notifying the physician if concerns arise.
•  Ensure proper medication reconciliation during admission and discharge, making sure that prescribed medications align with the patient's health plan and history.
•   Observation and Diagnostic Testing :
•  Assist with or perform basic diagnostic tests and procedures such as blood draws, EKGs, and vital sign monitoring to assist in patient evaluation.
•  Collaborate with laboratory staff, radiologists, and other clinical professionals to facilitate the completion of necessary diagnostic tests in a timely manner.
•  Track patient progress through observation and testing, helping to determine if further intervention is required or if discharge is appropriate.
•   Safety and Infection Control :
•  Follow established infection control protocols to prevent the spread of infections in the CDU.
•  Maintain patient safety at all times, ensuring a safe and secure environment, including preventing falls and minimizing the risk of complications.
•  Assist with the safe handling and disposal of medications and medical equipment, ensuring the unit remains clean and sterile.
•   Emergency Response and Critical Care :
•  Respond promptly to any signs of patient deterioration or emergencies, such as changes in vital signs, difficulty breathing, or significant pain.
•  Provide basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) interventions as required, until further care can be provided.
•  Coordinate with emergency department (ED) or intensive care unit (ICU) teams for potential transfers if a patient's condition worsens.
•   Collaboration with Healthcare Team :
•  Work closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals to develop and adjust care plans based on the patient's condition.
•  Attend patient care rounds and contribute to the decision-making process regarding diagnosis, treatment, and discharge plans.
•  Collaborate with case managers and social workers to arrange follow-up care, home health services, or referrals as needed for patients being discharged from the CDU.
•   Documentation and Reporting :
•  Document patient assessments, progress, interventions, and outcomes in a timely and accurate manner in the patient's medical record.
•  Report any significant changes in the patient's condition to the healthcare provider immediately and assist in adjusting care plans as necessary.
•  Ensure accurate reporting for discharge instructions, follow-up appointments, and any necessary medical equipment or prescriptions.
•   Quality Improvement and Professional Development :
•  Participate in ongoing education to maintain licensure, stay current on best practices, and improve nursing care.
•  Contribute to quality improvement initiatives by identifying potential process improvements to increase the efficiency and quality of care provided in the CDU.
•  Stay informed about new clinical guidelines, policies, and procedures that can improve patient outcomes. Skills & Qualifications :
•   Education :
•  Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred; Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) may be considered.
•  Current state licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).
•   Experience :
•  Previous experience in an emergency department (ED), urgent care, or acute care setting preferred, as the RN in the CDU must have expertise in managing a wide range of medical conditions.
•  Experience in triage, patient assessment, or observation settings is a plus.
•   Certifications :
•  Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
•  Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification may be required or preferred, depending on the facility.
•  Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification is desirable in some facilities.
•   Skills :
•  Strong critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills to assess and respond to changing patient conditions.
•  Excellent communication skills, particularly in educating patients and working within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
•  Ab