Clinical Nurse (Medical-Surgical)

Quick Facts

Role: Clinical Nurse (Medical-Surgical)

Setting: Inpatient Medical-Surgical Ward (inpatient and outpatient care)

Description

Provide advanced, specialized medical-surgical nursing care to patients ranging from neonates to the elderly. You will prepare patients for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, assist during procedures, administer medications, and plan and evaluate care using the nursing process. You will also develop patient education materials for ostomy surgery, skin care, fistula care, and complex wounds, and consult other professionals in wound, ostomy, and continence nursing.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for diagnostic/therapeutic procedures and assist physicians during procedures
• Administer medications based on intended effects and potential side effects/complications
• Develop patient education resources for ostomy, skin care, fistula care, and complex wound care
• Ensure a healthy, hygienic environment through required monitoring and safety measures
• Perform psychosocial assessments to identify cultural practices, understanding, expectations of care, and coping mechanisms
• Plan and evaluate nursing care for ileostomy, colostomy, urinary diversions, and complex wounds/drainage/skin problems
• Use the nursing process to assess patient health status and initiate appropriate nursing interventions
• Provide advice and consultation to other professionals in wound, ostomy, and continence nursing

Requirements

• Graduate-level nursing degree from an accredited professional nursing educational program
• NCLEX passed; current, active, full, unrestricted RN license
• At least one year of professional nursing experience providing inpatient and outpatient medical-surgical care (neonates to elderly)
• Ability to obtain and maintain Wound Care Certification
• Maintain Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (AHA-sponsored/endorsed)
• Meet credentialing requirements and obtain/maintain appropriate clinical privileges
• Ability to obtain and maintain eligibility for a Secret security clearance/access
• U.S. citizenship
• Seasonal influenza vaccination consent or recognized exemption
• Pre-placement medical examination; immunization screening including Hepatitis B for direct patient contact
• Background investigation and credit check

Benefits

U.S. government benefits package for federal employees. Eligibility depends on the type of position held (full-time/part-time/intermittent).