POSITION SUMMARY:
The Registered Nurse (RN) in the Ready for Discharge Unit (RDU) is responsible for delivering safe, high-quality care to patients medically ready for discharge but experiencing delays due to various barriers. The RN applies critical thinking, clinical skills, and collaborative decision-making to support patient-centered care, coordinating with a multidisciplinary team to facilitate efficient and effective discharge processes. This role includes supervision of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), unregulated assistive persons (UAPs), and Nurse Interns (NIs), ensuring care standards and best practices are maintained. The RN maintains an in-depth knowledge of nursing principles, practices, standards and techniques, and applies this knowledge in accordance with Sky Lakes Medical Center policies and procedures and within the standards and scope of practice for RNs in the State of Oregon.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
Current Oregon RN licensure; strong clinical assessment, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities; excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with patients, families, and team members; organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a complex, dynamic environment; knowledge of Oregon's Nurse Practice Act and RN scope of practice, especially regarding delegation and supervision of LPNs.
Preferred:
BSN; experience in supervising or working with Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in a team-based environment; clinical nursing experience in acute care, discharge planning, or transitional care.
Lic/Reg/Cert: Current Oregon RN license.
TYPICAL PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:
Must be in good general health, able to frequently stoop, bend, reach, stand, walk, and sit. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds or more and push/pull hospital equipment. Must be able to function during periods of stress, trauma and/or disease.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Patient Care:

• Provision of Direct Patient Care -
  • Perform comprehensive assessments of patients awaiting discharge, including physical, emotional, and social health.
  • Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized patient care plans aimed at optimizing patient stability and addressing discharge barriers.
  • Implement nursing interventions based on the individualized patient care plan.
  • Provide patient/family education, reinforcing discharge plans, resources, and ongoing support, promoting a safe transition to home or another care setting.
  • Monitor and document patient progress, updating care plans and discharge strategies as needed based on assessment findings and interdisciplinary input.
• Assignment and Supervision of Practice Team Members -
  • Provide leadership and supervision to LPNs, CNAs, UAPs, and NIs in the unit, ensuring that care provided aligns with the plan of care and meets regulatory and hospital standards.
  • Assign, supervise, and evaluate tasks delegated to LPNs, CNAs, UAPs and NIs according to their license, certification, or organizational job description, and to patient needs.
  • Offer guidance, mentorship, and feedback to LPNs, CNAs, UAPs, and NIs promoting skill development and adherence to unit standards.
  • Ensure documentation and reporting by LPNs, CNAs, UAPs, and NIs is accurate, timely, and in compliance with hospital and legal requirements.
  • Prior to assigning work to LPNs, CNAs, UAPs, and NIs, the RN must know the duties, functions, and interventions the individual is authorized to perform.

Communication, Collaboration:

• Communicate and collaborate effectively with the interdisciplinary team to ensure care continuity and smooth transitions.
• Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and discharge planning discussions, advocating for patient needs and discharge readiness.

Quality Improvement, Safety, and Compliance:

• Adhere to all hospital policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing patient outcomes, reducing discharge delays, and enhancing patient satisfaction within the unit.
• Maintain current knowledge of clinical best practices, regulatory requirements, and new developments in patient discharge planning and transitional care.

MARGINAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Pay Rate: $49.81 - $71.12