Med Surg / Telemetry RN
Lexington, Kentucky
Saint Joseph Hospital

RN (Registered Nurse) - Ortho

Location: Lexington, Kentucky Contract Length: 13 weeks Shift: Nights, 12 hours per day, 36 hours per week

Unit Overview

• Unit: MedSurg, 25 beds
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:4-6
• Common diagnoses: Elective joint replacements, spine/neuro surgery, fractures
• Pace: Fast-paced unit with high patient turnover on a daily basis

Required Qualifications

• BLS certification
• Must be able to identify rhythms
• Must respond appropriately to telemetry alerts
• Willing to jump in and help wherever needed

Preferred Qualifications

• Neuro or ortho experience (listed as a bonus)

Clinical Responsibilities

• Titration: RNs may titrate drips. Heparin is the most likely drip encountered.
• Respiratory equipment: Low volume on this floor. RNs troubleshoot only.
• Monitoring: Centralized monitoring, with no monitor techs on the unit.
• Charge nurse: Each shift has a charge nurse who takes a patient assignment.
• Nursing assistants/patient care techs: Typically 2 per shift, with varying ratios based on census. They complete hourly rounds, direct patient care, vitals, glucose checks, and assist with ambulating and mobilizing patients.
• Floating: Expected to float to other med-surg/tele areas as needed.

Scheduling

• Scheduling: Self-scheduling is allowed, but staffing retains the right to move any shifts before they are finalized.
• Weekends: Every other weekend, or 6 weekend shifts in a 6-week schedule.
• Holidays: 2 summer holidays and 3 winter holidays. Winter holidays include Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.
• Call/standby: None required.

Orientation and Dress Code

• Orientation: 2 shifts of unit-specific orientation, 7p-7a, EOW
• Scrub color: Galaxy blue