Travel Nurse RN - Med / Surg / Telemetry - $2,110 per week in Waterloo, IA

A Registered Nurse (RN) – MedSurg / Telemetry provides comprehensive nursing care to patients in a medical-surgical (MedSurg) unit with a focus on telemetry monitoring. These patients may have a wide range of conditions, including cardiovascular issues, respiratory conditions, post-operative recovery, and other acute illnesses or injuries that require constant monitoring. The RN in this role is responsible for administering medications, monitoring vital signs and heart rhythms, performing assessments, collaborating with healthcare teams, and providing patient education. The primary goal is to ensure the safety, comfort, and optimal recovery of patients. Key Responsibilities : Patient Assessment and Monitoring : Perform comprehensive and continuous assessments of patients, including evaluating vital signs, heart rhythms (via telemetry), and overall condition. Monitor and interpret telemetry data to detect any irregularities in heart rate, rhythm, and other vital parameters, notifying the healthcare team if needed. Assess physical, emotional, and psychological needs of patients, developing individualized care plans to promote recovery and wellness. Medication Administration and Management : Administer prescribed medications, including oral, intravenous, and intramuscular medications, while ensuring proper dosing and timing. Monitor patients for side effects and adverse reactions to medications, immediately reporting any issues to the physician or healthcare team. Provide pain management interventions and adjust care based on patient response and comfort level. Telemetry and Cardiac Monitoring : Monitor patients with telemetry units to assess heart rate, rhythm, and overall cardiac health, documenting and reporting any irregularities to the medical team. Assist in the interpretation of telemetry readings, ensuring prompt intervention for any abnormal findings such as arrhythmias, tachycardia, or bradycardia. Maintain and troubleshoot telemetry equipment to ensure proper function and reliable patient monitoring. Wound Care and Post-Surgical Care : Provide post-operative care for surgical patients, including monitoring incision sites, managing drains, and ensuring proper wound healing. Perform dressing changes, assess for signs of infection, and educate patients on post-surgical care instructions. Administer treatments to manage or prevent complications, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pressure ulcers, or infections. Patient Education : Educate patients and their families on disease management, including medication regimens, lifestyle modifications, and post-discharge care. Offer guidance on managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, ensuring patients understand their role in maintaining health. Provide education on fall prevention, nutrition, activity restrictions, and discharge planning. Collaboration with Healthcare Team : Work closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other healthcare providers to implement and adjust patient care plans. Participate in daily rounds to discuss patient progress, care needs, and treatment adjustments. Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, including physical therapy, social work, and dietitians, to provide holistic care to patients. Emergency Response and Critical Care : Respond promptly to medical emergencies, including cardiac arrests, respiratory distress, and sudden changes in patient condition. Provide immediate interventions, including CPR, advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), or other life-saving measures, in collaboration with the healthcare team. Manage patients who experience acute changes in their condition, escalating care as necessary (e.g., transferring to ICU if required). Documentation and Reporting : Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation of all assessments, interventions, patient responses, and communications in the electronic health record (EHR). Ensure that patient information is up-to-date and readily available for other healthcare professionals involved in patient care. Report any changes in patient condition or concerns to the appropriate healthcare provider and follow up on recommendations. Infection Control and Safety : Follow infection control protocols to prevent the spread of infections, including proper hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and sterile techniques when necessary. Ensure patient safety by regularly assessing for fall risks, managing medications safely, and preventing hospital-acquired infections. Maintain a clean and safe environment for patients by adhering to hospital policies and infection prevention measures. Quality Improvement and Continuing Education : Participate in hospital quality improvement initiatives and patient safety programs aimed at enhancing care delivery and outcomes. Stay current with the latest nursing practices, healthcare technologies, and patient care protocols, especially in telemetry monitoring and MedSurg nursing. Attend continuing education workshops, certification programs, and professional development opportunities to maintain licensure and expertise.