Sign-on Bonus Available

In 2020, united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience, Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care, including 11 hospitals and nearly 5,000 physicians and providers. Together, we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities. 

CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason are now united to build the future of patient-centered care across the Pacific Northwest. That means a seamlessly connected system offering quality care close to home. From basic health needs to the most complex, highly specialized care, our patients can count on us to meet their needs with convenient access to the region’s most prestigious experts and innovative treatments and technologies. 

We're proud to share that St. Michael Medical Center was recognized among the Best Hospitals in Washington state by U.S. News & World Report.

While you’re busy impacting the healthcare industry, we’ll take care of you with benefits that mayinclude health/dental/vision, FSA, matching retirement plans, paid vacation, adoption assistance, annual bonus eligibility, and more!

JOB SUMMARY  

Under the direction of a licensed provider (e.g. RN, Physician) and as a member of a Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) multi-disciplinary team, this job is responsible for serving patients in the Hospital/Emergency Department (ED) setting in accordance with established patient care standards and applicable regulatory requirements.  An incumbent provides direct and indirect patient care, within scope of licensure, while in the hospital/ED setting, requiring the review and approval of a Registered Nurse.  

Key responsibilities include completion of nursing admission assessments, medication administration, facilitating patient discharges and delivering/executing daily routine care and service to patients.  An incumbent responds quickly and accurately to changes in condition or response of treatments of patients and effectively communicates changes in patient status, symptoms and diagnostic test results to appropriate stakeholders.

Incumbents are also accountable for: 1) using effective communication, customer service and organizational skills in order to deliver quality care in a culturally-sensitive and appropriate manner;  2) using initiative in carrying out recurring tasks independently within scope of licensure and established standards of care, 3) seeking direction from an RN or other healthcare provider for new specific instructions, difficult or unusual tasks, and when unusual/unfamiliar situations are encountered, and 4) maintaining an organized and safe work and patient environment and adhering to the VMFH Safety, Risk Management and regulatory standards.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:  Under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse, performs the following essential job functions in the hospital setting/ED: 

• Interviews patients to gather relevant information (e.g. weight, height, vital signs, drug allergies, presenting problems, etc.) and makes an initial assessment; screens, communicates and responds to patients’ needs appropriately and within his/her scope of practice.
• Enters patient data per established procedures in the electronic medical record; maintains accurate and continued nursing documentation.  
• Observes general and specific physical and behavioral signs and symptoms; assesses for, and effectively communicates, deviations from normal conditions; recognizes urgent/emergent situations and refers them to a RN or other provider as appropriate.
• Provides direct patient care, evaluates outcomes, and consults RN, MD, and FNP as needed; notifies appropriate staff of changes in the patient’s condition. 
• Monitors patient’s vital signs; demonstrates knowledge of cardiac monitoring and identifies arrhythmias. 
• Prepares patient for, and performs, routine diagnostic/laboratory/therapeutic treatment procedures such as: 
• irrigation of wounds 
• electrocardiograms 
• changing of dressings 
• catheterization of patients 
• setting up various types of medical equipment (e.g. small volume nebulizer, sequential compression device, etc.) 
• monitoring blood glucose 
• starting IV’s; hanging, monitoring, and discontinuing IV fluids when ordered 
• giving medications (e.g. intramuscular, subcutaneously, by mouth, etc.) 
• initiating/monitoring the administration of intravenous solutions for proper timing/flow and replacement/discontinuation of medication 
• Obtains directly, or makes arrangements to obtain, a variety of medical specimens and cultures, including blood and urine samples and throat cultures; coordinates the collection and pick up of lab specimens; performs venipuncture to obtain blood specimens. 
• Ensures adequate stock of supplies and properly functioning equipment; keeps work areas clean and neat. 
• Assists staff and physicians with procedures.
• Performs patient discharge activities following established procedures; follows up with patient after discharge as necessary.
• Provides reinforcement of information and education through review of discharge instructions while discharging patients.
• Communicates what aspects of the discharge process have been completed to the responsible staff nurse.
• Performs nursing handoff to receiving facilities for patient’s discharge into a post-acute setting.
• Transports patients in a manner conducive to patient safety and comfort; returns all equipment after transport (e.g. wheelchair, stretcher); informs floors when patient is being transported; provides feedback to healthcare staff on occurrences during period of transport.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics to avoid workplace injury while transferring patients.
• Treats patients, visitor, and staff with courtesy and respect; willingly assists other departments with tasks as requested.

Education/Work Experience Requirements

Graduation from an accredited Practical Nursing program (or equivalent recognized military training).  One year of related clinical work experience is preferred.  New graduates are welcome to apply and will be trained.

Licensure/Certification

• Possession of a current Washington State license to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

• Current healthcare provider (AHA) BLS certification. (Please be advised that this location requires quarterly American Heart Association (AHA) Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) competency certification post-hire.  This ongoing competency is required through resources internal to the facility; outside RQI competency resources are not acceptable for CommonSpirit Health compliance requirement).