Job Overview:
A Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse is responsible for delivering comprehensive nursing care to adult patients in medical-surgical units. This role involves assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and providing education to patients and their families to promote optimal recovery and health outcomes.

Responsibilities:

1. Patient Assessment:

• Perform thorough assessments of patients' physical, psychological, and social conditions upon admission and throughout their stay.
• Identify medical conditions, surgical interventions, and potential complications to develop appropriate care plans.

2. Nursing Care:

• Administer medications, treatments, and interventions as prescribed by physicians or nurse practitioners.
• Monitor vital signs, observe for changes in patient condition, and initiate appropriate interventions when necessary.
• Assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) and provide emotional support to patients and their families.

3. Care Planning:

• Develop individualized care plans based on patient assessments and medical orders.
• Collaborate with the healthcare team to ensure coordinated patient care and achieve desired outcomes.

4. Education:

• Educate patients and their families about their medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-operative care.
• Provide instructions on managing symptoms, medications, and the importance of follow-up appointments.

5. Documentation:

• Maintain accurate and comprehensive electronic medical records (EMRs) of patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes.
• Document patient histories, physical exam findings, diagnostic results, treatment plans, and discharge instructions.

6. Communication:

• Communicate effectively with patients, families, physicians, and other healthcare team members to ensure clear understanding of treatment plans and expectations.
• Collaborate in multidisciplinary rounds and care conferences to discuss patient progress and updates.

7. Safety and Infection Control:

• Adhere to infection control protocols and safety measures to maintain a safe patient care environment.
• Promote patient safety by preventing falls, pressure ulcers, and other healthcare-associated complications.

8. Quality Improvement:

• Participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient care, safety, and departmental efficiency.
• Implement evidence-based nursing practices to improve patient outcomes.

Qualifications:

• Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the state of practice.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is preferred but not always required; many facilities accept Associate's degrees in Nursing (ADN).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification may be required depending on the facility.
• TNCC Certification. 

Experience:

• Previous experience in medical-surgical nursing is preferred but not always required.
• Proficiency in nursing skills, such as medication administration, wound care, and patient assessment.

Skills:

• Strong clinical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Competency in using electronic health records (EHRs) and healthcare technology.