Emergency Room RN

Alright, let's talk about this LPN role at MedStar in Washington, DC. It's not a desk job. You're in the mix, providing acute nursing care to patients dealing with medical issues or recovering from surgery. You'll work under the direction of an RN, but you're a core part of the team making decisions and delivering care.

What you'll do

Your day is built around patient care and teamwork. You'll organize and prioritize care for a group of patients, always in collaboration with the registered nurse.

• Build relationships with patients and their families to help shape a care plan that fits their specific needs.
• Work with the wider healthcare team to implement that plan, focusing on education to maintain health and prevent complications.
• You're the one providing a lot of the direct care: collecting assessment data, administering medications, and helping with activities like bathing, feeding, and walking patients.
• The treatments you'll perform run the gamut. Think tube feedings, ostomy and Foley catheter care, hanging and monitoring IVs and TPN, wound care, dressing changes, oxygen administration, suctioning, and blood glucose monitoring.
• You've got to be observant. Reporting any changes in a patient's status to the RN and the rest of the team is critical. Your verbal and written reports need to be clear.
• This role also involves directing and supervising patient care associates, so professional judgment and good delegation skills come into play.
• You'll serve as an advocate for your patients. There's also opportunity to help orient new staff or students and get involved in unit projects that aim to improve performance.

What you need to bring

The basics are non negotiable. You must be a graduate of an accredited School of Practical Nursing.

• For experience, they're looking for a minimum of one year within a Rehabilitation or acute setting. But new graduates will be considered based on their student clinical experiences.
• You need an active LPN license for the District of Columbia.
• A CPR certification for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association or American Red Cross is required within your first 90 days.
• The know how is specific: principles of practical nursing, exam and treatment room procedures, medication effects and dosage calculations.
• You should be skilled in administering treatments and meds as directed. Taking vital signs accurately is fundamental.
• Computer skills are expected; previous experience with EHR systems is preferred.
• A big part of this is how you work with people. You need solid interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with patients, medical staff, and the public. Staying calm and effective during emergencies is just part of the job.

The details

The hiring pay range for this position is $23.33 to $37.82 per hour.