Registered Nurse New Grads! Step Down Progressive Care - Fairfield Hospital

As a New Grad Registered Nurse at Mercy Health in the Progressive Care Unit, your primary responsibilities include conducting thorough patient assessments, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team, and developing effective care plans. You'll act as a crucial liaison between Med-Surg and ICU units, ensuring all patient needs are met promptly and efficiently while advocating for patient safety and quality improvement.

To qualify for the New Grad Registered Nurse position at Mercy Health, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is preferred. You should also have current state licensure as a Registered Nurse or be an RN applicant, along with Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is preferred upon hire but must be obtained from an approved source before direct patient care, with ACLS certification required within six months of hire.

Essential skills for a New Grad Registered Nurse at Mercy Health include strong organizational and leadership abilities, clinical assessment skills, effective communication, and the capacity to collaborate with diverse healthcare professionals. Familiarity with patient care protocols and a commitment to ongoing education and improvement in nursing practices are also vital in this role.

Although prior experience as an LPN or Patient Care Tech/CNA is preferred, it is not strictly required for the New Grad Registered Nurse position at Mercy Health. What's more important is your dedication, willingness to learn, and passion for providing excellent patient care in a progressive and supportive nursing environment.

New Grad Registered Nurses at Mercy Health enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, prescription drug plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, paid time off, and educational assistance programs. We're committed to supporting your wellness and professional growth in every possible way!

In a Progressive Care Unit, prioritizing patient care involves assessing the severity of each patient's condition, understanding the urgency of their needs, and communicating with your team to coordinate care effectively. Make sure to discuss any tools or frameworks you use to evaluate the patients' statuses.

If you notice a patient deteriorating, immediately reassess their vital signs and overall condition. Consult with your supervising nurse or physician, initiate emergency protocols, and ensure that all necessary interventions are taken promptly. Highlight the importance of teamwork and clear communication in critical situations.

When conducting a patient assessment, I start with a thorough history-taking, followed by a physical examination that includes vital signs and mental status evaluation. After gathering this information, I analyze the data to identify potential nursing diagnoses and develop a care plan tailored to the patient’s needs.

Teamwork is critical in nursing, especially in a Progressive Care Unit. Collaborating closely with your peers allows for shared knowledge and experience, enhances patient safety, and ensures high-quality care. Describe your previous collaboration experiences and how they led to positive patient outcomes.

To ensure proper medication administration, I adhere to the 'Five Rights' of medication administration: the right patient, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time. Additionally, I double-check medications with another nurse when necessary and keep an updated medication profile for all patients.

In the case of an ethical dilemma, I believe it's essential to consult with colleagues and supervisors to discuss the issue openly. I would also refer to hospital policies and ethical guidelines, and involve the patient’s family as necessary to ensure the best outcome while respecting the patient’s rights and wishes.

I stay current with nursing practices by engaging in ongoing education through workshops, seminars, and online courses. I also follow trusted nursing journals and participate in professional organizations that keep me informed about the latest trends, research, and best practices in nursing.

I am drawn to Mercy Health because of its commitment to compassion, patient-centered care, and community service. I admire the organization’s values and mission, and I believe that my skills and dedication to nursing align well with the goals of Mercy Health.

Handling a difficult patient or family member requires patience and empathy. I would actively listen to their concerns, validate their feelings, and communicate clearly to address their needs. Building rapport and trust is essential to facilitate a positive interaction and improve patient satisfaction.

The most challenging aspect of being a New Grad RN is the transition from theory to clinical practice. It can be overwhelming to adapt to fast-paced environments and manage multiple priorities. However, I believe that embracing mentorship, continuous learning, and seeking support from colleagues will help overcome these challenges.