Staff Nurse- Family Medicine Full-time Days

As a Staff Nurse at Northwestern Medicine, your primary responsibilities include assessing and coordinating nursing care for acutely ill patients. You will perform comprehensive patient assessments, develop individualized care plans, and evaluate patient responses to treatments and educational efforts. Other duties involve phone triage, delivering test results, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols.

To qualify for the Staff Nurse position at Northwestern Medicine, you must be a licensed Registered Nurse in the state of employment, with current experience within the past five years or be a new nursing graduate within the past two years. Basic Life Support (CPR) certification is also required. Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and at least one year of experience in a relevant clinical specialty.

Northwestern Medicine actively promotes professional development for its Staff Nurses through various means, including tuition reimbursement for further education, opportunities for shared governance, and participation in departmental projects. This investment in our nursing team's growth helps enhance their clinical skills and overall job satisfaction.

The Staff Nurse position at Northwestern Medicine is full-time with day shifts. This allows for a steady routine, ensuring you can balance work responsibilities while having personal time in the evenings and weekends.

As a Staff Nurse at Northwestern Medicine, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, 401(k) matching, and lifecycle benefits. We prioritize the well-being and growth of our employees, encouraging a fulfilling and supportive work environment.

When dealing with a difficult patient as a Staff Nurse, it's crucial to remain calm and empathetic. Listen to their concerns, validate their feelings, and try to understand their perspective. Maintaining open communication and involving family members when appropriate can also help deescalate the situation while providing the necessary care.

In developing a plan of care as a Staff Nurse, I would conduct a thorough assessment of the patient's needs, integrating data on physical, psychosocial, and cultural factors. By collaborating with the patient and healthcare team, I’d formulate measurable goals and interventions that cater to the patient’s unique situation, ensuring to revise the plan as needed based on ongoing evaluations.

I have experience using electronic health records (EHR) to document patient care, retrieve medical history, and monitor treatment plans. I understand that proper documentation is essential for patient safety, and I'm committed to maintaining accurate and timely records to facilitate communication among team members and streamline patient care.

During a busy shift as a Staff Nurse, I prioritize tasks based on patient acuity and immediate needs. I utilize time management techniques and communicate effectively with my team to ensure we address critical situations first while still observing the needs of other patients. Flexibility and organization play key roles in managing high-stress periods.

In a previous role, I noticed a patient expressing discomfort with their treatment plan. I took the initiative to discuss their concerns with the attending physician, providing insights from the patient's perspective. This advocacy led to an adjustment in their plan, resulting in improved comfort and trust in their care.

To ensure patient safety, I consistently adhere to the six medication rights, conduct thorough assessments, and maintain open lines of communication with patients and their families. Additionally, I routinely participate in quality improvement activities to stay current with best practices and regulations.

If I suspect a colleague is providing inadequate care, my first step would be to address my concerns directly with them in a private, non-confrontational manner. If the issue persists or poses a risk to patient safety, I would escalate the situation to the appropriate supervisory personnel to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients.

My approach to patient education involves assessing the patient's readiness to learn and their preferred learning style. I strive to keep the information clear and relevant, using teach-back methods to ensure understanding. Involving family members and utilizing various resources helps reinforce the educational process.

I manage stress during challenging shifts by practicing mindfulness techniques and staying organized. Taking brief moments to breathe and regroup helps maintain focus. Furthermore, I believe in the importance of teamwork, so I lean on my colleagues for support when needed, ensuring we collectively navigate the busy environment.

My motivation to work as a Staff Nurse in Family Medicine stems from my passion for holistic patient care. I find immense satisfaction in creating meaningful connections with my patients and their families while playing a crucial role in their health journey. Making a positive impact on the community and helping individuals achieve better health drives my commitment to this profession.