RN - 2 Center - Intermediate Surgical Care Unit

Overview The Intermediate Surgical Care Unit (ISCU) provides specialized care for post-operative surgical patients requiring a level of support between intensive care and acute care. With a 1:4 nurse-to-patient ratio, the unit offers enhanced monitoring and clinical oversight for individuals recovering from complex surgical procedures. ISCU nurses are trained in intermediate-level interventions and collaborate closely with surgical teams, hospitalists, and ancillary staff to ensure safe transitions and optimal recovery. This unit emphasizes individualized care planning, interdisciplinary coordination, and vigilant assessment to support patients through critical phases of post-operative healing.

Responsibilities

Plans, coordinates, and directs quality, compassionate care by maintaining standards of professional nursing practice and creating positive therapeutic relationships with patients/families. Supervises LPNs, PCAs, PCAs/US, US, Ortho Techs and other non-licensed staff. Assesses condition on each assigned patient on admission and on an ongoing basis to include but not limited to the patient’s physical condition, psychological status, social status, spiritual and cultural needs, pain assessment/management, nutritional and functional status, developmental or age related factors, and discharge planning needs. Plans, provides, and documents patient and/or significant other education based on physical, behavioral, psychological, developmental, and age-related factors, after identifying barriers to learning. Evaluates and regularly reevaluates patient care; coordinates care planning with patient, family, providers and other disciplines to achieve patient-centered outcomes. Assigns and delegates nursing care to team members in accordance with the patient’s needs and the capabilities of the team members. Applies safety principles when performing care Accurately documents observations, care provided, and changes in care plan. Provides accurate handoff reports and participates in unit based huddles Assists in performance improvement (PI) activities by serving on PI teams as warranted, assisting with PI measures and supporting and implementing changes necessary for improvement. Performs initial and annual competency per job class. DCH Standards: Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation. Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self. Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees. Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees. Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet. Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures. All other duties as assigned.