General Summary of Position
The Graduate Nurse (GN) is responsible for the provision of nursing care under the direction and supervision of a Registered Professional Nurse (RN). The GN applies the nursing process and performs delegated functions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and MedStar Health philosophy, policies, procedures, and standards. In collaboration with the patient and family, provides theory-based nursing care and coordinates care delivery with various members of the interdisciplinary team.

Minimum Qualifications
Education

• Associate's degree in nursing required
• Bachelor's degree from a nationally accredited nursing program preferred

Experience

• Prior experience as a licensed practical nurse, nursing assistant or technician preferred
• Satisfactory reference from the school of nursing attended. required

Licenses and Certifications

• Pursuit of a license as a registered nurse in the State of Maryland or District of Columbia
• Must secure an NCLEX test date within first 30 days of employment and officially take the exam within 90 days from date of hire.(NOTE: must stop practicing immediately as a GN if fails NCLEX licensure examination)
• BLS - Basic Life Support required
• C-EFM - Electronic Fetal Monitoring from the National Certification Corporation (NCC) is required for Perinatal nurses (labor and delivery, antepartum, antenatal testing) within 12 months from date of hire. New graduate nurses or new to specialty nurses (labor and delivery, antepartum, antenatal testing) will have 15 months from date of hire to obtain the EFM certification

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to perform nursing technologies under supervision
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to set priorities and work under stress
• Basic computer skills required

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Collaborates with the Registered Professional Nurse (RN) in the provision of safe and efficient nursing care to a designated caseload of patients. Assists in patient assessment and observation, and with the implementation of the patient's plan of care as delegated to by the RN.
• Confers with the RN in identifying patient care needs, supporting and preparing patient's admission, transfer or discharge. Provides relationship-based care that promotes consistent, efficient and accountable delivery of nursing care under supervision of the RN. Collaborates with other professionals and participates in the interdisciplinary care rounds.
• Obtains information from patient interview and observation; documents pertinent patient information including, but not limited to, vital signs, weights, heights and delegated patient care activities.
• Performs basic procedures and care activities including insertion and removal of nasogastric tube, tube feeding, wound care, dressing changes, suctioning, placement and removal of indwelling urinary catheter, monitoring of intake and output, blood glucose monitoring (point of care testing), maintenance of drainage devices, and performance of EKGs. Collects specimens including urine, stool, sputum, and blood.
• Provides respiratory therapy support including coughing, deep breathing and sets up oxygen equipment and observes pulse oximetry. Inserts peripheral intravenous catheter.
• Reports actual and potential problems concerning patients, families, and other departments or associates to the RN. Responds to questions from patients, families and significant others in a prompt and courteous manner, referring them to appropriate personnel if necessary.
• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to personnel and department policies, procedures, quality and safety standards. Complies with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Demonstrates behavior consistent with MedStar Health mission, vision, goals, SPIRIT values, and patient care philosophy.
• Participates in meetings and on committees and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts.
• Participates in multidisciplinary quality and service improvement teams.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Why MedStar Health?
At MedStar Health, we understand that our ability to treat others well begins with how we treat each other. We work hard to foster an inclusive and positive environment where our associates feel valued, connected, and empowered. We live up to this promise through:

• Strong emphasis on teamwork—our associates feel connected to each other and our mission as an organization. In return, our effective team environment generates positive patient outcomes and high associate satisfaction ratings that exceed the national benchmark.
• Comprehensive total rewards package—including competitive pay, generous paid time off, great health and wellness benefits, retirement savings, education assistance, and so much more.
• More career opportunities closer to home—as the largest healthcare provider in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. region, there are countless opportunities to grow your career and fulfill your aspirations.

About MedStar Health
MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It’s how we treat people.