RN (Registered Nurse)

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Medical-Surgical Vascular Registered Nurse (RN MS Vascular) specializes in the care of patients with vascular conditions, post-surgical recovery from vascular procedures, and chronic circulatory disorders. This role requires a strong foundation in wound care, telemetry monitoring, pain management, and surgical recovery support. The RN collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to optimize patient outcomes while providing compassionate and evidence-based care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Patient Assessment & Monitoring: Conduct thorough assessments, including vascular status, circulatory function, and wound healing progress.

• Post-Surgical Care: Manage patients recovering from vascular surgeries, including bypass grafts, angioplasties, amputations, and endovascular procedures.

• Wound Care & Dressing Management: Provide specialized care for arterial ulcers, venous wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, and surgical incisions.

• IV Therapy & Medication Administration: Administer anticoagulants, pain medications, and IV fluids while monitoring for complications.

• Telemetry & Hemodynamic Monitoring: Observe cardiac rhythms, oxygen levels, and signs of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE).

• Patient Education: Educate patients and families on lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, wound care, and post-surgical recovery to prevent complications.

• Collaboration & Care Coordination: Work closely with vascular surgeons, wound care specialists, physical therapists, and case managers for comprehensive patient care.

• Emergency Response: Identify and respond to vascular complications such as ischemia, hemorrhage, or thromboembolic events.

• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate electronic health records (EHR) in Epic, Cerner, or Meditech to ensure regulatory compliance.

• Infection Control & Patient Safety: Adhere to strict protocols for preventing postoperative infections, sepsis, and wound dehiscence.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ASN/BSN) from an accredited program.

• Licensure: Active RN license (state-specific or compact license).

• Certifications: BLS & ACLS (required); NIH Stroke Certification & Wound Care Certification (preferred).

• Experience: Minimum 1 year of medical-surgical or vascular nursing experience in an acute care setting.

• Skills: Proficiency in wound care, telemetry, vascular assessment, and anticoagulation therapy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with postoperative vascular patients and chronic circulatory disorders.

• Advanced wound care certification (WCC, CWOCN, or equivalent).

• Strong knowledge of vascular imaging and diagnostics (e.g., Doppler ultrasound, ankle-brachial index testing).

Work Environment:

• Fast-paced hospital or step-down unit with a 1:4-5 patient ratio based on acuity.

• Requires standing, lifting, and assisting patients with mobility and rehabilitation.

• Exposure to surgical sites, wound drainage, and infection control risks.

• Rotating shifts, weekends, and holiday requirements based on facility needs.

This role requires strong clinical skills, critical thinking, and a proactive approach to managing complex vascular patients and supporting their recovery journey.