The Short Stay Observation Unit became a true observation unit in 2020 with strict admission criteria. This unit is a 16 bed, level 1 and 2 cardiac telemetry unit. Admitted patients stay within 48 hours however, if further care is required, the team may transfer the patient to IP with MD approval. This unit collaborates with physicians, treats the adult population and works closely with Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Therapists. A Case Manager helps the team with the coordination of care and discharge planning. In the Short Stay unit, you can expect to see IP admissions occasionally, pre/postsurgical patients, medical patients and a variety of patient conditions and acuity. In this unit, they treat chest pain, transient ischemic attacks, asthma, syncope, mild congestive heart failure, and GI issues. This unit is a group of compassionate, diverse nurses and technicians, with exceptional teamwork, patient safety and superior excellence in care.
Come join a hospital dedicated to you and your career!
VHC Health is a 453-bed not-for-profit Hospital and teaching facility that has been delivering high quality care to the Washington, DC metropolitan area for over 75 years. Recent accomplishments include recognition by Newsweek as a 2025 "World's Best Hospital" and VHC becoming the Washington Commanders Football provider for women's health. VHC Health is a designated Level II Trauma Center and a recognized Magnet Facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. At VHC Health, we are always striving to provide continued excellence and growth for our employees as well as top notch care for our patients and that is made clear with our recent accomplishments!
Purpose & Scope:
Across all levels, the registered professional nurse is responsible for the direct and indirect total nursing care of their assigned patients. The RN is also responsible for the supervision of assigned personnel. The position requires knowledge of both department and hospital policies and procedures relevant to the delivery of nursing care. Interpretive skills, frequent interactive and consultative associations, along with management and supervisory skills are inherent in the position. The ability to retrieve, communicate or otherwise present information in a written, auditory or visual fashion is essential. The primary method to express or exchange ideas is through the spoken word. Written, telephone, and manual dexterity skills are required for this position.
Education:
Experience:
Certification/Licensure:
Registered Nurses on designated units are required to maintain certain certifications. New to practice area nurses or new graduates have 1 year to complete the specialty requirements below.
ACLS: ED, ICU, CVICU, Cardiac Cath Lab, Cardiopulmonary Rehab, Bronch Suite, Interventional Radiology, Radiology Safety Nurses, Step down Units (3A, 3B, 4B), 6A, 6B, 7A, Labor and Delivery, Hemodialysis, Respiratory Therapy, Float pool, GI Unit, and PACU
PALS: PACU: Pediatric Nurses, ED
NRP: NICU, Mother Baby, Labor and Delivery
De-escalation training: BHU, ED
Per policy ACLS or PALS cards stand as showing competence in BLS Skills per American Heart Association Guidelines. If an employee holds current ACLS or PALS certification, this meets the requirement for BLS in their job description. They do not need to also carry a separate BLS certification.
Pay & Benefits: Commensurate with experience. Team members are eligible to receive benefits on the first day of the month following the date of hire, with 30 days to apply for benefits of choice.