RN - Registered Nurse - Surgical Trauma - Nights - Sioux Falls, SD

Role Overview

Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) to join our Surgical Trauma team. This is a night shift position, offering an opportunity to provide critical care to patients in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. As an RN in our Surgical Trauma unit, you will play a vital role in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care, ensuring the highest standards of safety and quality.

This role is ideal for both new graduate RNs and experienced professionals who are passionate about surgical and trauma nursing. You will work collaboratively with a team of motivated professionals, including surgeons, physicians, and other nurses, to provide comprehensive care to a diverse patient population. The unit is comprised of a 44-bed unit and additional 11-bed overflow unit with telemetry capabilities for surgical patients. The unit provides care to a variety of patient populations, most frequently being surgical related. The unit works closely with several different surgeon groups and patients including general surgery, vascular surgery, plastic surgery, OB-GYN surgery, bariatric surgery, and trauma-related surgery. The RN working on this unit learns to manage the complex needs of a number of different surgical procedures, in addition to the medical history/needs of patients. This diversity creates an excellent opportunity to learn and establish a strong critical thinking and time management skill set.

A Day in the Life

As a Surgical Trauma RN on the night shift, your day will be filled with a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Performing comprehensive patient assessments upon admission and throughout their stay.
• Developing and implementing individualized care plans based on patient needs and medical orders.
• Administering medications and treatments, including IV infusions, injections, and wound care.
• Monitoring patient vital signs and condition, and responding to any changes or emergencies.
• Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare providers to coordinate patient care.
• Educating patients and families about their conditions, treatments, and discharge plans.
• Documenting all aspects of patient care accurately and thoroughly in the electronic health record.
• Participating in team meetings and continuing education activities.

You will be working with patients who have undergone a wide range of surgical procedures, including general surgery, vascular surgery, plastic surgery, OB-GYN surgery, bariatric surgery, and trauma-related surgery. You will also be working closely with PACU and ICU as patients transition from these departments to the unit. The technical, hands-on skills of nursing are used every day on the unit, as most patients come with a number of tubes, lines, drains, and/or wound cares/dressing changes.

Why Sioux Falls, South Dakota?

Sioux Falls is a vibrant and growing city that offers a high quality of life at an affordable cost. It consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the United States, known for its strong economy, excellent schools, and friendly community. The city boasts a diverse range of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the numerous parks, bike trails, and recreational opportunities available throughout the region.

Living in Sioux Falls provides access to a thriving job market, particularly in the healthcare sector. Sanford Health is one of the largest employers in the region, offering numerous career opportunities and advancement potential. The city also benefits from a lower cost of living compared to many other metropolitan areas, making it an attractive place to live and raise a family.

Career Path

Sanford Health is committed to providing its employees with opportunities for professional growth and development. As a Surgical Trauma RN, you can advance your career through various pathways, including:

• Clinical Nurse Specialist: Become a clinical expert in surgical and trauma nursing, providing education and consultation to other nurses.
• Nurse Manager: Oversee the operations of the Surgical Trauma unit, leading and managing a team of nurses.
• Nurse Educator: Develop and implement educational programs for nurses, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to provide high-quality patient care.
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN): Pursue advanced education and certification to become a Nurse Practitioner or Clinical Nurse Specialist, providing direct patient care and managing complex medical conditions.

Sanford Health also offers a robust Nurse Residency Program for new graduates, providing a structured learning environment and mentorship to help them transition into their roles as RNs.

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is estimated to be $68,000 - $95,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. Sanford Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Retirement savings plan with employer match
• Life insurance
• Disability coverage
• Tuition assistance
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Wellness programs
• Employee discounts

A sign-on bonus may be available for eligible applicants.

Sanford Culture

Sanford Health is committed to creating a supportive and collaborative work environment where employees feel valued and respected. We believe in fostering a culture of innovation, teamwork, and patient-centered care. Our mission is to improve the human condition through health, science, and research.

We offer numerous opportunities for employees to get involved in community service and volunteer activities. We also have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees have the opportunity to thrive.

How to Apply

If you are a passionate and dedicated RN looking for a challenging and rewarding career opportunity, we encourage you to apply for the Surgical Trauma RN position at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. To apply, please visit our website at [Insert Sanford Health Careers Link Here] and submit your resume and cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the required qualifications for this position? Graduation from an accredited nursing program and a current RN license in South Dakota are required.
2. Is previous experience in surgical or trauma nursing required? Previous experience is preferred but not required. New graduates are welcome to apply.
3. What is the typical workload on the night shift? The workload varies depending on patient acuity and census, but you will typically care for 4-6 patients.
4. What kind of support is available for new graduates? Sanford Health offers a robust Nurse Residency Program to support new graduates.
5. Are there opportunities for professional development? Yes, Sanford Health provides numerous opportunities for professional development, including continuing education and certification reimbursement.
6. What is the nurse-to-patient ratio on the Surgical Trauma unit? The nurse-to-patient ratio is typically 1:4 or 1:5 on the night shift.
7. What types of surgical procedures are commonly performed on the unit? Common procedures include general surgery, vascular surgery, plastic surgery, OB-GYN surgery, and bariatric surgery.
8. What is the culture like on the Surgical Trauma unit? The culture is collaborative, supportive, and patient-centered.
9. What is the dress code for RNs at Sanford Health? The dress code is professional and requires scrubs.
10. Are there opportunities to work overtime? Overtime opportunities may be available depending on staffing needs.