## RN Inpatient - Clinical Decision Unit / ED Observation at Sanford Health, Fargo, ND ### Role Overview As a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Clinical Decision Unit (CDU) or Emergency Department (ED) Observation unit at Sanford Medical Center Fargo, you will play a critical role in providing exceptional patient care. This fast-paced environment requires adaptability, critical thinking, and strong clinical skills. You'll be responsible for assessing patients, developing and implementing care plans, administering medications, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients who require a period of observation to determine the need for further hospitalization or discharge. This position demands a high level of expertise in patient assessment, triage, and the ability to respond quickly and effectively to changing patient conditions. Your dedication to providing compassionate and evidence-based care will directly contribute to Sanford Health's mission of health and healing. ### A Day in the Life Your day as an RN in the CDU/ED Observation unit will be dynamic and varied. Here's a glimpse of what you can expect: * **Patient Assessment:** Conducting thorough initial and ongoing assessments of patients, including vital signs, medical history, and current symptoms. * **Triage:** Evaluating patients to determine the urgency of their medical needs and prioritizing care accordingly. * **Care Planning:** Developing individualized care plans based on patient assessments and collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals. * **Medication Administration:** Administering medications accurately and safely, monitoring for adverse reactions, and documenting all interventions. * **Monitoring Patient Condition:** Continuously monitoring patients' vital signs, symptoms, and overall condition, and promptly reporting any changes to the healthcare team. * **Performing Nursing Interventions:** Implementing nursing interventions such as wound care, IV therapy, and pain management. * **Patient Education:** Educating patients and their families about their medical conditions, treatment plans, and discharge instructions. * **Documentation:** Maintaining accurate and complete patient records in the electronic health record (EHR). * **Collaboration:** Working closely with physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care. * **Emergency Response:** Responding to medical emergencies and initiating appropriate interventions. * **Discharge Planning:** Collaborating with case managers and social workers to facilitate patient discharge planning and ensure a smooth transition to home or other care settings. ### Why Fargo, North Dakota? Fargo, North Dakota, offers a unique blend of Midwestern charm and big-city amenities. Here's why Fargo is a great place to live and work: * **Thriving Economy:** Fargo has a strong and diverse economy with opportunities in healthcare, technology, agriculture, and education. * **Affordable Cost of Living:** Compared to many other cities in the United States, Fargo offers a lower cost of living, making it an attractive place to build a career and raise a family. * **Excellent Schools:** Fargo has a reputation for its excellent public and private schools, providing a high-quality education for children of all ages. * **Safe Community:** Fargo is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the United States, offering a sense of security and peace of mind. * **Outdoor Recreation:** Fargo offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, including parks, trails, and lakes, perfect for hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. * **Arts and Culture:** Fargo has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with museums, theaters, art galleries, and live music venues. * **Friendly People:** Fargo is known for its friendly and welcoming people, making it easy to feel at home. * **Proximity to Nature:** Fargo is located within a reasonable driving distance to beautiful natural areas in Minnesota and North Dakota. ### Career Path Sanford Health is committed to providing its employees with opportunities for professional growth and advancement. As an RN in the CDU/ED Observation unit, you can advance your career in a variety of ways: * **Clinical Ladder:** Progress through the clinical ladder by demonstrating advanced clinical skills, leadership qualities, and commitment to patient care. * **Specialty Certification:** Obtain specialty certifications in areas such as emergency nursing or critical care nursing to enhance your expertise. * **Leadership Roles:** Pursue leadership positions such as charge nurse, nurse manager, or clinical supervisor. * **Advanced Education:** Further your education by obtaining a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree. * **Nurse Educator:** Transition into a nurse educator role to share your knowledge and expertise with other nurses. ### Salary & Benefits Sanford Health offers a competitive salary and benefits package to its employees. The estimated annual salary range for an RN in the CDU/ED Observation unit in Fargo, North Dakota, is $68,000 to $98,000, depending on experience and qualifications. This estimate is based on the market conditions, cost of living and data from Glassdoor and Salary.com. In addition to salary, Sanford Health offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: * Health insurance * Dental insurance * Vision insurance * Paid time off * Retirement savings plan * Life insurance * Disability insurance * Flexible spending accounts * Employee assistance program * Tuition reimbursement ### Sanford Health Culture Sanford Health is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment for its employees. We value teamwork, collaboration, and respect. We are dedicated to providing our employees with the resources and support they need to succeed. At Sanford Health, you will be part of a team that is passionate about providing high-quality patient care. ### How to Apply To apply for the RN Inpatient - Clinical Decision Unit / ED Observation position at Sanford Medical Center Fargo, please visit the Sanford Health Careers website and submit your application online. Be sure to include your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications. ### Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) **1. What are the required qualifications for this position?** The required qualifications include graduation from an accredited nursing program, an unencumbered RN license in the State of North Dakota or a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, and maintenance of required department-specific competencies and certifications. A Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing is preferred. **2. What is the typical work schedule for this position?** The work shift varies, but the scheduled weekly hours are typically 36. **3. What is the salary range for this position?** The salary range for this position is estimated to be $68,000 to $98,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications. **4. What opportunities are there for professional development?** Sanford Health offers a variety of professional development opportunities, including clinical ladder programs, specialty certifications, leadership training, and tuition reimbursement. **5. What is the culture like at Sanford Health?** Sanford Health is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment that values teamwork, collaboration, and respect. **6. What is the Clinical Decision Unit/ED Observation Unit?** The Clinical Decision Unit/ED Observation Unit is a specialized unit within the hospital where patients are closely monitored for a period of time to determine if they require inpatient admission or can be safely discharged home. **7. What types of patients are typically seen in this unit?** Patients in this unit typically have conditions such as chest pain, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms that require further evaluation and monitoring. **8. What is the nurse-to-patient ratio in this unit?** The nurse-to-patient ratio varies depending on the acuity of the patients, but it is typically around 1:4 or 1:5. **9. Is this a union position?** No, this is not a union position. **10. How does Sanford Health support nurses in their roles?** Sanford Health supports nurses through comprehensive orientation, ongoing training, mentorship programs, access to resources, and a collaborative work environment.