MSU Specialist

Rewarding career. Competitive salary. Outstanding benefits.

The Medical Surgical Unit Lead is a registered nurse who serves as a clinical resource, educator, staffing coordinator, and operational lead for the Medical Surgical Unit (MSU). This position maintains an active bedside nursing role while supporting the department's operational and educational needs. They work directly with the Director of Inpatient Services.

The Medical Surgical Unit Lead assists with department staffing and scheduling, onboarding and competency development for Medical Surgical Unit staff, and developing cross-training programs that prepare qualified nurses from other areas of the hospital to safely provide care within MSU. The position promotes safe, high-quality, patient-centered medical-surgical care while helping strengthen workforce flexibility, clinical readiness, and continuity of inpatient services.

The Medical Surgical Unit Lead functions as a clinical and operational resource and works collaboratively with the Director of Inpatient Services as well as other nursing leaders. The position assists with day-to-day coordination, staffing, scheduling, education, competency development, quality improvement, and assigned projects but does not independently exercise managerial authority related to hiring, termination, disciplinary action, performance evaluation, or other responsibilities reserved for the Director of Inpatient Services unless specifically delegated.

STANDARD EXPECTATIONS

• Promotes a Positive Working Environment
  • Conducts oneself in line with organization’s mission, vision, values and standards of behavior.
  • Consistently demonstrates organizational values and standards of behavior.
  • Accepts new responsibilities and challenges with a positive attitude.
  • Consistently adheres to organizational policy.
  • Assists in improving inter-department processes.
• Communicates Effectively
  • Builds relationships and works collaboratively with other staff.
  • Provides timely operational updates to supervisor.
  • Responds to communications in a timely manner.
• Performs Duties Efficiently and Effectively
  • Assists in development of department procedures and competencies and training of staff.
  • Functions as the area resource and Subject Matter Expert.
  • Acts in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Practice and Bedside Care

• Works regularly scheduled bedside shifts within MSU and maintains clinical competency in acute medical-surgical nursing.
• Provides safe, evidence-based nursing care to adult inpatients within the scope of services provided by the organization.
• Serves as a clinical resource for nursing staff during assigned shifts.
• Supports recognition and management of changes in patient condition and clinical emergencies according to organizational policies, established clinical protocols, and provider direction.
• Collaborates with medical staff, ancillary departments, emergency services, pharmacy, rehabilitation, care coordination, and other clinical partners to support coordinated patient care.
• Maintains competency with MSU equipment, medications, documentation requirements, policies, and clinical procedures.

Staffing and Scheduling

• Assists nursing leadership with development and maintenance of the MSU staffing schedule.
• Monitors current and anticipated staffing needs and coordinates with staff and nursing leadership to address schedule changes, time-off requests, coverage needs, and potential staffing gaps.
• Evaluates staffing patterns, patient census and acuity, staff competencies, and workforce vulnerabilities and recommends opportunities to improve staffing stability and flexibility.
• Supports the development of a flexible staffing model appropriate for a rural acute care hospital.

Staff Education and Professional Development

• Coordinates department-specific orientation, education, and competency activities for MSU nurses and nursing support staff as assigned.
• Assists with onboarding and orientation of newly hired MSU staff.
• Maintains and helps develop standardized orientation tools, competency checklists, educational materials, and training plans.
• Identifies education and competency needs through observation, staff feedback, quality data, regulatory requirements, and changes in clinical practice.
• Coordinates continuing education, competency activities, drills, simulations, and professional development opportunities.
• Serves as a clinical mentor and resource for nursing staff.
• Ensures required education, orientation, and competencies are completed and appropriately documented for MSU and cross-training staff.

Cross-Training of Nursing Staff

• Develops individualized cross-training plans and coordinates clinical experiences, preceptors, education, competency validation, and ongoing skills maintenance for qualified staff cross-training to the MSU and other designated inpatient areas.
• Helps establish clear expectations regarding the clinical responsibilities and limitations of cross-trained staff.

Quality Improvement and Patient Safety

• Participates in MSU quality and patient safety initiatives by reviewing clinical processes, outcomes, and trends and collaborating with leadership to implement education and process improvements.
• Supports implementation and standardization of evidence-based medical-surgical practices across the department.
• Assists with development and revision of department policies, procedures, guidelines, and competency standards.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Functions as a positive clinical leader and role model for MSU staff.
• Promotes a culture of patient safety, psychological safety, teamwork, respectful communication, accountability, continuous learning, and patient-centered care.
• Serves as a liaison between MSU staff and nursing leadership regarding operational, educational, and clinical needs.
• Facilitates communication among departments involved in inpatient care.
• Participates in committees, meetings, workgroups, and initiatives related to medical-surgical nursing and inpatient care as assigned.
• Supports organizational initiatives designed to maintain and strengthen access to high-quality inpatient services in the rural community.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Licensed as an RN in the State of Washington at the time of application.
• Minimum of 3 years of recent acute care nursing experience required; medical-surgical experience strongly preferred.
• BLS certified within 30 days of hire and maintained while employed.
• ACLS and PALS within three (3) months of hire and maintained while employed.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.

Preferred

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• Previous Charge Nurse, Preceptor, Educator, or Supervisor Experience

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position is primarily worked in a clinical and office environment. This may include irregular working hours including weekends and on-call responsibilities. Travel to off-site locations for meetings, education and training may be required.  The position will frequently require walking, lifting, reaching carrying, kneeling, bending, stooping, pushing and pulling of objects weighing up to 20lbs.  The position will occasionally require the ability to lift, and carry, up to 50 pounds and push or pull over 50 pounds, as well as require bending, twisting, squatting, reaching, reaching overhead, sitting and standing frequently. Occasionally the position requires climbing, kneeling and crawling. The position requires continuous finger dexterity and fine manipulation. All basic life functions such as hearing, seeing, speaking, standing and walking are required.

The employee must demonstrate the ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

If you are looking for a rewarding career with a great team, you'll enjoy your career with us !

POSITION DETAILS

Hours per week:

Employee Status:

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Pay Range:

Actual pay offered will vary based on years of experience.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Our benefit package includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement options (403(b) & 457). Medical insurance coverage begins on day one and is available to both full timeand part time employees. Additionally, employees receive discounts on medical services provided by Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics. Differentials apply for evening, night, and weekend shifts. Our unique PTO plan enables employees to increase their accrual with each year of service!