Registered Nurse (RN) - Spinal Cord Injury

Job Title: Registered Nurse (RN) - Spinal Cord Location: Milwaukee Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) Salary: $40-70/hr Position Summary: The Spinal Cord Registered Nurse (RN) at the Milwaukee VAMC will leverage their comprehensive clinical expertise to assess, implement health promotion and disease prevention strategies, manage acute and chronic conditions, support patients in achieving optimal rehabilitation outcomes, and evaluate patient responses to actual or potential health issues. They will also provide compassionate care for terminally ill patients and their families. Nursing care will adhere to the American Nursing Association's Standards of Care and Standards of Professional Performance, within the scope of the RN's licensure. The RN will receive clinical oversight from VA Nurse Managers or designated nursing leadership such as Assistant Nurse Managers. Primary Duties and Responsibilities: Patient Confidentiality and Safety: Ensure patient confidentiality and a safe care environment. Follow protocols for medication administration, patient/family education, discharge processes, and hazardous waste disposal as defined by The Joint Commission and other VA regulatory bodies. Patient-Centered Care: Assess patient health needs and develop or maintain care plans to achieve interdisciplinary goals. Recognize and act upon significant changes in patient health conditions. Implement the plan of care by performing delegated tasks. Collect and document relevant data in the electronic medical record. Communicate with and treat patients and families courteously, tactfully, and respectfully. Anticipate and address predictable patient needs. Assess and assist patients in meeting their expressed health needs. Attend to the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and their families. Prioritize and complete tasks within assigned shifts. Inform physicians of any changes in patient condition and update care plans as necessary. Report incidents of verbal or physical abuse immediately to the Nurse Manager or designated nursing leadership. Clinical Skills: Perform head-to-toe assessments. Insert and care for IV lines, including PICC lines. Administer medications, including IV medications. Coordinate and participate in patient admissions, transfers, and discharges. Measure vital signs, including Pain (the 5th Vital Sign) and pulse oximetry. Perform EKGs as needed. Conduct wound care, including dressing changes and obtaining wound cultures. Collect and deliver specimens to the lab. Perform tracheostomy and non-acute/acute ventilator care. Conduct oral, nasogastric, and tracheostomy suctioning. Assess and administer tube feedings. Assist with urinary and bowel elimination, including care for indwelling and suprapubic catheters, colostomies, external devices, and digital stimulation. Educate patients and families about health conditions and medication administration. Activate Emergency Medical Response as needed. Respond and assist in emergency situations. Perform Continuous Protective Observation (CPO) duties to ensure veteran safety. Conduct patient belongings and contraband inspections per facility policy. Provide clinical oversight to Licensed Practical Nurses, Certified Nursing Assistants, and Health Technicians. Participate in Rapid Response and Cardiac Arrest (code) responses within the unit. Conduct Accu-checks. Bar Code Medication Administration (BCMA): Utilize BCMA with 100% accuracy for medication administration. Ensure BCMA provides electronic validation and documentation of medication administration, reduces medication errors, and promotes a safer inpatient environment. Participate in spot checks of patient charts and incident report reviews, with remedial training provided as necessary. General Requirements: Complete and document all assessments accurately and within assigned timeframes. Fulfill all unit-specific training requirements. Maintain professional conduct, treating patients, visitors, and staff courteously. Immediate removal from Milwaukee VAMC and reporting to the Contracting Officer for sustained allegations of patient or coworker abuse. Qualifications: Education: Bachelor of Science degree or higher from an accredited School of Nursing License: Current, full, active and unrestricted registration RN License (Any State License Works) Certifications: Must have: BLS & ACLS, PALS, Good to have: CRRN Experience: Prior 3 Years of nursing experience and Minimum 2 years of experience in Spinal cord injury/disorder interest or experience in rehabilitation nursing(SCI) Reporting Structure: The RN will report to the VA Nurse Manager(s) or their designated nursing leadership (e.g., Assistant Nurse Manager) during their tour of duty. This position offers the opportunity to provide high-quality, patient-centered care to veterans, contributing to their rehabilitation and quality of life.

Created: 2026-03-04