Registered Nurse (RN) - New Graduate - Acute Care for Elderly

Join Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center's Acute Care for Elderly (ACE) Program as a Registered Nurse providing compassionate, evidence-based care for older adults. This is a full-time position on a 16-bed acute care unit designated as NICHE-certified and part of an Age-Friendly Health System. You will deliver personalized treatment plans that address the medical, emotional, and social needs of elderly patients while working collaboratively with an interdisciplinary care team.

Clinical Setting

The Acute Care for Elderly Unit is a specialized 16-bed inpatient setting focused on providing safe, supportive care for older adults. As part of an Age-Friendly Health System, the unit prioritizes dignity, independence, and holistic well-being for every patient.

Responsibilities

• Utilize the nursing process to assess, plan, diagnose, implement, and evaluate nursing care for assigned patients
• Engage patients and families throughout the continuum of care
• Monitor patient conditions, adjust care plans as needed, and mobilize resources to influence positive care outcomes
• Administer medications, treatments, and therapies safely according to clinical protocols and procedures
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic health record (EHR) documentation
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills appropriate to geriatric care, including understanding principles of growth and development across the lifespan
• Assess patient data and identify age-specific needs to provide appropriate care
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team and demonstrate effective communication and conflict resolution
• Delegate appropriately to other registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and unlicensed assistive personnel
• Participate in unit councils, professional governance, and quality improvement initiatives
• Apply evidence-based practices to improve care processes and outcomes
• Uphold and promote a culture of safety
• Continuously evaluate patient, team, and unit outcomes and take action as needed
• Pursue professional development and maintain required certifications
• Adhere to the ANA Code of Ethics and practice ethical decision-making
• May be required to float to other units, departments, or care areas within the designated service area to meet patient care needs

Schedule

• Full-time position, 36 hours per week
• Three 12-hour shifts per week
• Day and night shift availability required
• Weekend and holiday rotation requirements

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of a Board of Nursing approved nursing education program
• Active registered nurse (RN) multi-state compact and/or single-state license with privileges to practice in the state(s) where providing client nursing services
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking skills
• Time management, prioritization, and problem-solving abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Proficiency with computer functions including email, electronic health records, and digital platforms
• Knowledge and skills necessary to provide age-appropriate care for elderly patients

Physical Requirements

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, reach above shoulders, and twist frequently throughout the workday
• Ability to lift and support the weight of 35 pounds when handling patients, medical equipment, and supplies
• Ability to push/pull with 30 pounds of force
• Ability to perform a sliding transfer of 150 pounds with a second person present
• Functional speech, vision, hearing, and touch with fine hand manipulation skills for IV insertion and other procedures
• Ability to maneuver foot pedals on carts or machines
• Ability to perform physical safety interventions such as patient restraint and verbal de-escalation if needed
• Ability to respond quickly to changes in patient and/or unit conditions
• May be exposed to chemical and hazardous waste, blood and body fluids, and communicable disease; protective clothing and equipment must be worn as necessary
• Physical Abilities Testing may be required

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN)

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay range: $38.20 - $57.30 per hour
• Base compensation determined by qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and training
• Premium pay available for shift differentials, on-call duties, and other factors
• Paid time off programs
• Health and welfare benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short- and long-term disability
• Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses
• Family benefits including adoption assistance and paid parental leave
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and financial wellness programs
• Educational Assistance Program
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance

Note: Eligibility for benefits programs may depend on full-time equivalent (FTE) status or employment classification. Licensed nurses practicing via telehealth or virtual modalities must be licensed or hold the privilege to practice in the state(s) where clients are located and are responsible for knowing and practicing in compliance with applicable state laws, rules, regulations, and standards of practice.