The Registered Nurse (RN) Ambulatory Bariatric Services at MedStar Washington Hospital Center provides compassionate, high-quality nursing care to patients throughout their bariatric surgery journey in an outpatient setting. This role is responsible for performing comprehensive patient assessments; coordinating pre- and post-operative care; providing patient education on treatment plans, nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and symptom management; monitoring clinical progress; and collaborating with bariatric surgeons, advanced practice providers, dietitians, and the interdisciplinary care team to support individualized care plans, ensure patient safety, and promote optimal health outcomes.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities Performs comprehensive nursing assessments and evaluates patients’ clinical status throughout the bariatric care continuum. Provides pre-operative and post-operative education related to bariatric procedures, nutrition, medication management, lifestyle modifications, and recovery expectations. Coordinates patient care activities, including follow-up appointments, diagnostic testing, referrals, and communication with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Monitors patients for changes in condition, identifies potential complications, and escalates concerns appropriately to providers. Supports evidence-based bariatric care protocols and promotes adherence to treatment plans to improve patient outcomes. Administers medications and treatments as prescribed while maintaining compliance with nursing standards, safety guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
Collaborates with bariatric surgeons, advanced practice providers, dietitians, behavioral health specialists, and other members of the care team to provide comprehensive patient-centered care. Serves as a patient advocate by addressing questions, providing resources, and supporting patients throughout their weight management and surgical journey. Documents patient care accurately and efficiently in the electronic medical record while maintaining confidentiality and professional standards.
Contributes to quality improvement initiatives and supports MedStar Health’s commitment to delivering safe, compassionate, and exceptional care. Minimal Qualifications Education Associate's degree in Nursing required Bachelor's degree in Nursing preferred If prepared at the associate degree in nursing level required to enroll in a BSN program within 12 months of hire date and completion within 4 years of hire date. Experience 2-3 years of Registered Nurse experience required; ambulatory care, bariatric surgery, surgical services, or medical-surgical nursing experience preferred.
Experience providing care coordination, patient education, and clinical support for patients undergoing surgical procedures or managing complex health conditions. Strong clinical assessment skills to monitor patient progress, identify changes in condition, and support timely interventions throughout the bariatric care continuum. Proven ability to educate patients and families regarding pre-operative preparation, post-operative care, nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and symptom management.
Demonstrated collaboration with surgeons, advanced practice providers, dietitians, behavioral health specialists, and interdisciplinary teams to provide coordinated, patient-centered care. Licenses and Certifications RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure in the District of Columbia required CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 Days required Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.
C-EFM - Electronic Fetal Monitoring from the National Certification Corporation (NCC) is required for Perinatal nurses (labor and delivery antepartum antenatal testing) within 12 months from date of hire. New graduate nurses or new to specialty nurses (labor and delivery antepartum antenatal testing) will have 15 months from date of hire to obtain the EFM certification. This position has a hiring range of USD $41.38 - USD $66.93 /Hr.