Registered Nurse - Critical Care

About the role

Loretto Hospital is a safety-net hospital serving more than 33,000 patients annually from Chicago’s Austin and surrounding communities. Established in 1923 as a not-for-profit, community-focused healthcare provider, Loretto delivers patient-centered care that promotes wellness and education. Staff are committed to providing high-quality medical care in a holistic, safe, and comfortable environment, empowering patients with knowledge and resources to improve quality of life.

The Registered Nurse in the Critical Care Unit delivers care to adult and critical care patients using the nursing process and evidence-based practice. The role requires maintaining clinical competency, supporting quality initiatives, and aligning with the hospital’s mission, vision, and values.

Responsibilities

• Utilize evidence-based practice in delivering patient care
• Participate in quality initiatives, research, and performance improvement activities
• Seek data to support care decisions and evaluate the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice
• Support unit standards of practice and performance improvement to enhance patient care and service
• Adhere to Loretto Hospital’s compliance standards, including the Compliance Policy, Code of Conduct, and Conflict of Interest Policy
• Develop therapeutic relationships with patients and families through communication and mutual goal setting
• Collaborate with peers, professional nurses, and other disciplines to achieve positive patient outcomes
• Provide courteous service to patients, visitors, staff, and external customers
• Ensure all communications and job activities result in a positive customer experience
• Support an environment conducive to professional relationships and teamwork
• Accept additional assignments or assist others to ensure continuity of services
• Collaborate with clients, significant others, and healthcare providers in delivering patient-centered care
• Maintain a professional attitude with patients, families, and colleagues
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills to consider individual diagnoses, culture, beliefs, age, and sexual orientation
• Apply the nursing process to analyze patient conditions and implement care plans for optimal outcomes
• Recognize adverse patient conditions and notify physicians appropriately
• Use problem-solving skills to prevent adverse patient events
• Prioritize patient care needs and intervene with high priority first
• Demonstrate competency with critical care skills
• Communicate effectively with patients, families, and healthcare team members
• Assume responsibility for compliance with mandatory competencies
• Operate equipment safely and comply with safety standards and goals
• Stay current with federal, state, and hospital regulations, laws, and policies
• Effectively assume the charge nurse role when required
• Participate in unit meetings and critical care unit decision-making
• Serve as a preceptor for newly hired RNs
• Act as a role model and leader in quality initiatives

Requirements

• Graduate from an accredited or approved school of nursing
• Current RN license
• One year of medical-surgical or critical care experience required
• Critical care or ED course preferred
• Knowledge of current nursing practices
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• CPI Certification preferred
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification preferred

Physical Demands

• Frequently required to sit, stand, and walk; occasionally stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Expected to lift, pull, push, or move patients and/or equipment using proper body mechanics
• Fine motor skills required for handling, feeling, or reaching
• Normal or corrected vision, hearing, and speech necessary
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, sharp focus, and color distinction
• Periods of stressful, intense concentration with high-pressure problem-solving situations

Why Loretto

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, retirement savings plans, and paid time off
• Opportunities for career development in a vibrant community dedicated to excellent patient care
• Work environment where patients come first, with a focus on customer service and enhancing the patient experience