Registered Nurse - Critical Care - Night

About the Role

24-bed unit specializing in the care of critical patients. 24-hour intensivist/pulmonary/APP coverage. The Registered Nurse is responsible and accountable for implementing, directing and coordinating the care of patients through the use of the nursing process: assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. Included is recognition and treatment of the physical and psychosocial changes unique to the age/population group served on the specific unit.

Schedule

• Full time (72 hours biweekly)
• Shift: 7pm-7am (12-hour night)
• Every third weekend
• Eligible for shift and weekend differential

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates safe medication practice.
• Maintains a professional image that reflects the employee's role in health care, with confidence and a positive impression.
• Completes chart check to ensure no missed orders.
• Accurately transcribes physician's orders.
• Demonstrates therapeutic communication skills.
• Demonstrates ability to assess patient education needs and use of patient education resources.
• Demonstrates involvement in unit by attending 50% of staff/committee meetings and in-services for area.
• Demonstrates leadership through the nursing process and supervision while maintaining accountability for treatment and patient outcomes.
• Acts as a resource person regarding patient care, specialty area, orientation and teaching of staff.
• Responds to delays in a calm manner. Apologizes for inconveniences and gives alternatives.
• Analyzes assessment data, identifies priority problems and documents on Plan of Care in PCS for patients and families and significant others.
• Uses effective problem-solving skills to plan patient care.
• Identifies critical factors evidencing changes in patient condition and responds appropriately.
• Completes and documents discharge assessment against plan of care goals.
• Initiates and maintains Intravenous Therapy according to IV standards.
• Responds appropriately to emergency situations.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics to prevent injury to self and others.
• Safely positions, transfers and transports patients.
• Functions as a virtual nurse as assigned which includes, but is not limited to, admissions, discharges, education, documentation through a virtual platform and working collaboratively with the bedside nursing staff.
• Utilizes appropriate nursing assessment as established by the department standards of patient care.
• Sets up equipment and assists with the insertion of Swan-Ganz catheter/arterial line and/or multilumen.
• Cares for a patient with a Swan-Ganz, including cardiac outputs.
• Assists with temporary pacemaker insertion.
• Demonstrates proper application of external pacemaker.
• Defibrillates patient.
• Assists with cardioversion procedure.
• Demonstrates proper administration of thrombolytic agents.
• Cares for a patient receiving thrombolytic agents.
• Draws blood from a multilumen, Swan-Ganz or arterial line.
• Discontinues Swan-Ganz, multilumen, temporary pacemaker or arterial line.
• Cares for a patient on mechanical ventilation.
• Assists with intubation.
• Assesses and evaluates patient response during post surgical recovery phase for surgical critical care patients.
• Describes role and responsibility in assessing and reporting physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect.
• Able to demonstrate proper technique for IABP therapy.
• Completes cardiac rehab exercises.
• Achieves credentialing in conscious sedation by >84% score on exam annually and demonstrates appropriate clinical performance as evidenced by successful observation and chart review.
• Completes a 12 lead EKG.
• Demonstrates proper initiation of vasopressor agents.
• Interprets ECG pattern.
• Cares for a patient with Impella catheter assist device.
• Cares for post tracheostomy patients.
• Cares for peritoneal dialysis patients.
• Collaboratively coordinates with other departments and disciplines to meet patient's needs.
• Completes mandatory education and in-services by due date.
• Completes annual health screening.
• Demonstrates ability to assist with the insertion of chest tube, including set-up and post insertion patient care.
• Demonstrates proficiency in applying vac dressings.

Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing is preferred.
• Evidence of participation in educational programs to update and maintain current knowledge and clinical skills.

Experience

• Experience applying customer service behaviors and communication skills required.
• Previous nursing experience in specialty area preferred.

Certifications/Licensure

• Eligible for or currently licensed as a Registered Professional Nurse in Pennsylvania.
• Certification in specialty preferred.
• CPR certification required.
• ACLS required for CCU or achieved within one year of start date.
• Proficiency in cardiac monitor interpretation required for CCU.

Benefits

• Individualized, comprehensive 16-week orientation program which includes the Essentials of Critical Care Orientation (ECCO), ACLS certification and NIHSS certification for new nurses.
• Mentorship program after orientation to support new nurses.
• Residency program for new graduates.
• Opportunity for committee participation and a voice in your nursing practice.
• Professional growth through a Clinical Ladder.
• Leadership presence on every shift.
• Strong foundation for advanced practice degree.
• Certification for Critical Care RN (CCRN) after 2 years' experience.
• Eligible for shift and weekend differential.