Registered Nurse (RN) - ICU

About the Role

Performs an age-specific plan of care for a designated group of patients using the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Collaborates with physicians and other health team members in coordinating and implementing procedures and treatments. Uses leadership skills and clinical judgment in coordinating patient care and directing/delegating activities of the patient care unit team.

Responsibilities

• Conducts patient interviews, explains policies and procedures, and reviews patient charts to answer questions and assess health status, including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, neurological, mobility, sensory deficits, prostheses use, skin condition, pain level, and psychosocial health.
• Adjusts and communicates the plan of care based on assessments, documenting patient’s physiologic and psychological health status.
• Identifies patient outcomes, develops criteria for measurement, and establishes individualized goals and priorities to achieve expected outcomes.
• Coordinates cost-effective use of supplies, equipment, and medication; collaborates with physicians and health team members to implement the plan of care.
• Maintains patient safety (e.g., side rails up, call lights within reach) and provides emotional support to patients and significant others.
• Administers prescribed treatments and procedures safely, timely, and efficiently, applying scientific principles and making accurate observations.
• Documents patient treatment, activity, condition, and responses to interventions accurately and according to departmental policy.
• Acts rapidly and effectively during emergencies, managing self, patients, and other employees.
• Participates in discharge planning, provides discharge instructions, and coordinates referrals as appropriate.
• Evaluates care effectiveness, performs variance analysis for performance improvement, and designs systems to improve unit care.
• Collaborates with physicians and care team members on patient plans, interprets treatment regimens, and assists during treatments or diagnostic procedures.
• Uses clinical judgment to delegate assignments and ensures timely completion.
• Performs decubitus care (grade I-IV), preventive skin care, simple dressings, warm/cold compresses, and irrigations following facility procedures.
• Administers medications correctly, identifies medication actions, dosages, side effects, and educates patients on drug and food interactions.
• Provides patient and family education, explains conditions, and evaluates teaching effectiveness through feedback.
• Communicates assessment data to care team members and appropriate agencies, utilizing health teaching opportunities.

Requirements

• Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing preferred; must enroll in an accredited BSN program within two years and obtain a BSN within five years of job entry.
• Current License to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State.
• Specialized certifications as needed.
• Previous critical care experience strongly preferred.