Registered Nurse Tier 1 (Union) ICU

About the role

The Registered Nurse requires substantial specialized knowledge, judgement, and nursing skills based on the principles of psychological, biological, physical, and social sciences in the application of the nursing process in assigned departments. The RN collaborates with physicians and multidisciplinary team members, provides physical and psychological support to patients, friends, and families, and supervises assigned team members and students.

Responsibilities

• Completes patient assessments, formulates and oversees the plan of care, evaluates and adjusts it using critical thinking skills.
• Performs authorized nursing acts consistent with American Nursing Association Standards of Practice or other nationally accepted standards.
• Provides care, counseling, health teaching, and promotion using the Teach Back methodology to confirm comprehension.
• Administers medication, intravenous therapy, and treatments as prescribed by a licensed independent practitioner (LIP).
• Supervises, delegates, and follows through with other personnel on nursing care activities.
• Mentors and precepts students and orients new staff as assigned.
• Reports pertinent information up the chain of command to Clinical Nurse Manager, Nurse Manager, or House Nurse Coordinator.
• Participates in teams, committees, or performance improvement initiatives.
• Ensures a safe and secure environment for patients, coworkers, and self.
• Participates in discharge planning and transition of care, defining patient needs.
• Serves as a patient advocate and escalates patient-related concerns in a timely manner.
• Documents pertinent findings in the medical record in a timely manner.
• Assists patients with activities of daily living and functions as an active team member.
• Assumes responsibility for professional development of personnel.
• Utilizes effective communication skills, active listening, and exhibits a compassionate and empathetic attitude.
• Practices handoff communication using SBAR and performs bedside shift reporting (unless contradicted).
• Functions as a positive influence and role model, adhering to the professional code of conduct.
• Respects the dignity and confidentiality of all patient-related matters.
• Operates critical care equipment such as respirators, temporary pacemakers, defibrillators, and other emergency equipment.
• Sets up, maintains, and interprets results of cardiac and hemodynamic monitors, taking action as indicated by nursing practice and hospital procedures.
• Performs special procedures including endotracheal and tracheostomy suctioning, tracheostomy care, extubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, arterial punctures, care of chest tubes and pleurevac, and assistance with peritoneal dialysis, paracentesis, and thoracentesis.
• Manages specialty drips using approved protocols.
• Completes required competencies: Moderate Sedation, Stroke Modules, Restraints, Advanced Dysrhythmia/EKG, NIH Stroke Certification, BLS, and Advanced Life Support Certification.
• Completes De-Escalation Training within 6 months of hire.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing (Associate's Degree required, Bachelor's Degree preferred).
• Minimum of one (1) year of acute care nursing experience, relevant to the specific department.
• Experience with Electronic Health Record preferred.
• Prior to assignment as the sole RN provider in critical care, must successfully complete a critical care course acceptable to the Community Chief Nursing Officer and demonstrate mastery of required equipment, diagnostics, and procedures, including:
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and management of an obstructed airway.
  • EKG interpretation.
  • Drug therapy, including emergency drug therapy via the I.V. route.
  • Hemodynamic monitoring.
  • Critical care procedures.
• Adequate orientation to unit policies, procedures, equipment, safety procedures, infection control practices, and performance improvement activities.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification preferred.

Night shift responsibilities apply.