RN - ICU

Registered Nurse - Critical Care

Departments: ICU; PACU; PCU; Cath Lab; Bronc

Qualifications:

• Current and valid RN license in any state.
• 2 years experience in Critical Care Nursing (within the past 5 years)
• Demonstrated clinical competency in acute and long-term care settings.
• Proficiency in electronic medical record documentation.
• Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication and critical thinking skills.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Patient/Resident Safety & Confidentiality

• Maintain confidentiality of patient/resident information.
• Ensure a safe care environment in compliance with The Joint Commission, VA regulations, and other oversight bodies.
• Adhere to protocols for medication administration, discharge processes, restraint usage, hazardous waste disposal, and patient/family education.

2. Patient/Resident-Centered Care

• Conduct comprehensive health assessments and develop interdisciplinary care plans.
• Monitor and respond to changes in patient/resident conditions.
• Document all relevant data in the electronic medical record.
• Complete nursing assessments within required timeframes.
• Address emotional and spiritual needs of patients/residents and families.
• Update care plans and communicate changes to the assigned physician.
• Report any incidents of abuse immediately to the Nurse Manager or designated leadership.

3. Clinical Duties

• Perform head-to-toe assessments.
• Insert and manage IV lines, including peripheral, central, and PICC lines.
• Administer medications, including IV therapies.
• Coordinate admissions and discharges.
• Measure and monitor vital signs, including pain and pulse oximetry.
• Conduct wound care and dressing changes; obtain wound cultures.
• Collect and deliver lab specimens.
• Provide tracheostomy and non-acute ventilator care.
• Perform oral, nasogastric, and tracheostomy suctioning, including deep suctioning.
• Administer tube feedings and manage urinary/bowel elimination needs.
• Educate patients/residents and families on diagnoses and medications.
• Respond to emergency situations.
• Provide clinical oversight to LPNs, Nursing Assistants, and Health Technicians.
• Conduct one-to-one and virtual patient observation.
• Perform capillary blood glucose testing and monitoring.

EACH OF THE FOLLOWING ARE DIFFERENT RN SPECIALTIES:

ICU (Intensive Care Unit) RN Specialty Responsibilities

The ICU RN provides critical care for patients with life-threatening conditions requiring continuous monitoring and advanced interventions. Responsibilities include:

• Perform comprehensive assessments and interpret complex clinical data.
• Manage ventilators, hemodynamic monitoring, and advanced life-support equipment.
• Administer vasoactive medications and titrate drips according to protocols.
• Respond rapidly to changes in patient condition and initiate emergency interventions.
• Collaborate with intensivists and multidisciplinary teams for complex care planning.
• Provide family education and emotional support during critical illness.

PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) RN Specialty Responsibilities

The PACU RN cares for patients recovering from anesthesia following surgical or diagnostic procedures. Responsibilities include:

• Monitor airway, breathing, and circulation during emergence from anesthesia.
• Assess pain levels and administer analgesics per protocol.
• Manage post-operative nausea, vomiting, and other complications.
• Ensure safe transfer of patients to inpatient units or discharge home.
• Educate patients and families on post-procedure care and recovery expectations.

PCU (Progressive Care Unit) RN Specialty Responsibilities

The PCU RN provides care for patients requiring intermediate-level monitoring between ICU and general medical-surgical care. Responsibilities include:

• Monitor cardiac rhythms and manage telemetry.
• Administer medications including cardiac drips and titration under protocol.
• Perform frequent assessments for patients with moderate acuity.
• Collaborate with physicians for escalation or de-escalation of care.
• Educate patients and families on disease processes and discharge planning.

Cath Lab RN Specialty Responsibilities

The Cath Lab RN assists in diagnostic and interventional cardiovascular procedures. Responsibilities include:

• Prepare patients for cardiac catheterization and related procedures.
• Monitor hemodynamic status during procedures.
• Administer moderate sedation and monitor patient response.
• Assist with sterile technique and equipment setup.
• Provide post-procedure care including sheath removal and bleeding management.
• Educate patients on post-procedure restrictions and follow-up care.

Bronchoscopy RN Specialty Responsibilities

The Bronchoscopy RN supports pulmonary procedures requiring airway visualization and intervention. Responsibilities include:

• Prepare patients for bronchoscopy, including consent verification and sedation readiness.
• Assist with scope handling and specimen collection.
• Monitor airway and oxygenation throughout the procedure.
• Provide post-procedure care including monitoring for complications.
• Educate patients on recovery and follow-up instructions.