ICU RN

ICU Nurse

Qualifications:

Education:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

Licensure:

Current Texas Registered Nurse license in good standing

Experience:

Minimum of three years work experience as an ICU nurse in an acute care hospital setting. If the candidate/employee has less than three years of acute care hospital experience there will be an education plan in place required for the orientation period.

Certifications:

Basic Life Support (BLS) – required. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) – required. NIH Stroke Scale Certification required within orientation period.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Clinical Care:

Performs assessment/data collection in an ongoing and systematic manner, focusing on physiologic, psychological and cognitive status of the critically ill patient. Formulates a goal directed plan of care, which is prioritized and based on determined nursing diagnosis and patient outcomes. Implements care in a knowledgeable, skilled consistent manner in reaching the desired patient outcomes through nursing processes. Demonstrates applied knowledge base in areas of critical care patient care, pain assessment and actions of pharmaceuticals and anesthetic agents, laboratory values, safety and legal issues and all emergency equipment. Monitors patient response to treatment and promptly communicates changes in condition to the provider. Provides care to patients across the lifespan, including pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations as applicable. Assists with emergency procedures including trauma resuscitation, stroke alerts, STEMI activations, code blue responses, rapid responses, and disaster management. Initiates and maintains IV access and assists with advanced airway management as needed. Performs and interprets patient monitoring including cardiac telemetry, pulse oximetry, capnography, and hemodynamic monitoring. Remains flexible, adaptive and able to accept and implement new ideas and approaches. Treats all patients equally adopting the hospital's Patient Rights policy. Reviews and carries out physician orders in an appropriate professional manner. Willingness to assist with other duties when asked.

Patient Throughput and Coordination:

Collaborates with physicians and multidisciplinary teams to facilitate timely patient evaluation, treatment, admission, transfer, or discharge. Coordinates patient care activities to support efficient patient flow and reduce length of stay. Ensures appropriate documentation and communication during patient handoffs. Participates in transfer processes and stabilization of patients requiring a higher level of care.

Documentation:

Documents assessments, interventions, patient responses, and outcomes accurately and timely within the electronic medical record. Maintains compliance with regulatory, legal, and accreditation requirements. Completes required quality and safety documentation.

Patient and Family Education:

Provides education regarding diagnoses, medications, procedures, discharge instructions, and follow-up care. Assesses patient understanding and readiness to learn. Promotes patient engagement and shared decision-making.

Quality and Safety:

Adheres to infection prevention and control practices. Identifies and reports safety concerns, adverse events, and near misses. Participates in performance improvement, patient safety, and quality initiatives. Maintains compliance with hospital policies, CMS, Texas Department of State Health Services, and accreditation standards.

Professional Practice:

Demonstrates professional communication and collaboration with patients, families, physicians, and staff. Serves as a patient advocate. Participates in departmental meetings, education, and competency validation. Maintains required certifications and licensure.

ICU Specific Responsibilities:

Rapid assessment, stabilization, and continuous care of critically ill patients. Care of patients presenting with: Cardiac emergencies Stroke symptoms Respiratory distress Sepsis Medical and surgical conditions of a critical nature requiring critical care. Participation in disaster preparedness and emergency management activities. Assists with procedural sedation and emergency procedures within scope of practice. Responds to hospital emergency codes as assigned. Other responsibilities as directed by leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Strong critical thinking and clinical judgment skills. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple patients simultaneously. Knowledge of emergency nursing principles and standards. Ability to recognize and respond to rapidly changing patient conditions. Effective communication and teamwork skills. Proficiency in electronic medical record documentation. Ability to maintain composure and effectiveness during high-stress situations.

Physical Requirements:

Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, and pulling. Ability to lift and move patients and equipment with appropriate assistance. Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations.

Performance Expectations:

Demonstrates commitment to patient safety, quality outcomes, customer service, and regulatory compliance. Maintains competency in critical care nursing skills and hospital-required competencies. Supports departmental goals related to patient satisfaction, throughput, quality metrics, and clinical outcomes. Visual and auditory acuity sufficient for patient assessment and monitoring.

Core Values:

The ICU RN is expected to uphold the hospital's mission, vision, and values while providing compassionate, safe, high-quality care to every patient, every time.