RN ICU

Critical Care Nurse

Provides direct and indirect patient care in the critical care setting. Communicates with physicians about changes in patient's clinical condition including hemodynamic monitoring, results of diagnostic studies and symptomatology. Is able to respond quickly and accurately to changes in condition or response to treatment. Additionally, is able to perform general nursing duties in all departments with adequate supervision. Participates in performance improvement and QI activities.

William Newton Hospital's Standards of Behavior allow a mechanism for holding each employee accountable and encourages us to "raise the bar". All employees are expected to familiarize themselves with the Standards and practice them daily.

Integrity: We act with unwavering moral principle, transparency, and sincerity in every interaction.

Patient-Centered: We meet patients where they are, ensuring the are active participants in their care journey. We prioritize the patient's physical and emotional well-being over all else.

Accountability: We own our actions. We set clear expectations and hold all team members to the same high standards.

Compassion: We treat every patient, family member, and colleague with kindness, empathy, and dignity.

Excellence: We approach every task, large or small, with enthusiasm. We continually pursue mastery and best practices in our field.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ability to perform a head-to-toe assessment on all patients and re-assessment as per policy. This includes pediatric, adult and geriatric patient population. A risk assessment is done each shift including fall, aspiration, DVT, skin and malnutrition risk with appropriate action or consult. (2 chart reviews)
• Demonstrates knowledge of cardiac monitoring, identifies dysrhythmias and treats appropriately based upon ACLS guidelines and hospital policy. (Current ACLS Provider)
• Ability to monitor hemodynamic status of patient and correctly interpret results.
• Assesses pain and provides individual pain management for each patient if required.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly. (See annual competency for central lines, PA lines, cardiac output, arterial lines, Medtronic interrogation device).
• Ability to interpret the results of bedside glucose tests (waived tests) and takes appropriate actions on results. (See annual glucometer competency)
• Knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on the age of the patient and their clinical condition. (Current medication competency test)
• Follows the five (5) rights of medication administration to reduce medication errors and promote patient safety. (Documents correctly on the MAR)
• Has knowledge of Vasoactive, anti-dysrhythmic and other special IV infusions (i.e., insulin) in caring for critically ill patients. (ICU/ER/HS annual drug competency)
• Treats patients and families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial needs of patients and families.
• Formulates a teaching plan for discharge based upon learning needs (assessed on admission), evaluates effectiveness of learning, includes family as appropriate.
• Charts education consistently, including heart failure education using CPSI, so other departments can review and update teaching as appropriate.
• Coordinates and directs patient care to ensure patient's needs are met and hospital policy is followed. (See nutrition consults and diabetes consults when appropriate)
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function well under stressful situations. Can revise plan of care as indicated by the patient's response to treatment.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient family in the formulation of the plan of care. (Updates MedAct and Education documentation to demonstrate competency)
• Documentation meets current hospital standards and policies.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to physicians, staff, Director of Nursing and Administrative team.
• Demonstrates an ability to assist physicians with procedures both in ICU and other departments.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to provide collaborative patient care and performance improvement activities.
• Helps maintain Performance Improvement activities for department -- keeping PI work sheets up-to-date.
• Orders supplies for the unit when needed. (No over-stocking)
• Performs Unit Clerk duties for the unit.
• Helps with orientation and in-service training for the hospital staff members, participates in guidance and education programs. (Yearly competency activities)

Requirements:

• Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Completes annual educational requirements, i.e., mandatory marbled packets, annual ICU Competency Checklist, and annual ICU/ER/HS medication test.
• Maintains regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and CMS regulations.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized time system correctly.
• Completes required in-services in a timely fashion.
• Attends staff meetings, Performance Improvement Meetings as appropriate.
• Completes annual laboratory testing, TB testing per hospital policy.
• Maintains and ensures patient confidentiality at all times.
• Works at maintaining a good rapport and a cooperative working relationship with physicians, departments and staff.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Actively participates in the department CQI activities.
• Ensures compliance with policies and procedures regarding department operations, fire, safety and infection control.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicates the mission, vision, core values, ethics and goals of the hospital as well as the mission statement of the department.

Regulatory Requirements:

• Current registered nurse licensure for the State of Kansas.
• 1-2 years previous experience in Critical Care or 3 years of acute care in nursing.
• Successful completion of Critical Care Course.
• ACLS and BLS current provider status.
• Encourage CCRN certification.
• Encourage PALS, ENPC.
• Required TNCC.