RN - Critical Intensive Care Unit

Critical Care Unit Registered Nurse (RN)

Position Highlights: CT7A Critical Care Unit

Number of beds on unit: 20

Patient population (age, diagnosis, specifics about unit): The Critical Care Unit is a 20-bed unit specializing in the care of acutely critically ill adults requiring close monitoring and frequent, advanced intervention. Specific patient populations and conditions for the Critical Care Unit include, complex multi-trauma, acute stroke, neurosurgical patients, post-op oral/maxillofacial reconstruction, uncontrolled seizures, invasive ventilation, shock requiring vasopressor support, organ donation, and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).

Nurse to Patient ratio: 1:2

Department culture and resources: The Critical Care Unit is a fast-pace, team-oriented unit. We work closely with our own critical-care physician partners, residents, advanced practice providers, and ancillary team members to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. We have a robust Partnership Committee that meets bi-monthly. We have a unit-based educator, a quality outcomes coordinator, 2 nurse supervisors and charge nurses.

Frequent nursing skills/equipment used: Minimum Q4 hour full RN assessments. Minimum Q1 hour vital signs. Continuous cardiac monitoring by primary RN, Foley/IV/NG/OG insertions, arterial line/central line/chest tube/External Ventricular Drain (EVD)/Intracranial Pressure (ICP) monitoring and care, IV pumps, feeding pumps, lift equipment. Commonly used IV drips: vasopressors, diprivan, dexmedetomidine, midazolam, fentanyl, amiodarone, diltiazem, insulin, dobutamine, heparin, octreotide.

The CCU Registered Nurse (RN) provides professional nursing care to assigned patients in the CCU. Performs various diagnostic tests, administers medications, and develops patient care plans in conjunctions with the Critical Care Team Providers. The CCU RN will assist during examinations and procedures, operating and monitoring medical equipment as necessary. Observes patients' progress, records observations in patient medical record, and updates attending physician directly when necessary. Critical Care Nurses face the additional responsibility for the emotional and psychosocial health of the patient, family and significant others.

Qualifications

Certifications: Licensed Registered Professional Nurse (RN) - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR); Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) within 1 year - American Heart Association (AHA); Basic Life Support (BLS) within 30 days - American Heart Association (AHA), Education: Nursing diploma, Work Experience: RN>2yr ICU preferred

Responsibilities

Performs all responsibilities and duties required by unit as specific to the scope of service. Implements procedures and theories related to the specific area of practice. Maintains up-to-date and accurate documentation of nursing care provided to assure the integration of information for use by the healthcare team. Completes initial assessment upon patient admission and develops appropriate plan of care in accordance with unit standards and that is based on patient and family needs. Implements plan of care, nursing interventions, and patient care procedures. Modifies plan of care based upon continuous evaluation. Takes responsibility for patient and employee safety by reporting and/or correcting safety hazards and incidents. Communicates with others directly and in private when necessary to resolve issues. Offers constructive feedback to assist in the professional development of peers, and confers with colleagues to expand knowledge base. Identifies own learning needs and takes initiative to begin appropriate solution. Fulfills all requirements of departmental competencies. Ensures good communication with patients/family by utilizing meaningful hourly rounding, bedside report and whiteboards Works with ventilated patients for early mobility Collaborates with team to ensure best outcomes Prepares equipment and aids physician during examination and treatment of patient Responds to life-saving situations based upon nursing standards and protocol Monitors and adjusts specialized equipment used on patients, and interprets and records electronic displays, such as intracranial pressures, central venous pressures, and cardiac rhythms from cardiac monitors, respirators, ventilators, oxygen pumps, etc.