RN - ICU

Registered Nurse

Profession: RN (Registered Nurse) Specialty: Intensive Care Unit Duration: 13 weeks Shift: 12 Hours Nights Hours per Shift: 12 Experience: Minimum 2 years in specialty required License: Yes Certifications: ACLS, BLS, dysrhythmia certification through AHA, PALS, TNCC preferred Must-Have: 2-5 years of experience in specialty required. Experience working in a smaller ICU is necessary. Ability to adapt quickly, blend into a team atmosphere, and be a team player is essential. Preferred experience with Cerner.

Description: The unit consists of a total of 8 beds, with an average census of 3-4 patients. Nurse-to-patient ratios are 1:1 to 1:2, with 2-3 nurses per shift. Common diagnoses include a high number of sepsis patients, medical-surgical patients, DKA, CHF, and COPD. Cardiac catheterization cases are referred out due to the absence of a catheterization lab. Most patients on this unit are borderline stepdown patients. RNs are required to titrate drips, including Levo, heparin, insulin, and dopamine. Charge nurses take patient assignments on this unit. There are no nurse aides, but a unit clerk is present. A hospitalist is available 24/7, with tele-intensivist accessible round-the-clock. Respiratory therapy is available in the ICU 24/7, and they also have patient assignments. The unit uses Via or Hamiltons vents for respiratory support. RNs must read their own telemetry strips, utilizing Philips monitoring systems. Shifts are typically from 7 PM to 7 AM, with self-scheduling to some extent. Schedules are created 30-45 days in advance. Weekends require coverage every other week or four shifts in four weeks. Holiday shifts are assigned during the permanent staff rotation. There is no call or standby requirement, although voluntary call may be accepted. Floating is rare, but may occur to a medical-surgical unit with a ratio of 1:5, pediatric unit with a ratio of 1:4, if qualified, or to the emergency room if qualified. Scrub color is navy blue. Orientation consists of 2-3 shifts. The charting system used is Cerner. A BSN is not required. The trauma level is 3. Care setting includes acute care.