Job Summary

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 CQI activities.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas

• Knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and their clinical condition.
• Follows the seven (7) medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.
• Ability to monitor hemodynamic status of patient and correctly interpret the results.
• Ability to perform a head-to-toe assessment on all patients and reassessments as per policy. This includes neonate, pediatric, geriatric and the general patient population.
• Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.
• Ability to interpret results of waived tests; take appropriate action on waived tests results.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Ability to formulate an individualized plan of care, revise plan as indicated by the patient’s response to treatment and evaluate overall plan daily for effectiveness.
• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching as appropriate.
• Demonstrates knowledge of cardiac monitoring, identifies dysrhythmias and treats appropriately based upon ACLS protocol.
• Provides care to patients with compromised nutritional/metabolic status.
• Provides care to patients requiring extensive fluid and electrolyte management.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to charge nurse, co-workers and physicians.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.
• Provides care appropriate to disease condition and age of the patient.
• Coordinates and supervises patient care as necessary.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas

• Demonstrates an ability to assist physicians with procedures both in the Critical Care Unit and other departments.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function well under stressful situations.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families. Functions as a liaison between administration, patients, physicians and other healthcare providers.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and the skills necessary to provide age appropriate care to the patient population served. Able to interpret data about the patient’s status in order to identify each patient’s age specific needs and provide care needed by the patient group.
• Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Ability to assess and care for patients in the post anesthesia period both in the PACU and Critical Care.
• Participates in performance improvement activities.

Professional Requirements

• Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Completes annual education requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirements, including all federal, state, local regulations and accrediting organization standards.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.
• Completes in services and returns in a timely fashion.
• Attends annual review and department in services, as scheduled.
• Attends at least 6 staff meetings annually, reads and returns all monthly staff meeting minutes.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the facility, as well as the focus statement of the department.

Regulatory Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current Registered Nurse licensure in the State of Texas.
• Current BCLS certification.
• Current ACLS certification. Must have or complete within 30 days of hire.
• Basic EKG or Arrhythmia-identification certification preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in the ICU.

Language Skills

• Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Skills

• Basic computer knowledge.

Physical Demands

• For physical demands of the position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion, and environment, see the following description.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.