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. . Participates in performance improvement and CQI activities. Clients served are predominately adults eighteen (18) year of age and older.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Plans and provides direct patient care, evaluates outcomes, consults with other specialists as required and adjusts nursing care processes as indicated to ensure optimal patient care.
• Follows the 6 medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors and knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and their clinical condition.
• 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.
• Ability to perform a head-to-toe assessment on all patients and reassessments as per policy. This includes: 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.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Ability to revise plan of care 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 ability to perform treatments and provide services to level licensure. Coordinates and supervises patient care as necessary.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to Nurse Manager, co-workers and physicians. Interacts professionally with patient/family and involves patient/family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs and maintains a good working relationship both within the department and with other departments.
• Demonstrates an ability to assist physicians with procedures and performs services requiring technical and manual skills.
• Demonstrates an ability to be flexible, organized and function 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 liaison between administration, patients, physicians and other healthcare providers.
• Documentation meets current standards and policies.
• Manages and operates equipment safely and correctly; reports malfunction equipment.
• Enhances professional growth and development through participation in educational programs, current literature, inservice meetings and workshops; shows responsibility for own professional practice and ongoing education.
• Maintains and executes established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, performance improvement program, safety, environmental and infection control standards.
• Maintains competency in Point of Care testing and evaluation.
• Ability to monitor hemodynamic and cardiac status of patient and correctly interpret the results while utilizing nursing knowledge to provide appropriate interventions within scope of practice and in consultation with physicians.

#USP-RN

Required Skills

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:

1. Required: Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing Preferred: Academic degree in nursing (Bachelors or Masters degree)
2. Current Texas State Registered Nurse Licensure.
3. TWO OR MORE YEARS OF RECENT CRITICAL CARE EXPERIENCE.
4. AHA BLS CERTIFICATION AND AHA ACLS CERTIFICATION REQUIRED.
5. CCRN preferred.

Required Experience

REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS:

1. Required: Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing Preferred: Academic degree in nursing (Bachelors or Masters degree)
2. Current Texas State Registered Nurse Licensure.
3. TWO OR MORE YEARS OF RECENT CRITICAL CARE EXPERIENCE.
4. AHA BLS CERTIFICATION AND AHA ACLS CERTIFICATION REQUIRED.
5. CCRN preferred.