Position Summary

Nurses care for people who are sick, injured, convalescent or disabled. Under general supervision, they deliver care to patients utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention, implementation, and evaluation, in accordance with established philosophy. Nurses collaborate with other professional disciplines to ensure effective patient care delivery and achievement of desired patient outcomes. Nurses effectively interact with patient and significant others, while maintaining the standard of professional nursing. The nature of the direction and supervision required for this position varies by State and job setting. Critical Care Nurses (ICU/CCU) provide care to acutely and critically ill patients, in a highly technical and ongoing monitoring environment. These patients are facing life-threatening problems with varying needs, which require extensive medication protocols and therapies. Critical Care Nurses face the additional responsibility for the emotional and psychosocial health of the patient, family and significant others

Position Responsibilities

Critical Care Nurses (ICU/CCU) provide direct and individualized nursing care to patients based on the application of scientific nursing principles. In addition to general nursing care, responsibilities of Critical Care Nurses include (but are not limited to):

• Consults and coordinates with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans
• Prepares and administers (orally, subcutaneously, through an IV) and records prescribed medications. Reports adverse reactions to medications or treatments in accordance with the policy regarding the administration of medications by a licensed registered nurse
• Provides basic, bedside care
• Initiates patient education plan, as prescribed by physician.
• Teaches patients and significant others how to manage their illness/injury, by explaining: post-treatment home care needs, diet/nutrition/exercise programs, self-administration of medication and rehabilitation
• Records patients' medical information and vital signs
• Orders, interprets and evaluates diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition
• Takes samples for lab work, orders prescribed lab work and evaluates/interprets lab reports
• Prepares equipment and aids physician during examination and treatment of patient
• Responds to life-saving situations based upon nursing standards and protocol
• Records all care information concisely, accurately and completely, in a timely manner, in the appropriate format and on the appropriate forms
• Applies Hemodynamic, Phlebotomy and IV protocols
• Monitors and adjusts specialized equipment used on patients, and interprets and records electronic displays, such as intracranial pressures, central venous pressures, pulmonary artery pressures, and cardiac rhythms from cardiac monitors, respirators, ventilators, manometers, oxygen pumps, etc.
• Monitors catheters, leads and tubing for proper placement and functioning
• Initiates corrective action whenever information from monitoring/life support equipment shows adverse symptomatology
• Acts as patient advocate by supporting the basic rights, values and beliefs of the patient
• Communicates to family/significant others appropriate information on patient's condition
• Performs other position-related duties as assigned, depending on assignment setting

Other Responsibilities

• Completes required orientation as directed by facility
• Follows facility and OSHA safety rules and procedures while on assignment
• Follows facility's Unusual Occurrence Protocol
• Respects cultural and religious practices of patients
• Upholds HIPAA regulations
• Punctual and dependent for assigned/confirmed shifts

Position Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program
• Current nursing license, in good standing with the State licensing board
• Minimum of one (1) year Critical Care experience
• Federal-, State- -required credentials current and on file
• Cognitive skills as related to the position

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift twenty (20) pounds.
• Moving, lifting or transferring of patients may involve lifting of up to fifty (50) pounds, as well as assist with weights of more than one-hundred (100) pounds.
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Fine motor skills
• Visual acuity