Registered Nurse (PRN) -- ICU Nights

JOB SUMMARY                                                                                                                                                                

Provides professional nursing care within the Intensive Care Unit; coordinates care planning with other disciplines. Provides care the meets the psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care. Determines the priorities of care based on physical and psychosocial needs of patients, as well as factors influencing patient flow through the system. Communicates with physicians regarding changes in patient’s status, symptomatology and results of diagnostic studies. Responds quickly and accurately to changes in condition or response to treatment.

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                                         

• Provides direct care to the ICU patients.
• Ability to perform a head-to-toe assessment on all patients and reassessments as per policy. This includes pediatric, adolescent and geriatric patients 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 monitor hemodynamic status of patient and correctly interpret results.
• Demonstrates knowledge of cardiac monitoring; identifies dysrhythmias and treats appropriately.
• Ability to perform waived testing (point-of-care testing, glucometers) per Clinical Laboratory’s and the patient care unit’s policies and procedures.
• Ability to interpret the results of waived tests (point-care-care testing, glucometers); takes appropriate action on waived test results.
• Maintains current knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and his/her clinical condition.
• Follows the six (6) medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.
• Formulates a teaching plan based upon identified learning needs and evaluates effectiveness of learning, family is included in teaching appropriate care.
• Demonstrates the ability to assist physicians with procedures and performs services requiring technical and manual skills.
• Interacts professionally with patient and family and involves patient and family in the formation of the plan of care.
• Ensures an adequate stock of supplies and proper functioning of equipment.
• Responds promptly to changes in the workload, adjusting assignments as necessary. Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.
• Provides resource information to other staff.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/healthcare errors. Supports a culture of quality and safety.
• Orients new employees to the Intensive Care Unit.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or requested.

BASIC SKILLS                                                                                                                                                                     

• Basic computer skills

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIRED                                                                                              

• High School diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Current RN license in the state of Texas
• Current BLS Certification
• ACLS certification within 90 days
• NIHSS certification within 90 days
• PALS certification preferred
• CCRN preferred
• Preferred two (2) years of critical care or emergency nursing

LANGUAGE SKILLS                                                                                                                                                          

• Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing
• Additional languages a plus

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS                                                                                                                                          

• Ability to life and move equipment up to 50lbs.
• May be required to assist with patients or equipment up to 500 lbs.
• Ability to walk or stand for up to 75% of the time.
• Ability to push, pull, lift, bend, kneel twist and reach above shoulder level.