RN Charge-ICU

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of a nursing director or other supervisor, assumes the responsibility and accountability for developing, evaluating and directing the plan of care for assigned patients. Works in collaboration with all other care disciplines to provide safe, efficient, and coordinated care for assigned patients. Utilizes the nursing process in accordance with the established policies and procedures of WCCH, maintains clinical competencies through continuing education, and delegates patient care priorities commensurate with the education and experience of the available staff.

The ICCU Nurse provides 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 best practices and therapies.

• Provides direct and individualized nursing care to patients based on the application of best practices.
• Collects current symptoms, as well as a detailed patient history and then consults and coordinates with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans.
• Provides basic bedside care in a critical care setting, while considering both physical and psychosocial elements.
• Manages basic/advanced life support needs and stabilizes until the attending physician is available, based upon nursing standards and best practices.
• Records patients’ current vital signs, allergies and medications.
• Uses critical thinking and nursing judgments to analyze assessment data to make independent nursing decisions and formulate nursing diagnoses.
• Works directly under physicians, assisting them during exams, diagnostic testing and treatments.
• Prepares and administers (orally, subcutaneously, through an IV) and records prescribed medications.
• Reports adverse reactions to medications or treatments in accordance with WCCH policies.
• Applies Hemodynamic, Phlebotomy, and IV best practices.
• Monitors and adjusts specialized equipment used on patients, and interprets and records electronic displays, such as central venous pressures, arterial pressures, and cardiac rhythms from cardiac monitors, ventilators, manometers, pulse oximeters, etc.
• Monitors catheters, leads, and tubing for proper placement and functioning.
• Initiates corrective action whenever information from monitoring/life support equipment reveals adverse change.
• Maintains proper supplies and appropriate medical equipment to care for patients.
• 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, as well as provides referrals to other healthcare professionals for follow-up treatment.
• Displays professionalism while completing multiple urgent tasks in a timely manner.
• Records all care information concisely, accurately and completely, in a timely manner, in the appropriate format and on the appropriate forms.
• Functions as a preceptor or an educational resource in the initial and on-going orientation of new personnel, students, etc.
• Respects and honours cultural and religious differences between patients and self.
• Upholds HIPAA regulations.
• Is punctual and can be relied upon to report when assigned to work.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by completing Life Talent assignments by established deadlines, maintaining certification and license requirements to insure no lapse in expiration.
• Puts patient first. Always. Strives daily to give all customers excellent care.
• Involves the patient and/or family in the utilization of processes which respect patient’s rights.
• Participates in meetings, committees and continuing education to improve both individual departmental and organizational performance.
• Handles conflicts and concerns in a timely and professional manner, utilizing crisis-de-escalation skills when appropriate.
• Promotes cooperative relationships among health care teams by communicating information, responding to requests, building rapport, participating…