Job Summary
The Registered Nurse has authority and is accountable for decision making relative to the nursing care of the patients on designated patient care unit on designated shift. Functions independently within a broad scope of established hospital and departmental policies and goals in rendering physical and supportive care and health teaching to adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients. Safely manages the environment of care while providing services. Interacts appropriately with staff, physicians, and other departments in collaborative relationships to meet the needs of patient/families. Supervises and delegates appropriately to other licensed and non licensed staff members in providing care to patients/families.
Essential Functions:
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Prioritize nursing care for assigned critically ill patients based on assessment data and identified needs.
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Perform emergency medical procedures, such as basic cardiac life support (BLS), advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), and other condition stabilizing interventions.
- Discuss illnesses and treatments with patients and family members. Advocate for patients' and families' needs or provide emotional support for patients and their families.
- Uses critical thinking skills in diagnosing clinical problems and in defining interventions.
- Administer medications intravenously, by injection, orally, through gastric tubes, or by other methods. Less than 3 errors for the year.
- Document patients' medical histories, med reconciliation and assessment findings on admissions and completing all admission documentation in EMR.
- Collaborate with other health care professionals and service providers to ensure optimal patient care
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Demonstrates knowledge regarding tissue and organ donation protocols and advanced directives.
- Competent to titrate drips including but not limited to sedatives, vaso-active medications, insulin drips, paralytics, anti-arrhythmic medications.
- Documents data related to patients' care including assessment results, interventions, medications, patient responses, or treatment changes in EMR.
- Accurately obtains and records in EMR results of glucose monitoring and ACT Plus analyzer.
- Accurately runs controls on glucometer and ACT Plus analyzers and documents QC appropriately. Ensures that control bottles and test cartridges are dated accurately.
- Manage patients' pain relief and sedation by providing pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, monitoring patients' responses, and changing care plans accordingly.
- Administer blood and blood product transfusions or intravenous infusions, monitoring patients for adverse reactions.
- Competent to transport ICU/Ventilatory patients to radiology and other areas. Competent to recover patients from OR.
- Set up, operate, or monitor invasive equipment and devices such as smart pumps, epidural pumps, pacemakers, warming and cooling machines, intra-aortic balloon pump, SCD's, mechanical ventilator.
Education:
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Graduate of an accredited nursing school program.
Licenses/Certifications:
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RN licensed in the state of Texas
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BLS
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ACLS
Experience:
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1-2 years of ICU experience preferred