Job Summary
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. Additionally, is able to perform general nursing duties in all departments with adequate supervision. Participates in performance improvement and CQI activities.
Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas
- Knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age of the patient and their clinical condition.
- Follows the seven (7) medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.
- Ability to monitor hemodynamic status of patient and correctly interpret the results.
- Ability to perform a head-to-toe assessment on all patients and reassessments as per policy. This includes neonate, 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.
- Ability to interpret results of waived tests; take appropriate action on waived tests results.
- Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
- Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
- Ability to formulate an individualized plan of care, revise plan 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 knowledge of cardiac monitoring, identifies dysrhythmias and treats appropriately based upon ACLS protocol.
- Provides care to patients with compromised nutritional/metabolic status.
- Provides care to patients requiring extensive fluid and electrolyte management.
- Communicates appropriately and clearly to charge nurse, co-workers and physicians.
- Consults other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.
- Provides care appropriate to disease condition and age of the patient.
- Coordinates and supervises patient care as necessary.
Regulatory Requirements
- Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
- Current Registered Nurse licensure in the State of Texas.
- Current BCLS certification.
- Current ACLS certification.
- Current PALS certification.
- Basic EKG or Arrhythmia-identification certification preferred.
- Minimum of one (1) year work experience in the Emergency Department/ICU.
