CSICU RN - Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse

Trinity Health•MMCIA - MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center Central IA, IA

20h

About The Position

The CSICU Registered Nurse provides and directs safe, effective, culturally competent care for high-risk, critically ill patients with actual or potential life-threatening conditions, including cardiovascular and surgical patients. Using evidence-based practice and critical thinking, the nurse assesses patients, plans and implements individualized care, and evaluates outcomes. The role may include responsibility for assigned ECMO patients and requires coordination and supervision of care provided by LPNs, Patient Care Assistants, and other nursing team members. The nurse facilitates communication with physicians, patients and families, departments, and team members, and performs duties in accordance with MercyOne's Mission, Vision, and Values. This is a full-time position at 36 hours per week on a 12-hour night shift, scheduled 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. A relocation incentive is available to eligible candidates. Critical care nursing experience is preferred but not required. Applicants need an associate degree; a BSN is preferred. Required credentials include a current Iowa RN license (and a current Illinois license if working in Illinois), BLS, and Mandatory Reporter certification. ACLS must be obtained within 12 months of hire, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training must be completed within six months of hire. A cardiac monitoring course, advanced nursing or critical care coursework, or comparable training is required. Basic computer skills and the ability to work with diverse groups, under pressure, independently, and with accountability are also required. For nurses serving as ECLS specialists, additional requirements include completing an ELSO-guideline-based formal course of study designed by the ECLS Program Coordinator and approved by the ECLS Program Medical Director; completing 72 hours of supervised ECLS case management (36 hours with a qualified preceptor at the pump and 36 hours as the primary pump specialist with a veteran specialist serving as the patient's bedside RN); satisfactorily completing an eight-hour introductory ECLS competency simulation workshop verified by the ECLS Coordinator and ECLS Medical Director; and meeting annual requirements to maintain specialist status.

Requirements

Associate degree required; a BSN is preferred.
No experience required; critical care nursing experience is preferred.
Current Iowa RN license; current Illinois RN license if working in Illinois.
BLS certification and Mandatory Reporter certification.
ACLS within 12 months of hire.
Cardiac monitoring course, selected advanced nursing or critical care coursework, or comparable training.
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training within six months of hire.
Basic computer skills.
Ability to work with diverse groups of people.
Ability to work under pressure with a high degree of independence and accountability.
Ability to lead and direct others in a high-stress situation or environment.
For ECLS specialists: complete an ELSO-guideline-based formal course of study designed by the ECLS Program Coordinator and approved by the ECLS Program Medical Director.
For ECLS specialists: complete 72 hours of supervised ECLS case management, including 36 hours with a qualified preceptor at the pump and 36 hours as the primary pump specialist with a veteran specialist as the patient's bedside RN.
For ECLS specialists: satisfactorily complete an eight-hour introductory ECLS competency simulation workshop verified by the ECLS Coordinator and ECLS Medical Director.
For ECLS specialists: satisfy annual requirements to maintain specialist status.

Nice To Haves

BSN.
Critical care nursing experience.

Responsibilities

Perform initial and ongoing patient assessments and develop individualized, outcome-based plans of care.
Coordinate and deliver patient care, delegate tasks appropriately, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
Reassess patients regularly, update care plans, and document care thoroughly.
Communicate patient status and care needs across teams and during shift transitions.
Follow clinical protocols, administer medications safely, and use required systems and procedures proficiently.
Provide advanced care to ECMO patients when applicable, including circuit management, data documentation, and technical education.
Deliver care appropriate to patients' developmental stages and individual age-related needs.
Follow infection-control practices, safety procedures, and regulatory standards.
Adhere to legal, ethical, and organizational policies and participate in ongoing professional development.
Provide and direct evidence-based care for critically ill cardiovascular and surgical patients.
Supervise and coordinate care delivered by LPNs, Patient Care Assistants, and other nursing team members.
Facilitate communication with physicians, patients and families, other departments, and team members.
When serving as an ECLS specialist, complete required education, supervised case management, simulation, and annual competency requirements.