ICU RN FT Days

ScionHealth•Houston, TX

About The Position

Provides quality nursing care to critically ill patients through assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation, and serves as a patient advocate. Supervises care delivered by other caregivers and develops nursing care plans in coordination with patients, families, and interdisciplinary staff. Uses critical thinking to promote positive clinical outcomes, provides patient education, and participates in discharge planning. The role is with Kindred Hospital Houston Medical Center and Acute Rehabilitation Unit, which provide specialized care for patients with complex medical needs in a long-term acute care hospital and an acute rehabilitation unit.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Registered Nursing program.
Registered Nurse state licensure and/or compact state licensure upon hire.
Basic Life Support (BCLS) certification, facility-specified.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification, facility-specified.
Minimum one year of training and experience in critical care.
Able to communicate effectively in English, both written and verbal; must read, write, and speak fluent English.
Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
Knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on patient age and clinical condition.
Basic computer knowledge.
Ability to organize tasks, develop action plans, set priorities, and function under stressful situations.
Ability to maintain good working relationships with coworkers.
Good and regular attendance.

Responsibilities

Maintain nursing standards and follow hospital and nursing department policies and procedures.
Assess patients on admission and as required; document assessments, reassessments, care plans, and other pertinent information in the electronic medical record.
Develop and update nursing care plans in coordination with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team, and refer patients to other disciplines when appropriate.
Supervise, direct, and evaluate nursing care provided by other caregivers; assist team members and provide direct care when professional nursing skills and judgment are needed.
Administer medications safely, following ICU policies and the seven rights of medication administration.
Receive and accurately transcribe physician orders, ensure order entry is accurate, and follow through on orders.
Recognize and respond to changes in patient condition, initiate emergency measures, notify physicians, and obtain orders as appropriate.
Recognize cardiac rhythms and institute the appropriate arrhythmia protocol.
Obtain consents for procedures and blood transfusions and ensure patients have information needed to make informed decisions.
Assist physicians with special tests and procedures, including thoracentesis, paracentesis, arterial line placement, and bronchoscopy.
Manage patient tubes and devices, including catheters, feeding tubes, chest tubes, drains, ostomies, and continuous bladder irrigation.
Set up and monitor hemodynamic systems, verify telemetry lead placement, validate telemetry strips, and report and document findings.
Recognize critical laboratory values and report and document them appropriately.
Coordinate nursing care when patients are scheduled for therapy or procedures with other departments.
Participate in patient and family education, discharge planning, and communication of pertinent information to patients, physicians, and nursing staff.
Provide a complete report to the oncoming RN and ensure documentation, physician orders, and patient rooms are in order.
Maintain a clean and safe care environment and use supplies economically; keep equipment clean and safe.
Participate in the orientation of new personnel and performance evaluations of nursing staff.
Maintain professional growth, complete annual health, safety, and education requirements, and attend mandatory in-services and staff meetings.
Protect the confidentiality of patient and employee information and comply with organizational policies, ethical practices, and applicable safety and security procedures.
Maintain professional appearance and identification, demonstrate guest-relations skills, and represent the organization positively.
Perform other related duties as assigned.