Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse (RN)

Aptive•Houston, TX

28d•Onsite

About The Position

Aptive Resources is seeking skilled Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurses (ICU RNs) to join the team at the Houston, TX VA Medical Center. The ICU RNs will be responsible for ensuring that nursing care complies with accepted standards of care and clinical practice. They will assess, plan, implement, document, and evaluate patient care in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setting where life-threatening diseases or injuries require close monitoring and, at times, quick intervention. The nurse will coordinate and implement patient care specific to the adult and geriatric population served in the ICU, functioning both dependently and independently under the guidance and direction of the Nurse Manager/designee.

Requirements

Licensure: Current, unrestricted RN license from any state in the United States.
Certification: Current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate accredited by the American Heart Association.
Current Advanced Cardiopulmonary Life Support (ACLS) certificate accredited by the American Heart Association.
Experience: Minimum of three (3) years prior experience in an intensive care setting, including critical care experience. No more than a six-month gap in ICU experience.
Graduate of a school of professional nursing approved by the appropriate State-accrediting agency and accredited by ACEN or CCNE.
Proficient in critical care nursing practices and procedures.
Strong clinical skills in ICU settings.
Ability to perform under pressure in emergency situations.
Excellent documentation and communication abilities.
Team-oriented with a focus on collaborative patient care.
Ability to complete and successfully pass any required government background check

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing or related field, or a Master’s Degree in Nursing or related field is highly preferred.
Acute/Critical Care Nursing (CCRN) certification through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses Certification Corporation (AACN).

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive care to patients in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), and Cardiac Care Unit (CCU).
Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care.
Perform hemodynamic monitoring and manage patients on mechanical ventilators, Airvo humidification systems, and BiPAP.
Administer vasoactive drugs and manage CRRT (Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy).
Provide care for patients undergoing open-heart, general, and vascular surgeries, and manage intra-aortic balloon pumps.
Perform insertion of peripheral and central lines and assist with the insertion of chest tubes.
Collect blood samples by venipuncture, central lines, and Swan-Ganz catheter.
Draw arterial blood from existing lines.
Perform 12-lead EKGs immediately if the patient experiences chest pain or signs and symptoms of cardiac abnormalities.
Follow ACLS protocol in the event of asystole.
Attach patients to pacing wires and pacing generators if external pacemaker placement is required.
Document patient care and observations accurately in CPRS and/or Clin Comp Hospital Electronic Record (HER) flowsheet throughout the shift.
Record pertinent information and communicate effectively with the healthcare team.
Ensure nursing care meets accepted standards of care and clinical practice.
Maintain certifications and continue professional development.
Adhere to safety protocols and utilize proper body mechanics to prevent injury.