Registered Nurse Tier 1 (Union) ICU

Appalachian Regional Healthcare, Inc.•South Williamson, KY

About The Position

The Registered Nurse applies specialized nursing knowledge, judgment, and skills grounded in psychological, biological, physical, and social sciences to the nursing process in the assigned department. The RN collaborates with physicians and multidisciplinary team members, supports patients and their families physically and psychologically, and supervises assigned team members and students. In the ICU, the RN provides critical care, operates and monitors specialized equipment, performs designated procedures, manages specialty drips using approved protocols, and responds to patient needs. Before serving as the sole RN provider on the unit, the nurse must complete an approved critical care course and demonstrate mastery of required equipment, diagnostic responsibilities, and procedures. The nurse is oriented to unit policies, procedures, equipment, safety practices, infection control, and performance improvement activities.

Requirements

Associate degree and graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
Minimum of one year of acute care nursing experience.
One year of experience relevant to the specific department in which the nurse will work.
Registered Nurse license.
Advanced Dysrhythmia/EKG certification.
NIH Stroke Certification.
BLS certification.
Advanced Life Support Certification.
Complete De-Escalation Training within six months of hire.
Before assignment as the sole RN provider on the unit, successfully complete a critical care course acceptable to the Community Chief Nursing Officer and demonstrate mastery of required equipment, diagnostic responsibilities, and procedures.
Critical care coursework must include cardiopulmonary resuscitation and management of an obstructed airway, EKG interpretation, drug therapy including emergency IV drug therapy or routes normally left to a physician, hemodynamic monitoring, and critical care procedures.
Complete orientation to unit policies, procedures, and equipment, including safety procedures, infection control practices, and performance-improvement activities.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree.
Up to one year of experience is listed as preferred.
Experience with an Electronic Health Record.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification.

Responsibilities

Assess patients, formulate plans of care, oversee their implementation, and evaluate and adjust them using critical thinking.
Perform nursing acts authorized or limited by the board and consistent with applicable nursing standards of practice.
Provide care, counseling, health teaching, and promotion, using Teach Back to confirm comprehension.
Administer prescribed medications, intravenous therapy, and treatments.
Supervise, delegate, and follow through with other personnel performing activities related to nursing care.
Mentor and precept students and orient new staff as assigned.
Report pertinent information through the chain of command to the Clinical Nurse Manager, Nurse Manager, or House Nurse Coordinator.
Participate in teams, committees, and performance-improvement initiatives.
Help ensure a safe and secure environment for patients, coworkers, and self.
Participate in discharge planning and transition of care, identifying patient needs.
Advocate for patients and escalate patient-related concerns in a timely manner.
Document pertinent findings in the medical record in a timely manner.
Assist patients with activities of daily living and function as an active team member.
Take responsibility for professional development.
Use effective communication and active listening, and demonstrate compassion and empathy.
Use SBAR for hands-off communication and bedside shift reporting unless contradicted.
Serve as a positive influence and role model and adhere to the professional code of conduct.
Respect patient dignity and confidentiality.
Perform other job duties as assigned.
Operate critical care equipment, including respirators, temporary pacemakers, defibrillators, and other emergency equipment.
Set up and maintain cardiac and hemodynamic monitors, interpret results, and take action as indicated by nursing practice and hospital procedures.
Perform special procedures including endotracheal and tracheostomy suctioning, tracheostomy care, extubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, arterial punctures, chest tube and Pleurevac care, and setup or assistance with peritoneal dialysis, paracentesis, and thoracentesis.
Manage specialty drips using approved protocols.
Complete required critical care coursework and demonstrate mastery of required equipment, diagnostic responsibilities, and procedures before assignment as the unit's sole RN provider.
Complete required competencies in moderate sedation, stroke modules, and restraints.