Registered Nurse Tier 1 (Union) ICU

Appalachian Regional Healthcare•Whitesburg, KY

About The Position

The Registered Nurse (RN) applies specialized knowledge, judgment, and nursing skills grounded in the psychological, biological, physical, and social sciences while using the nursing process in the assigned department. The RN collaborates with physicians and multidisciplinary team members, supports patients and their friends and families physically and psychologically, and supervises assigned team members and students. The role includes providing and coordinating critical care nursing in the ICU, completing patient assessments, developing and adjusting plans of care, administering prescribed medications and treatments, and using critical care equipment and procedures. The nurse also supports patient education, advocacy, safety, discharge planning, documentation, staff development, and communication across the care team. 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.

Requirements

Associate's 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.
Ability to operate critical care and emergency equipment, including respirators, temporary pacemakers, and defibrillators.
Ability to set up and maintain cardiac and hemodynamic monitoring, interpret results, and respond appropriately.
Ability to perform the listed critical care procedures and manage specialty drips under approved protocols.
Successful completion of a critical care course acceptable to the Community Chief Nursing Officer, with demonstrated mastery of critical care equipment, diagnostic responsibilities, and procedures, before working as the sole RN provider on the unit.
Required critical care coursework in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and management of an obstructed airway, EKG interpretation, drug therapy including emergency IV drug therapy, hemodynamic monitoring, and critical care procedures.
Adequate orientation to unit policies, procedures, and equipment, including safety, infection control, and performance improvement practices.
Registered Nurse license.
Advanced Dysrhythmia/EKG certification.
NIH Stroke Certification.
BLS certification.
Advanced Life Support Certification.
De-Escalation Training within six months of hire.
Completion of Moderate Sedation, Stroke Modules, and Restraints competencies.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree.
Experience with an Electronic Health Record.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification.

Responsibilities

Complete patient assessments; formulate, oversee, evaluate, and adjust plans of care using critical thinking.
Perform nursing acts authorized or limited by the board and consistent with accepted nursing standards of practice.
Provide care, counseling, health teaching, and promotion, using the Teach Back methodology to confirm comprehension.
Administer medications, intravenous therapy, and treatments as prescribed by a licensed independent practitioner (LIP).
Supervise, delegate to, and follow up 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 promptly escalate patient-related concerns.
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 personal professional development.
Communicate effectively, listen actively, and demonstrate compassion and empathy.
Use SBAR for handoff communication and bedside shift reporting unless contraindicated.
Serve as a positive influence and role model and adhere to the professional code of conduct.
Respect the dignity and confidentiality of matters relating to patients.
Perform other assigned job duties.
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 and assistance with peritoneal dialysis, paracentesis, and thoracentesis.
Manage specialty drips using approved protocols.
Complete an approved critical care course and demonstrate mastery of required equipment, diagnostic responsibilities, and procedures before assignment as the unit’s sole RN provider.
Complete unit orientation covering policies, procedures, equipment, safety procedures, infection control practices, and performance improvement activities.
Complete Moderate Sedation, Stroke Modules, and Restraints competencies.