Registered Nurse-Critical Care

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

          Joy                         Care                      Competence                    Respect

Position Summary

Registered Nurses (RNs) in the Critical Care setting are incredibly important members of the medical team who have the humbling task of caring for our sickest and most vulnerable patients. RNs not only provide high-quality medical care, but they also provide a healing touch and a compassionate presence to patients and their families during joyful, stressful and uncertain times.

Graduate from an accredited and approved school of nursing accepted for licensure in the state of practice is required.

Bachelor’s of science in nursing is preferred.

Critical Care Nursing experience is preferred.

Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in state of practice is required.  Wisconsin:  RNs may practice with a valid multi-state RN license as outlined in the Nurse Licensure Compact rules.

Basic Life Support (BLS) is required. 

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) are required based on the patient population in the specialty area worked.

Speciality certifications based on patient population such as Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), and Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) are preferred.

Provides Family Centered Care by involving the patient and family in decisions about care.

Maintains excellent interpersonal communication with the health care team colleagues and patients.

Demonstrates critical thinking, diplomacy and problem-solving skills.

Demonstrates the ability to work well under pressure.

Detail oriented with excellent organization and priority setting skills.

Follows nursing process of assessment, planning, intervention and evaluation, incorporating physical as well as psychosocial needs of designated patient populations. Performs comprehensive initial patient assessment and reassessments.

Identifies patient problems and develops them into an outcome and goal-oriented plan of care. Analyzes and interprets assessment data to identify desired patient outcomes and goals. Determines nursing interventions to achieve those outcomes and goals. Prioritizes patient care needs and activities.

Implements the plan of care including procedures, treatments, physician orders, nursing orders, education plan and medications. Coordinates implementation of plan of care with the multidisciplinary team members.

Communicates relevant clinical information to the team to optimize patient outcomes and goals. Communicates relevant clinical information to the physicians regarding the patient’s condition.

Provides age appropriate direct patient care, evaluates outcomes, and consults with other disciplines as needed with consideration of physical, psychological, social, cultural, spiritual, environmental, self-care, education, and discharge planning factors.

Provides nursing care to maximize patient safety and quality outcomes.

Maintains communication with the manager, house supervisor or charge nurse regarding admissions, unit needs, acuity and significant events.

Completes assigned shift duties and assures resolution of discrepancies.

Willingly accepts other duties as assigned.

Serves as a resource person for nursing personnel in other areas regarding certain specialized equipment and procedures common to critical care.

Possess the information, skill, and understanding of the work to be performed.  Actively participates in continuing education opportunities and maintains certifications, licensure as appropriate.

Reduces the risk of healthcare acquired infections through compliance with current CDC hand hygiene guidelines and facility policies including the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), if applicable.  Utilizes standard precautions during patient contact and when handling contaminated materials.  Demonstrates compliance with National Patient Safety Goals.

Complies with all standards, policies and procedures including dress code, attendance and punctuality.  Attends required in-services and meetings and completes all mandatory competencies by deadline.  Commits to keeping all patient, student or colleague information confidential and maintains excellent interpersonal communication with the health care team colleagues.

Emphasizes a holistic approach to patient care-attending to body, mind, and spirit while upholding ethical principles with patient care and all other aspects of work.  Actively involves the patient and family in decisions about care.  Promotes quality care by participating in organizational councils/committees and/or support of related process.  Documents services provided to patients in the electronic medical record in accordance with policy and requirements. 

The purpose of this job description is to provide a summary of the major responsibilities performed by colleagues in this position. Colleagues may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.  Variances in job duties performed may exist between facilities, and colleagues may perform other related duties as assigned to meet the needs of the organization.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical, Mental and Environmental Requirements Category:

Clinical

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting

X

50 lbs.

Carrying

X

50 lbs.

Pushing

X

50 lbs.

Pulling

X

50 lbs.

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Use of Hands/Dexterity

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Extreme Cold

X

Extreme Heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Positions in this category may experience wet

conditions in his/her work environment

Noise

X

Positions in this category may experience a higher

noise level in his/her work environment.

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Positions in this category may experience a

temperature change in his/her work environment

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Other