This position is responsible for assisting clinical team members by performing a variety of duties for patients within the patient-focused care system and under the direction/supervision of a physician/mid-level provider, registered nurse and/or licensed practical nurse. Assumes, under the direction of such, responsibility for patient arterial and venous sheath removal, urinary catheter insertion and removal, ABIs, peripheral IV insertion and removal, routine and venous specimen collection, 12 lead EKG, safe use of bladder scanner, defibrillator, vein finder, Doppler, and EKG machine, as well as other clerical duties to assist in the smooth operation of the department.

Primary Duties:

Primary Duties

• Actively participates in the admission process including, but not limited to collecting the patient history, allergies and home medication list.
• Actively participates in the transition of care process including, but not limited to, assisting patient/family with preparations for discharge and wheelchair transportation to private or commercial vehicle.
• Provides competent direct care and providing for a safe and comforting environment resulting in a positive patient/family experience.
•  Maintains competency for use of clinical patient care equipment.
• Documents and reports abnormal observations to the RN in a timely manner.
• Assists in the maintenance of skin integrity with the use of emollients, creams, etc. Cares for superficial skin tears under the direction of the RN.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Maintains standard precautions.
• Carries out medical orders such as administration of medications and treatments, within hospital policy and within patient population-specific parameters.
• Provides BLS in response to emergency situations.  Provides ACLS under the direction of the RN and provider in emergency situations.
• Performs Point of Care procedures in a timely manner according to established policy and procedure.  Documents required information and complies with all Point of Care quality control standards.
• Adheres to hospital policy and procedures.

Qualifications/Specifications:

• Education: High school diploma or G.E.D. required.  Graduate of an accredited school of Licensed Practical Nursing.
• Licensure/Certification: Licensed Practical Nurse or MA certification. BLS certification required within the first 30 days of employment. Basic EKG skills required within 6 months of employment. Certification is to be renewed by recommended renewal date on certification card.
• Experience:   With MA diploma, MA certification or LPN, none required. Without MA diploma, MA certification or LPN degree, minimum of six (6) months continuous and recent patient care experience required, preferably in an acute care setting. Knowledge of EMR and ability to navigate EMR preferred.

Position Summary:

Primarily responsible for the shift-to-shift operations of the hospital, including but not limited to managing the logistics of patient admissions and bed control, assisting with staffing in the absence of the Director or Assistant Director and addressing/resolving patient emergencies. Participates in direct care as well as managerial tasks. Is the facilitator of the Rapid Response Team and responds to all Codes. Collaborates with other staff in sharing of resources, as well as providing support and leadership to the staff during his/her shift. Maintains patient safety and confidentiality at all times. Assumes, under the direction of the Laboratory, responsibility for patient specimen testing, quality control, quality improvement, and equipment maintenance.

Work Schedule:

Flexible schedules to cover all shifts and weekends, as hospital needs demand

Primary Duties:

• Actively participates in administering patient care and management of related services.
• Coordinates the admission, discharge and transfer of patients in collaboration with other Directors.
• Verifies insurance for Direct Admit patients without an Emergency Medical Condition.
• Assists families and patients in teaching the skills necessary for successful post-discharge care.
• Ensures patient equipment and supplies are available and in operating condition.
• Performs clinical quality improvement activities such as patient satisfaction, physician satisfaction and staff satisfaction surveying as necessary. Identifies and implements corrective actions as necessary. Monitors the annual quality indicators for compliance to standards.
• Possesses the knowledge of growth and development of appropriate patient populations.
• Maintains the responsibility for professional growth and development.
• Performs Point of Care procedures in a timely manner according to established policy and procedure. Documents required information and complies with all Point of Care quality control standards.

Managerial Tasks:

• Documents call-ins for all Departments in the absence of the Director/Asst Director.
• Assists in the overall operation of the hospital through active participation in projects aimed at achieving the hospitals mission, and incorporates the values of the hospital in day-to-day activities.
• Assists in the selection of equipment, supplies and goods for the running of the hospital and the caring of the patient with the goals of quality and cost efficiency.
• Communicates with staff and physicians on administrative issues and follows-up on issues until closure.
• Manages the resolution of patient or family complaints with the collaboration of the Directors as needed.
• Fiscally manages within budget and helps monitor overtime.
• Evaluates staff competencies and intervenes to maintain quality.
• Participates in selecting outside sources for needed services.
• Conducts performance reviews of staff and assists in the development of staff in collaboration with the Education Coordinator.
• Assists in recruiting and hiring competent staff.
• Assists staffs in problem-solving work issues, and adapting to the focused patient care environment.
• Maintains communication with off-duty Directors on an as-needed basis.
• Completes the Administrative Report for each shift.

Staff/Unit Responsibilities:

• Delegates appropriately to non-licensed staff in keeping with job descriptions, licenses requirements and standards of practice.
• Participates in peer review.
• Participates in developing other staff and affiliating students.
• Maintains and develops own professional competencies.
• Maintains and promotes a team spirit through active cooperation and collaboration.
• Assists in interdepartmental service coordination.
• Actively participates in the Performance Improvement and Utilization Review programs.
• Assumes a leader role in the maintenance of the patient-focused care delivery system.
• Assists in directing and guiding staff in the coordination of unit operations.
• Assists in all aspects of care if the environment, such as dietary, housekeeping, infection control, and supply and equipment management.
• Attends 80% of in-services and departmental meetings.
• Coordinates with the hospital Directors to accommodate and resolve staffing issues.

Qualifications/Specifications:

• Education: Graduate of an accredited program of nursing.
• Licensure/Certification: Registered Nurse with current state licensure or licensure from a state within the Nursing Compact. Current BLS and ACLS certification. Certification is to be renewed by recommended renewal date on certification card.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years continuous clinical experience in a critical/acute care setting required. Minimum of 2 years recent management experience preferred.

This professional staff person is responsible for performing assessments, developing a plan of care and implementing and evaluating the care. The RN-Critical administers medications and treatments as ordered by physicians and in keeping with the current clinical nursing practice. Also responsible for directing, monitoring and evaluating the care delegated to non-licensed personnel. The RN-Critical leads the interdisciplinary care team for patients with primarily cardiovascular disease. In addition, the RN-Critical performs a range of technical services in a cross-functional mode to comprehensively serve patient needs. Assumes (under the direction of the Laboratory) responsibility for patient specimen testing, quality control, quality improvement and equipment maintenance.

Primary Duties

Patient Care:

• Completes admission assessment and periodic reassessments according to patient’s progress and/or unit routines and patient population-specific parameters.
• Documents findings and communicates all pertinent information to interdisciplinary team members as appropriate.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members in the development, evaluation and revision of the plan of care as appropriate to meet the patient’s needs and goals.
• Provides competent direct care and ensures the provision of a safe and comforting environment resulting in a high level of patient satisfaction.
• Assists healthcare team members in the understanding of hospital policies and procedures.
• Provides education to patients/families/significant others, incorporating patient population-specific criteria and assessment of readiness to learn.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Maintains standard precautions.
• Administers medications and completes treatments according to provider orders, hospital policy and within patient population-specific parameters.
• Maintains all necessary documentation.
• Facilitates transition of care plan in collaboration with interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to use necessary patient care equipment.
• Coordinates response of the interdisciplinary team to emergency situations.
• Performs Point-of-Care procedures in a timely manner according to established policy and procedure. Documents required information and complies with all Point-of-Care quality control standards.
• Evaluation and Review of Patient Care Services:
  • There shall be established working relationships with other services of the hospital, both administrative and professional.  The factors explaining the standard are as follows:
    • Registered Nurses confer with the physicians relative to patient care
    • Interdepartmental policies affecting patient care are made jointly with the nurse executive or designee
    • Procedures are established for scheduling laboratory and X-ray examinations, for ordering, securing and maintaining supplies and equipment needed for patient care and for ordering diets, etc.

ICU

• Ability to formulate an individualized plan of care and revise plan according to the patient’s response to treatment. Evaluates plan regularly for effectiveness.
• Communicates appropriately and clearly to Resource Nurse, CCO and Physician.
• Demonstrates knowledge of cardiac monitoring; identifies dysrhythmias and treats appropriately based on orders and ACLS protocol.
• Able to perform a head-to-toe assessment on all patients per policy.
• Able to monitor hemodynamic status of patient and correctly interpret the results.
• Consults other departments as appropriate to provide an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs.
• Coordinates and supervises patient care as necessary.
• This position is designated as a safety sensitive position because of the essential duties of the job involves critical medical care to patients.  A lapse in attention to detail may constitute a threat to health or safety resulting in injury, illness or death.  This position is required to work in a constant state of alertness in a safe manner. 

Position Summary

This professional staff person is responsible for performing assessments, developing a plan of care and implementing and evaluating the care. The RN-Critical administers medications and treatments as ordered by physicians and in keeping with the current clinical nursing practice. Also responsible for directing, monitoring and evaluating the care delegated to non-licensed personnel. The RN-Critical leads the interdisciplinary care team for patients with primarily cardiovascular disease. In addition, the RN-Critical performs a range of technical services in a cross-functional mode to comprehensively serve patient needs. Assumes (under the direction of the Laboratory) responsibility for patient specimen testing, quality control, quality improvement and equipment maintenance.

Primary Duties

Patient Care:

• Completes admission assessment and periodic reassessments according to patient’s progress and/or unit protocols and population-specific parameters.
• Documents findings and communicates all pertinent information to interdisciplinary team members as appropriate.
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members in the development, evaluation and revision of the plan of care as appropriate to meet the patient’s needs and goals.
• Provides competent direct care and ensures the provision of a safe and comforting environment resulting in a high level of patient satisfaction.
• Assists healthcare team members in the understanding of hospital policies and procedures.
• Provides education to patients/families/significant others, incorporating population-specific criteria and assessment of readiness to learn.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Maintains standard precautions.
• Administers medications and completes treatments according to hospital policy and within population-specific parameters.
• Maintains all necessary documentation.
• Facilitates discharge plan in collaboration with interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrates knowledge and ability to use necessary patient care equipment.
• Coordinates response of the interdisciplinary team to emergency situations.
• Performs Point-of-Care procedures in a timely manner according to established policy and procedure. Documents required information and complies with all Point-of-Care quality control standards.

Qualifications/Specifications

• Education: Graduate of an accredited nursing program required.
• Licensure/Certification: Registered Nurse with current state licensure or licensure from a state within the Nursing Compact required. BLS certification required within 30 days of employment and prior to providing direct patient care.  Successful completion of ACLS certification is required for any Registered Nurse by completion of clinical orientation. Certifications will be renewed by recommended renewal date on the certification documentation.

Do you want to be appreciated daily? Our nurses are celebrated for being the heroes on the front line, an ever-ready advocate for patients. At Arkansas Heart Hospital, our nurses lead a patient-focused care model, setting us apart from any other healthcare provider, where we bring care back to the bedside ensuring the best outcomes for our patients.  We are seeking a committed RN for our Progressive Critical Care Unit to join our team.

In the Progressive Critical Care Unit, our nurses play an integral role. Just as each of our patient’s characteristics are varied, we desire our nurses to be just as diverse.  Utilizing each nurse at the top of their scope and experience levels, we have a variety of patient populations for you to choose from!

Consider working as a primary nurse caring for up to 4 patients that are pre and post cardiothoracic surgery patients alongside another nurse with support by unlicensed team member.

Or choose to work on a care team as the nurse leader with an LPN and unlicensed team member caring for up to 7 cardiac / medical lower-acuity patients.

Or choose to work where you are need most, leveraging your skill and expertise with a mixed patient acuity assignment of up to 4 patients, including cardiac / medical / surgical patients.  This, also alongside another nurse and with support of an unlicensed team member.

Our patient focused care model makes it possible for nurses to choose the path that fits them best all while delivering the highest level of quality nursing care. Apply today for our RN Progressive Critical Care Unit opportunity.

What you will do in this role:

• Assess patient condition, identifying and reporting any changes in patient status.
• Perform procedures or other functions as ordered by the provider.
• Document the administration of care in the patient medical record in a timely and thorough manner.
• Perform the administration of prescribed medications and monitors effectiveness
• Maintain a knowledge of medications, procedures, surgeries and equipment used in the care of cardiac / medical / surgical patients.

Arkansas Heart Hospital is the premiere cardiac hospital in the state of Arkansas. Our main campus is located in the heart of Little Rock, with clinics nearby in Little Rock and North Little Rock. We serve central Arkansas with cardiac care and a full range of cardiac services, ranging from surgical procedures to cardiology to electrophysiology at our Heart Rhythm Institute.

“World’s Best Hospitals”- 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 – Newsweek
5-star hospital – CMS

Responsibilities

• Assessment, Nursing Diagnosis, Outcome Identification, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Responding to life-saving situations, including providing advanced life cardiac support
• Assisting providers with procedures, including moderate sedation
• Administering wound care, medications, including intravenous fluids and titration of vasoactive continuous infusions
• Management of critical care patient equipment, including ventilators, BIPAP, cardiac and hemodynamic monitoring, etc.
• Care and Management of pre/post procedure/surgical patients, including cardiothoracic, vascular, general surgical and medical
• Providing education and support to patients/caregivers
• Supervision/delegation of duties to unlicensed assist personnel
• Patient specimen testing and quality control under direction of the Laboratory
• Documents findings and communicates effectively
• Maintains patient confidentiality, standard precautions

Requirements

• Education: Graduate of an accredited nursing program; BSN preferred but not required
• Licensure/Certification:  Registered Nurse with current state licensure or licensure from a state within the Nursing Compact
• Experience:  one year cardiac or critical care nursing (exception – New Graduate RN Residency Program)
• BLS within 30 days of hire and prior to completion of clinical orientation
• ACLS prior to completion of clinical orientation
• Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) preferred
• Nurse Characteristics varying from advanced beginner to expert with the goal of promoting patient’s optimal outcome:
  • Clinical Judgment – clinical reasoning
  • Advocacy – ability to work on another’s behalf
  • Caring Practices – compassionate, engaging
  • Collaboration – works well with others
  • Systems Thinking – global perspective for patient needs
  • Response to diversity – sensitivity, appreciation
  • Clinical inquiry – innovation through learning and evaluation of practice
  • Facilitation of learning – for patient and caregivers, including validation of learning