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.

Patient Care:

• Provides competent direct care and ensures the provision of a safe and comforting environment resulting in a high level of patient satisfaction.
• Provides education to patients/families/significant others, incorporating population-specific criteria and assessment of readiness to learn.
• Maintains patient confidentiality.
• Maintains standard precautions.
• 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.

Staff/Unit Responsibilities:

• Meets the on-call responsibilities as defined in the departmental policies and procedures manual.
• Maintains equipment and supplies.
• Fosters an environment conducive to the dynamic changing pace of today’s technology through continuous review and assessment of perioperative care.
• Assists in teaching families/significant others of patients the information needed for successful perioperative care.
• Prepares operating room and equipment by opening sterile supplies and instrumentation for procedures to be performed.
• Assumes responsibility to maintain sterile technique and apply principles of infection control and medical ethics.
• Functions as a Scrub Assistant when needed; is able to assume primary and secondary scrub duties.
• Assists with specific and safe positioning of patient on OR table.
• Anticipates needs of the surgeon with little or no prompting.
• Counts sponges and related items with circulating nurse before and during surgical procedures.
• Assists operative team with donning sterile gown/gloves and applying sterile drapes to the surgical field.
• Cares for surgical specimens on the sterile field.
• Maintains sterile field in an organized manner so anyone can utilize it at any time during the procedure.
• Assists in transportation of the patient.
• Settles patient after procedures and provides accepting RN with concise reports on the patient.
• Ensures that patient has an H & P documented by a physician according to appropriate standards prior to procedure.
• Ensures that patient has a signed consent present in the chart prior to procedure.
• Delegates appropriately to non-licensed staff in accordance with job description, license requirements and standards of practice.
• Utilizes resources in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
• Participates in developing other staff and affiliating students.
• Maintains and develops own professional competencies.
• Maintains unit-based competencies.
• Maintains and promotes a team spirit through active cooperation and collaboration.
• Assists in interdepartmental service coordination.
• Actively participates in the Performance Improvement program.
• Assumes a leadership role in the maintenance of the patient-focused care delivery system.
• Assists in directing and guiding staff in the coordination of unit operations.
• Supports the multi-skilled worker environment (i.e., cross training).
• Demonstrates willingness to assist other areas of the hospital, as needed.
• Cross-trains and willingly works in other areas of the hospital, accepting assignments within competency level.
• Effectively applies prioritization and time management to patient’s care.
• Assists in all aspects of care in the environment.
• Adheres to all policy and procedures.
• Ensures that patient has a signed consent present in the chart prior to procedure.

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.
  • PALS or ENPC certification required for all Emergency Department RNs within one year of employment.
  • RCIS required for Cath/EP Lab RNs within six months of eligibility. Limited Specialty License required within two months of acquiring RCIS. (excluding PRN employees)Certification(s) is to be renewed by recommended renewal date on certification card.