Critical Care Registered Nurse (ICU RN)

Provides critical care nursing to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients; obtains patient history and pertinent family history; assesses patient and plans appropriate nursing care; documents plan of care and care given in patient’s medical record; verifies transcription of Physician orders; carries out prescribed Physician orders and documents inpatient medical record; communicates pertinent patient data to the Charge Nurse and/or Physician; re-assesses patient’s condition and revises plans-of-care; administers medications and IV therapies; possesses knowledge of emergency drugs and crash cart locations; assesses and documents patient responses; interprets cardiac rhythms and implications; initiates life-saving measures in emergencies; instructs patients and families regarding medications/therapies; assesses patient/family knowledge level and records understanding; operates defibrillator, EKG machines and cardiac monitors; cares for patients with Swan-Gans catheters, arterial lines and mechanical ventilators; participates in discharge planning; may accept a verbal order in compliance with policy; intake/output of fluids; reviews lab data and electronic medical records; titrates medications; may manage feeding tubes and urinary catheter care; ensures orders from previous shift are noted or transcribed; demonstrates VA customer service standards and respects patient rights; lifts, stands, walks and performs other physical tasks as required.