POSITION SUMMARY + Registered Nurses provide direct care to patients and are a part of all care given by other departments. Registered Nurses must continually strive to provide the highest quality of care possible for the patients. They must also lead the nursing team toward the achievement of the goals of Cuyuna Regional Medical Center. High quality care and overall efficiency are essential components to this success. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS + Education and Experience: + A minimum of 2 years prior Critical Care experience preferred. If the nurse does not have a minimum of two years of recent ICU experience, a hospital designated critical care course must be completed within six month of hire. Trauma training that meets state approved criteria within one year of hire. + License/Certificates: + Current Minnesota RN license. American Heart Association BLS required within 30 days of hire. American Heart Association ACLS required within 4 months of hire. PALS required within 1 year of hire. + Special Skills and Aptitudes: + The critical care nurse uses the nursing process to care for the critically ill patient in a manner consistent with recognized standards of nursing care and evidenced based practice as outlined by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses and the Minnesota Board of Nursing. Specific skill expectations include: + The critical care nurse collects data from the patient, collaborates with other members of the health care team, physicians, and the patient's family/significant other to conduct a thorough assessment of the patient condition. This information is used to prioritize care for the patient across the continuum of care. Patient information is documented in the medical record timely. + The critical care nurse uses the data from the assessment to formulate a nursing diagnosis. The critical care nurse uses critical thinking skills to identify outcomes based on the assessment. The critical care nurse is aware of available resources, and serves as an advocate for the patient when additional resources are needed. + The critical care nurse develops and implements a plan of care based on the assessment and diagnosis and plans interventions based on identified outcomes using available resources to promote homeostasis. The plan of care includes attention to the patient's physiological, psychological, emotional, psychosocial, spiritual, community, and educational needs. The plan of care is communicated to other members of the team as appropriate and is revised in response to the patient condition changes. + The critical care nurse evaluates the effectiveness of care delivered using evidence based outcomes criteria. This is achieved through ongoing assessment and reassessment and trending of patient assessment data. The nurse communicates changes in patient condition to the physician in a timely manner. + The critical care nurse demonstrates effective communication and interpersonal skills. + The critical care nurse demonstrates leadership by creating an encouraging environment for nurses new to the critical care environment, serving as mentors, participating on hospital committees, and demonstrating flexibility in the dynamic critical care environment. + The critical care nurse is accountable for own professional development and learning; attends internal and external educational offerings, in-services, and unit meetings. The critical care nurse keeps current in the specialty of critical care nursing practice standards and promotes an environment of collegiality and collaboration. + The critical nurse demonstrate competence and skill with use of hospital equipment, follows hospital policies and procedures, and conducts self in a professional manner at all times. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES + RN: + + Exercise concern for the patient's welfare, maintain knowledge of the patient's condition, administer medication, and perform treatment while practicing and maintaining high ethical standards. + Responsible for the direct and indirect care of assigned patients, maintain accurate and complete records of nursing assessment and care, and counsel the patient and family in meeting nursing and related needs. + Remain up to date on new nursing skills and technology, utilizing the nursing process (observation, assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation) in the delivery of care. + Provide appropriate care for patients who will be undergoing or are recovering from orthopedic surgery. + Perform duties in accordance with physician's orders, the Medical Center's policies, methods, and techniques, and in coordinating with other departments and Medical Center personnel. + Provide leadership and promotes teamwork. + When requested, participate in in-service programs, education programs, and orientation of new personnel. + Demonstrate Standards of Excellence when other duties are assigned. + ICU RN: + + Remain up to date on skills and maintains proper CEU's for critical care certifications. + Monitor all ICU patients to and from procedures and/or other departments.