Job Summary:
The ICU Registered Nurse is responsible for providing specialized care to patients with life-threatening conditions or comorbidities that require advanced organ support and invasive monitoring. This role demands working in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment where critical thinking, strong clinical knowledge, and the ability to make rapid, well-informed decisions are essential to delivering high-quality care to the most critically ill patients.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide expert nursing care for patients with life-threatening conditions, including those requiring sophisticated organ support and invasive monitoring.
- Assess and monitor patients' vital signs, response to interventions, and overall clinical status, making adjustments to care plans as needed.
- Manage patients with complex and varied conditions, such as overdose, post-surgical recovery, trauma, and chronic illness.
- Collaborate with the multidisciplinary healthcare team to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care.
- Administer medications, titrate drugs, and manage advanced life support interventions in accordance with protocols.
- Ensure timely and accurate documentation of patient care using electronic health record (EHR) systems, particularly EPIC.
- Provide emotional support to patients and their families during critical moments, including offering education and guidance regarding treatment plans and conditions.
- Maintain patient safety standards and infection control practices in a critical care setting.
Required Qualifications:
Certifications:
- Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification (AHA).
- Current ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certification (AHA).
Experience:
- Minimum of 1 year of experience in an ICU setting or equivalent critical care environment.
Skills:
- Proficiency with computer charting and electronic health records (EHR), specifically with EPIC.
- Strong critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and problem-solving skills in high-acuity situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both in working with the healthcare team and in providing support to patients and their families.