RN - CCU at CARLE

Position Highlights: CT7A Critical Care Unit

• Number of beds on unit: 20
• Patient population (age, diagnosis, specifics about unit): The Critical Care Unit is a 20-bed unit specializing in the care of acutely critically ill adults requiring close monitoring and frequent, advanced intervention. Specific patient populations and conditions for the Critical Care Unit include, complex multi-trauma, acute stroke, neurosurgical patients, post-op oral/maxillofacial reconstruction, uncontrolled seizures, invasive ventilation, shock requiring vasopressor support, organ donation, and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT).
• Nurse to Patient ratio: 1:2
• Department culture and resources: The Critical Care Unit is a fast-pace, team-oriented unit. We work closely with our own critical-care physician partners, residents, advanced practice providers, and ancillary team members to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. We have a robust Partnership Committee that meets bi-monthly. We have a unit-based educator, a quality outcomes coordinator, 2 nurse supervisors and charge nurses.
• Frequent nursing skills/equipment used: Minimum Q4 hour full RN assessments. Minimum Q1 hour vital signs. Continuous cardiac monitoring by primary RN, Foley/IV/NG/OG insertions, arterial line/central line/chest tube/External Ventricular Drain (EVD)/Intracranial Pressure (ICP) monitoring and care, IV pumps, feeding pumps, lift equipment. Commonly used IV drips: vasopressors, diprivan, dexmedetomidine, midazolam, fentanyl, amiodarone, diltiazem, insulin, dobutamine, heparin, octreotide.

• Performs all responsibilities and duties required by unit as specific to the scope of service. Implements procedures and theories related to the specific area of practice. Maintains up-to-date and accurate documentation of nursing care provided to assure the integration of information for use by the healthcare team.
• Completes initial assessment upon patient admission and develops appropriate plan of care in accordance with unit standards and that is based on patient and family needs. Implements plan of care, nursing interventions, and patient care procedures. Modifies plan of care based upon continuous evaluation.
• Takes responsibility for patient and employee safety by reporting and/or correcting safety hazards and incidents.
• Communicates with others directly and in private when necessary to resolve issues. Offers constructive feedback to assist in the professional development of peers, and confers with colleagues to expand knowledge base. Identifies own learning needs and takes initiative to begin appropriate solution.
• Fulfills all requirements of departmental competencies.

• Ensures good communication with patients/family by utilizing meaningful hourly rounding, bedside report and whiteboards
• Works with ventilated patients for early mobility
• Collaborates with team to ensure best outcomes
• Prepares equipment and aids physician during examination and treatment of patient
• Responds to life-saving situations based upon nursing standards and protocol
• Monitors and adjusts specialized equipment used on patients, and interprets and records electronic
  displays, such as intracranial pressures, central venous pressures, and
  cardiac rhythms from cardiac monitors, respirators, ventilators, oxygen pumps, etc.