MAIN FUNCTION:

Assesses, plans, implements, evaluates and documents the age appropriate and evidence-based care of acutely and critically ill medical, cardiac and surgical adolescent/adult patients. Provides acute stroke care per protocols of the WCH designated stroke unit. Assists with special and invasive bedside procedures. Directs the care delivered by others in the department. Collaborates with Physicians to evaluate patient readiness for transfer out of critical care environment. Accepts med surg and telemetry overflow patients as necessary. Communicates effectively with the intraprofessional team and families.

MUST HAVE REQUIREMENTS:

• ACLS within 1 year of hire, and maintain while in position
• 1 year current hospital nursing; New graduates only with completion of critical care preceptorship or current Nurse tech position
• Complete NIH Stroke Certification with 6 months and maintain while in position
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with a diverse community

Other Position Expectations

• Ability to interpret and operate cardiac and other invasive and noninvasive monitors, recognize normal/abnormal rhythms /trends, and institute appropriate interventions.
• Performs ECGs
• Performs phlebotomy and collects blood for testing and blood culture analysis
• Responds to in house codes, RRTs, STEMIs and Stroke alerts as required

• 
  Maintain competency in:
  • Caring for patients with complex needs including hemodynamically compromised, acute stroke and mechanically ventilated patients
  • Initiating and maintain complex IV therapy , including thrombolytic administration, vasoactive medications, central IV catheters, dialysis catheters & arterial lines
  • Safe use of less invasive, life supporting modalities i.e BiPAP, ETCO2, core temperature monitors, IABP
  • Prevention and management of complications associated with critical illness, e.g. CAUTI, CLABSI, VAE, VAC
  • End of life care decisions, management and terminal extubation
  • Creating and maintaining a healing and humane environment for patients and families
  • Identifying and supporting CPI (continuous process improvement) activities in the ICU and hospital
  • Engagement with coworkers, unit leadership and key hospital leaders