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10+ years of experience
Nursing Supervisor and Diabetes Unit
- Hospital Implemented, supervised and evaluated the inpatient component of the Diabetes Treatment Center at Memorial, Managed over 40 staff members
- 24 hour responsibility of this 44 bed decentralized inpatient unit
- Initiated the first hospital in the area to initiate capillary glucose monitoring
- Active role model and staff educator
- Active in community health fairs in Diabetes education
0-5 years of experience
Provided critical care nursing in the Surgical Intensive Care Units. Patients included both acutely and chronically ill patients who were s/p (Status Post) general surgery and had undergone complex surgical procedures.
- Responsible for continuous monitoring and assessment of assigned patients.
- Maintained and recorded accurate and detailed flowsheets of patient’s condition.
- Reported any symptoms and changes in patient’s condition.
- Modified patient treatment plans as indicated by patient’s condition
- Consulted and coordinated with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans in a dynamic critical care environment.
- Ordered, interpreted, and evaluated diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient’s condition.
0-5 years of experience
Preformed comprehensive assessments. Utilized assessment information to identify problems, make nursing diagnosis, formulating goals, teaching plans and outcome to create an individualized plan of care.
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills, specific judgment, and organization skills. Prioritized tasks and adjusts priorities when necessary.
- Recognized and reported errors and unusual occurrences and analyzed contributing factors. Initiated corrective action when appropriate.
- Computer Charting every 2hrs and as needed
- Active communication with members of the health care team.
- Preformed total patient care per shift
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for the comprehensive care of critical care patients with complex cardiac conditions.
- Initiated admissions of new patients from the Emergency Department.
- Coordinated patient care, social work referrals, and outpatient treatment.
- Performed procedures of intravenous therapy including venipuncture for blood tests, set-up and monitoring of chest tubes and drainage systems, angiocath insertions and saline lock insertions.
- Assisted with the insertion and dressing of central lines and TPN administration.
- Provided patient education for pre-operative and post-operative catheterization and open-heart surgery patients and explained discharge instructions.
- Served as a preceptor for nursing students from Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing.
0-5 years of experience
Worked in the Pediatric ER, Pediatric ICU, Pediatric CVICU, Pediatric floor, Pediatric Oncology and Neonatal ICU
- Followed Pediatric advanced life support guidelines in patients in cardiopulmonary failure
- Provided direct patient care to patients’ with high acuities that are respiratory, cardiac and neurologically impaired
- Worked in a team environment with doctor and nurse practitioner on staff 24 hours at a time; immediately reported critical values and changes in patient status
- Observed patients’ vital signs and implemented interventions based on critical thinking and assessment skills
- Implemented treatment plans of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma, and hypertension in children
0-5 years of experience
- Demonstrated extensive knowledge of multiple disease states and the various medications and products used to treat them
- Performed full assessments and provided total patient care for 1-2 patients in the Intensive Care Unit
- Collaborated with physicians and other medical staff to develop an integrated and holistic patient Plan of Care in alignment with patient and family needs
- Administered medications via various routes and monitored patient for adverse effects
- Performed as a first responder to Code Blues and Rapid Responses throughout the hospital
- Educated patients and families in areas of medication, safety, prevention, and symptom management
0-5 years of experience
- ICU charge nurse in the most advanced trauma hospital in the country that provided care for all U.S and coalition service members, local Afghani civilians, D.O.D., Afghan National Army and Enemies of the Peace
- Responded to all incoming traumas as ICU charge nurse in a highly unpredictable, fast-paced environment stabilizing patients for medevac within 24-48 hours of injury, maintained a 98% survival rate
- Involved in providing pre-operative and post-operative care in over 200 humanitarian surgeries in a third world country
- Adapted to and respected extremely diverse cultural and religious considerations while providing care to Afghani local nationals
6-10 years of experience
Delivered quality, compassionate care to acutely ill medical-surgical patients in 20-bed ICU.
- Specialized educator of Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump in critically ill cardiac patients.
- Cross-trained and worked in cardiovascular ICU and emergency room.
- Mentored and instructed over 40 new staff members on critical care nursing.
- Award-winning educator for mentoring receiving the first-ever Coach of the Year Award 2013.
- Consistent high remarks on yearly evaluations for compassion and teamwork.
- Promoted to shift charge nurse making staff assignments and critical decisions for unit.
- Worked as a float nurse to step-down units and other critical care areas.
- Served on quality care committees addressing patient and staff satisfaction.
0-5 years of experience
Collaborated with a team of doctors; residents; physical, occupational, speech, and respiratory therapists; and other nurses to care for acutely ill patients requiring specialized training and equipment
- Elected to complete 40+ additional hours of stroke protocol and traumatic brain injury management training in addition to work-mandated training
- Volunteered to mentor nursing students and train new-hires
- Certified in BLS & ACLS, lead and assisted in numerous codes and Level 1 trauma admissions
0-5 years of experience
Participated in a 21 weeks preceptor guided training program designed for experienced RNs new to providing care to Critical care and Emergency Department patients.
- Managing and planning of care of critically ill patient.
- Developed clinical autonomy at the point of patient care.
- Developed organizational, interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
- Actively participate in unit activities and nursing councils.
- Involved in integrating evidence based practice to patient care.
0-5 years of experience
Served in surgical intensive care unit (S.I.C.U)
- Ensured that life support equipment (ventilators, feeding tubes) functions well
- Monitored patient’s vital signs (temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration)
- Administered IVs, medications, and inserted catheters
- Responsible for the hygiene of patients
0-5 years of experience
17 bed CVICU/CCU. Admit and recover high acuity patients with multisystem comorbities.
- Provide critical care to patients with potential life threatening heart conditions. Observe patients, use advanced assessment skills, analyze data, communicate findings to healthcare team professionals.
- Proficient at hemodynamic monitoring, vasoactive, and inotropic drip titration.
- Manage care of ventilators, IABP, CRRT, BIVAD, Arctic Sun per hospital policy and standard of care.
- Provide emotional support to patients and there families while in the intensive care unit.
6-10 years of experience
- Assessed, planned, implemented and evaluated nursing care utilizing the nursing process for critically ill clients admitted to the intensive care, cardiac or telemetry units on a per diem or contractual basis at various hospitals in the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area
- Collaborated with medical staff and other disciplines to provide coordinated and patient centered care
- Provided health education to patients and families regarding plan of care and discharge instructions
0-5 years of experience
Charge nurse for 30 patients.
- Comfortable with hemodynamic unstable patients, ventilators and medications
- Audited charts and did monthly reviews of charts for compliance
- Responsible for staffing and maintaining the flow of the ICU for transfers and discharges
- Responded to all emergencies in the hospital
- Care plans were written and customized for each patient.
0-5 years of experience
- Taught general education courses including; EKG interpretation, hemodynamic monitoring & BLS
- Developed & taught an intense critical care course that prepared staff for the certification exam
- Developed & implemented ACLS certification courses for critical care staff and physicians
- Worked with the Tennessee Nurses Association to ensure courses met requirements for credit
10+ years of experience
Worked as a change nurse in the emergency room department.
- Worked with physicians, nurses, and corpsmen to ensure a safe and professional work environment for delivery of patient care according to hospital policies and procedures.
- Worked as a triage nurse documenting patient’s medical history and assessment results.
- Prioritized nursing care based on patients symptoms and illnesses.
- Worked as staff nurse starting IV’s; administering moderate sedation medication, assessing medical ports, administering IV medications, antibiotics, IM medications and PO medications according to hospital procedures and policies.
- Monitored patients’ progress via cardiac monitoring machine as needed and assessed vital signs per hospital policy and procedures.
- Delivered safe and continuous care to patients while reporting any abnormal vital signs to the attending physician and charge nurse.
- Trained and oriented new hire nurses to the department per hospital policy and procedures.
- Participated and maintained required continuing education and training required for the knowledge and use of department equipment.
6-10 years of experience
Cared for critical care patients in a combined Medical/Surgical Unit
- Admitted and monitored patients from various areas with Cardiac, Respiratory, Vascular, GI, Orthopedic Complications
- Monitored EKG’s, mechanical vents, chest tubes, labs and reported significant changes
- Floated to various areas such as ER and Telemetry as needed
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for total patient care, including medication, orders and treatments.
- Assists the physicians in performing special procedures.
- Closely monitors cardiac and physical status of patient
- Assists in emergency nursing procedures necessary for prompt control of changes in patient’s physical condition.
- Able to perform the techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation accurately and effectively.
- Keeps abreast of changing techniques in critical care nursing and maintains a high level of expertise in critical care
0-5 years of experience
Respond to routine, urgent and emergent patient problems appropriately by demonstrating effective decision-making. Provide follow through to ensure problem resolution
- Advocate for patient and family needs and wishes with regard to health care
- Formulate and articulate succinct and comprehensive assessments of real and potential problems to the ICU Intensivist’s
- Solve clinical patient problems independently and in a timely manner, communicate unresolved problems to the Intensivist’s and assume the monitoring caseload until the situation is resolved
- Provided one-on-one supervision on patients with psychiatric illness
- CLABSI Initiative Team Member
- Member of the CAUTI policy and procedure council
- Hiring Council Member
0-5 years of experience
Assess needs, develop and implement plans to maximize delivery of quality patient care. Adhere to policies and procedures to enhance patient care operations.
- Responsible for the delivery of primary and total patient care services, patients in the immediate post-operative and post-procedural period.
- Provide special care to patients who had undergone open-heart surgery.
- Monitor patient conditions and interpreted data for proper care and treatment. Evaluating responses to treatments and interventions.
- Ensure all diagnostic tests are carried out appropriately.
- Act as a patient advocate and provide appropriate support family members.
- Respond to emergency situations in a proactive manner.
0-5 years of experience
Performed comprehensive clinical assessments and implement treatment plans per physician’s orders.
- Initiated general pre-operative health practices following physician’s orders.
- Provide direct care and monitoring of post-cardiac surgical patients in cardiac unit.
- Provide hands on therapeutic interventions to patients in order to achieve prompt recovery and discharge.
- Fully trained in Advanced Cardiac Resuscitation and Advance Life Support.
- Supervised nursing assistant assigned to patients in order to ensure proper and quality of care.
- Provide medical/educational instructions to patients and their families in order for patient to achieve proper care at home.
- Assertive communication with physicians and care team regarding potential problems with patient care treatment goals.
- Coordinate with case management safe and effective discharge planning.
- Ensure proper documentation and justification for treatment provided.
0-5 years of experience
Planning, implementing, and evaluating care of unstable patients with life threatening medical conditions
- Monitoring cardiac and physical status of critically ill patients ; recognizing and responding to complications ; administering medications and treatments
- Assisting with bedside procedures including intubation, central line placement, and surgical procedures
- Code Blue and Rapid Response Teams
- Mixed ICU/CCU: Care of patients with cardiac, pulmonary, GI, endocrine, neuro, renal, and multisystem failure, as well as post-surgical care
10+ years of experience
Implement challenging care for critical ill patients and help them in their recovery
- Asses, plan, implement, evaluate and document nursing care of critical patients
- Assign duties to nursing assistants
- Educate patients and family about their medical conditions
- Precepts for new nurses and student nurses to the unit
0-5 years of experience
Care of critical and unstable patients (GSW, MI, AAA, stroke, drug overdose, vented patients etc.)
- Medication administration (vasoactive mediations, TPA, etc.)
- Serves as a preceptor for nurses, EMT, and paramedic students.
- Care of psychiatric patients (SI, depression, bipolar, schizophrenia, etc.)
- IV’s, NGT/OG tube placement, Foley catheter placement, assistance with ET tube and chest tube placement
- Care of pediatric and mental health population
10+ years of experience
Registered Nurse many years of hands on experience in 20+ bed critical care environment. Ability to multitask and deliver care for 4+ critical care patients during a normal 8 hour shift. . Current BCLS certifications.
- Ability to work under pressure
- Strong communication skills
- Strong critical thinking ability
- Resource person for new grads/employees
- Telemetry experience
- Patient advocate
6-10 years of experience
Resourcefully develop and implement Intensive Care orientation program.
- Serve as Chair of Telemetry Certification Program, Mock Code Program Development, and Early Mobilization of Mechanically Ventilated Patients Initiative.
- Spearhead low-fidelity monthly simulation project for Intensive Care Unit.
- Co-chair of Critical Care Specialty Council and member of Nursing Professional Practice Council.
- Apply keen attention to detail toward performing ICU Safety Event Report evaluation and debriefing.
- Serve as member of Induced Hypothermia Team.
- Administer general nursing orientation program to newly-hired personnel.
- As lead lecturer on sepsis, formally recognized and awarded in 2010 and 2011 for contributions to Learning Resource Center’s Advanced Assessment programs.
- Recipient of 2010 Partners in Excellence award.
0-5 years of experience
Provide care to patient in life-threatening conditions.
- Complex assessment, high-intensity therapies and interventions and continuous nursing vigilance.
- Monitor the quality of care the patient receives in accordance with the patient’s choice
- Respect and support the right of the patient or the patient’s designated power of attorney (POA) in autonomous informed decision making.
- Respect the values, beliefs and rights of the patient and create environments that are healing, humane and caring
- Advocate for patients who cannot speak for themselves in situations that require immediate action and act as a liaison between the patient, the patient’s family and other healthcare professionals
0-5 years of experience
Patient acuity is critical, including ventilators, tube feeding, hemodynamic monitoring, reading telemetry, and prepared for cardiac / pulmonary arrest
- Responsible for direct patient care, assessment, medication administration, monitoring, and evaluating treatment therapies
- Care of Critical patients: Trauma 1-2, Neurology, Post-op, Cardiac (MI’s, Pre / Post Catheterization with stent placement, Fem-Pop Bypasses, Carotids), post mortem care, and Medical Surgical procedures
- Patient / family advocate
- Distribute medications and monitoring outcomes / side effects
- Monitor all outcomes
- Initial assessments, establishing goals, care plans, and discharge
- Patient and family education.
- Supervision of support staff assignments.
0-5 years of experience
Creating a welcoming, caring and safe environment for neonates and their families.
- Providing direct patient care for neonates.
- Care and suctioning of infants on artificial ventilation.
- Strict attention to oxygen administration.
- Administer and monitor intravenous and enteral feedings.
- Extensive monitoring of abdomen, girths and bowel movements.
- Monitor and document intake and output, daily weights.
- Teaching parents how to maintain health at home.
0-5 years of experience
Offers direct patient care to critically ill medical, surgical, and trauma patients
- Detail oriented assessment, documentation and treatment of patients
- Coordinates care of critically ill patients with other members of the interdisciplinary team
- Responds to codes as member of the code team in designated areas
- Instructor for BLS for professional staff
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for patients in a complex environment providing care for critically ill patients.
- Performed hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis with continuous monitoring of patients vital signs, response to procedure and medication.
- Help patients and families understand physical condition, diseases, therapies and medications
- Quickly react to change in condition or response to treatment. Collaborate with physicians to recommend modifications.
0-5 years of experience
Provide care to patients with critical care needs
- Mange patients on ventilators
- Respond to Code Blue, Rapid Response, and Code Strokes within the facility
- Certification in ACLS, BLS, and PALS
- Provide patient education regarding diagnosis
10+ years of experience
Works closely with the Emergency Critical Care staff including Veterinarians, supervisors and staff from other departments
- Perform nursing duties including administering medication as well as placing intravenous catheters
- Assisting in critical care of patients
- Interpersonal communication with staff members and clients.
0-5 years of experience
Provided bedside care to critically injured trauma patients
- Titrated vassopressers and sedation
- Experience with mechanically ventilated patients
- Worked alongside doctors, respiratory therapists, nutritionists, and other members of the healthcare team to provide quality patient care
- Talked with family during their time of grieving and consulted pastoral care social work
- Worked with Midsouth Donor and Transplant Foundation
10+ years of experience
Employed as float staff in many different areas.
- Telemetry-Specialty- Post-op Open Heart patients/Trauma patients.
- Floated to Coronary Care Unit, Surgical Care Unit, Intermediate Respiratory Care Unit, Emergency Room, Medical Surgical floors and Maternity Unit.
- Rehabilitation- Patients with Neurological Disorders, Post-op Hip and Knee surgery patients.
- Considerable amount of time spent working in Psychiatric Unit.
10+ years of experience
Advanced skills in cardiac monitoring and EKG interpretation.
- Responsible for maintaining arterial and pulmonary artery lines.
- Caring for ventilator dependent patients.
- Initiating peripheral intravenous access and arterial blood gas collection
- Charge Nurse Responsibilities and preceptor for new nursing hires when assigned.
- Primary care nursing in a 9 bed Intensive Care Unit and 14 bed Intermediate Care Unit.
- Interpretation, transcription, documentation, and implementation of physician orders.
- Recover patients after procedures varying from cardioversion to aortic aneurysm repair.
- Assist physicians with various procedures at bedside, including bronchoscopy, cardioversion, colonoscopy, temporary pacemaker, upper endoscopy, invasive line insertion-arterial or pulmonary artery, insertion or removal of chest tubes.
0-5 years of experience
Manages critically ill patients. Provides care to patients aged 14 to elder.
- Manages equipment used to monitor physiologic systems, such as ventilators, areterial
- Completes management of medication and IV therapy and supports patient’s vital signs by safely titrating medications,
- Manages patient care in rapidly changing circumstances and takes action to avoid or minimize patient compromise.
6-10 years of experience
- Responsible for the direct and indirect total nursing care of the patients in the critical care setting.
- Utilizes the nursing process, hospital policies and procedures, and professional nursing standards in conjunction and collaboration with physicians and other professional disciplines.
- Demonstrates teamwork, cooperation, and collaboration with co-workers, patients, and other providers throughout department and hospital.
- Assesses patient’s admission needs related to biophysical, psychosocial, environmental, self-care, educational, and discharge planning and documents and interprets data within specific time frames to initiate plan of care.
- Demonstrates clinical competence consistent with departmental policies, procedures, and protocols.
- Administers medication safely according to policy and procedure.
0-5 years of experience
Interpret hemodynamic data of critically ill patients and make appropriate adjustments to plan of care.
- Anticipate advanced needs of patients based upon diagnostic data, physical assessment and relevant medical history
- Respond to life-saving situations, using nursing standards and protocols for treatment
- Manage post-operative care of women having a variety of surgical procedures, including gynecologic (cancers and benign) surgery, bladder slings for urinary incontinence, hysterectomy (abdominal, vaginal, laparoscopic), rectovaginal fistulas and pelvic prolapse
- Closely monitor hemodynamic variances to identify signs of cardiac and other life-threatening complications associated with fluid and electrolyte imbalances
- Facilitate the recovery process through patient and family education with a focus on pre/post-operative procedures, injury prevention, medication, and pain management strategies.
0-5 years of experience
Responsible for direct patient care within established standards of care, hospital and department policies and guidelines
- Provide direct patient care based on physical, psychosocial, educational, cultural, safety and related criteria of the patient
- Assess the comprehensive nursing needs of all age groups
- Coordinate the patient and family education process
- Practice within the scope of the Registered Nurse Practice Act
- Continuously plan, implement, and evaluate patient care for on-going care
- Incorporates patient and family into the process of patient care
- Partner with physicians and other interdisciplinary team members to develop and implement patient and family plan of care
- Precept/orient new employees to department to grow a healthy, cohesive and competent critical care team
- Journal Club Member who team studies peer-reviewed, scientific journal materials based on best evidenced based practice to further patient safety and improve nursing practice
0-5 years of experience
Completed AACN’s essentials of Critical Care Orientation course
- Participated in professional seminars addressing comprehensive assessment skills, patient care management, interdisciplinary collaboration and nursing models of care delivery
- Exercised nursing skills and critical thinking within simulated critical care scenarios at NSLIJ Patient Safety Institute state-of-the-art simulation facilities
- Oriented in direct patient care for the critically ill under experienced ICU nurses
0-5 years of experience
Neurology/Neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit
- Post op craniotomies for tumor resections
- Stroke patients- SAH, IVH, IPH, ICH, SDH
- Pre and post angiogram patients
- Monitoring of EVDs, lidco’s, lumbar drains, arterial lines, central venous lines
- Titration and maintenance of vasoactive drugs & sedatives
10+ years of experience
11 years experience in post-operative care unit
- Highly skilled in providing care to patients, knowledge of hemodynamic and pain control
- Hands on experience in coordinating consultants with physicians and ensures quality care to patients
- Coordinates patient care and discharge planning
- Provides clinical skills in emergency care/ IV infusions/ phlebotomy/ respiratory treatments/cardiac monitoring/wound care
- Charge Nurse on evening shift
- Performs monthly reviews and chart audits
- Works per diem in units of hospitals in addition to PACU
- IV infusions/monitors patients/safely discharges patients /Emergency care
10+ years of experience
Provides primary care to complicated, critically ill patients with cardiovascular/pulmonary health deficits
- Maintains and enhances skills and knowledge through continuing education
- Consistently answers patients/families questions to the best knowledge
- Takes the initiative to listen/explain/inform and respect privacy
- Takes responsibility, is personally accountable and acts as team player
- Recognizes and respects cultural diversity
- Contributes to the Center’s commitment to quality and financial viability
- Acts a preceptor to all new employees and teaches the roles needed to succeed
- Uses the Nursing Process skills to develop, implement and evaluate age appropriate plan of care
- Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, Intra Aortic Balloon Pump, Impella Heart Device certified
- Proficient in moderate sedation, defibrillation, chest tube drainage system and safe patient handling
0-5 years of experience
Primary care of patients who are intubated, ventilator management, and hemodynamically unstable.
- Monitoring and titration of vasopressors like dopamine, levophed, phenylephrine, dobutamine, isuprel drips and others.
- Monitoring and titration of sedation drips like diprivan and versed drips and others.
- PA or Swan Ganz catheter care.
- Arterial line care and management.
- Central line care and management.
- Post PTCA patient care and monitoring.
- Care of STEMI and non code stemi patients.
- Care of patients with CHF’
- Care of post cardiac arrest patients (induced hypothermia).
- Care of post VATS, chest tube care and management.
0-5 years of experience
Provided necessary triage.
- Identify urgent medical problem
- Document medical history
- Perform procedures such as intubation, IV placing and medication administration
- Collaborated with physicians and members of medical team
- Communicated with patients and family to assist in care.
- BLS
- ACLS
0-5 years of experience
Oversaw operations in the critical care setting of hospital.
- Has suggested many improvement ideas to upper management.
- Improved morale among staff.
- Has significant nursing knowledge.
- Assume responsibilities for operations in critical care setting.
- Proven professional.
- Leadership Training
6-10 years of experience
- Resourcefully develop and implement Intensive Care orientation program.
- Serve as Chair of Telemetry Certification Program, Mock Code Program Development, and Early Mobilization of Mechanically Ventilated Patients Initiative.
- Spearhead low-fidelity monthly simulation project for Intensive Care Unit.
- Co-chair of Critical Care Specialty Council and member of Nursing Professional Practice Council.
- Apply keen attention to detail toward performing ICU Safety Event Report evaluation and debriefing.
- Serve as member of Induced Hypothermia Team.
- Administer general nursing orientation program to newly-hired personnel.
0-5 years of experience
- Level II Neurology, Surgical, Trauma, and Cardiac Care
- Continuous assessment and monitoring of the critically ill patient.
- Follow evidence-based practice when planning clinical interventions.
- Implement an appropriate plan of care.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with clinicians regarding changes in patient condition.
- Complete accurate and thorough clinical documentation.
- Titration of vasoactive drugs, sedation, and pain medications for desired effect.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Critical Care Nurse Duties and Responsibilities
To ensure proper care for patients and the successful operations of emergency or intensive care departments, Critical Care Nurses must perform a variety of tasks. We have reviewed several job listings and found the following among the core Critical Care Nurse duties and responsibilities.
Assess and Treat Patients In many cases, a Critical Care Nurse might see a patient before a physician does, so they must be prepared to assess a patient’s condition and begin treatment. This would include taking vital signs, treating and dressing wounds, setting up IVs and administering medication. They would monitor a patient’s progress and report any changes to the physician.
Order Diagnostic Tests Since many illnesses or injuries typically require some sort of diagnostic testing, it is often up to the Critical Care Nurse to send orders for these procedures, which can include x-rays, CT scans or EKGs. A Critical Care Nurse can go over test results with physicians in order to come up with effective treatment plans.
Educate Patients A Critical Care Nurse can explain patient conditions to patients themselves and family members. They can review care plans that patients can continue once they have been discharged from the hospital or clinic. These plans could include dietary restrictions, physical therapy exercises, medications or other lifestyle changes.
Comply with Healthcare Regulations A Critical Care Nurse should be knowledgeable about and aware of any regulatory laws concerning health care, such as patient privacy and personal health information laws. They should also know and work under the policies of the specific medical facility in which they are employed. Finally, they should adhere to clinical and ethical standards of their profession.
Critical Care Nurse Skills
Critical Care Nurses should have strong analytical, interpersonal and decision-making skills. They should be able to effectively communicate with patients, families and other health care professionals. The ability to work in teams is essential for Critical Care Nurses. These nurses often work long shifts and it is important that they have the physical ability to stand for long periods of time, transport patients by pushing or pulling gurneys and wheelchairs, and lift patients as needed. In addition to these general skills, a Critical Care Nurse could be expected by potential employers to possess the following skills. Core skills: Based on job listings we looked at, employers want Critical Care Nurses with these core skills. If you want to work as a Critical Care Nurse, focus on the following.
- Knowing treatment plans and options for various life-threatening medical conditions
- Understanding how to use various medical devices, such as catheters and feeding tubes
- Operating life support systems
- Understanding patient safety and privacy rules and regulations
- Creating and implementing patient care plans
Advanced skills: While most employers did not require the following skills, multiple job listings included them as preferred. Add these to your Critical Care Nurse toolbox and broaden your career options.
- Adhere to ethical standards of nursing practice
- Knowledge of relevant health information systems and technology
- Able to speak other languages in addition to English
Critical Care Nurse Resources
It is beneficial to research additional information if you are considering a career as a Critical Care Nurse that can give you insight into the challenges and responsibilities of this position. We have provided links to online and print resources about this career, which appear below. On the Web
Nurse Eye Roll – A Critical Care Nurse gives a personal perspective on a career in nursing, with various posts on nursing practice, patient care and more.
Lamentations44 – Another blog examining the personal insight of an actual ICU nurse, with real-life stories about patients and how she feels about her role as a Critical Care Nurse. Industry Groups
American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) – AACN supports Critical Care Nurses by providing up-to-date webinars and live conferences focusing on nursing practices and evidence-based learning. Certification information, continuing education and online publications are also provided.
American Association of Heart Failure Nurses (AAHFN) – An organization offering educational and nursing practice information for Critical Care Nurses working in cardiac care clinics or units.
American Nurses Association (ANA) – Since 1911, ANA has been providing professional support to nurses of all areas. The organizations offers information about professional conduct, safety, ethics and advocacy. Books
Priorities in Critical Care Nursing 7th Edition – An in-depth look at the Critical Care Nurse career, from patient management techniques to diagnostic practices.
Critical Care Nursing Made Incredibly Easy Fourth Edition – An easy-to-read and often humorous text about how to work in various specialties of critical care, conditions you might see, advice about how to handle specific situations and more.
Concise Review of Critical Care, Trauma and Emergency Medicine: A Quick Reference Guide of ICU and ER Topics – An insightful book presenting clinical scenarios Critical Care Nurses and other ICU and ER professionals can expect to see when working in these environments.
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Critical Care Nurse
Last edited by: Gabriela Barcenas, CONTENT STRATEGIST -
Gabriela Barcenas
CONTENT STRATEGISTGabriela is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and career adviser. With 10 years of digital media experience and five years of resume writing expertise, her publication history includes fashion, education, travel, social justice, equitable design and career advice.
