Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Registered Nurse (RN) - Veteran Affairs Contract

Professional Summary:

The RN will utilize their broad-based clinical knowledge to effectively assess, implement health promotion and prevention interventions, manage acute and chronic illness states, assist patient/residents in the attainment of optimal levels of functioning rehabilitation, evaluate patient/resident response to actual or potential health problems, and provide supportive measures for the dying patient/resident and their significant others. Nursing care is performed in accordance with the Louisiana Registered Nurses Practice Act and within the individual nurse s scope of license.

Core Responsibilities:

• Assess the health care needs of the patient/resident and maintain or develop a plan of care to meet interdisciplinary goals

• Assess and act on significant changes in the patient s/resident s health condition

• Carry out the plan of care by performing/assigning delegated tasks

• Collect and document pertinent data into the electronic patient/resident medical record

• Complete nursing assessments within required time frames, and in accordance with policy and procedure.

• Identify and act on predictable needs of the patient/resident

• Meet the health care needs of patient/resident by assessing and assisting the

patient/resident to meet expressed needs

• Meet the emotional and spiritual needs of patients/residents and/or families

• Prioritize and complete tasks within the RN s assigned shift

• Update patient/resident care plans

• Notify assigned physician of any changes in condition

• Report incidents of verbal or physical abuse immediately to the Nurse Manager of the unit they are assigned; or designated off-shift nursing leadership

• Perform head-to-toe assessment

• Insert IV lines

• Care and management of peripheral and central lines, including PICC lines

• Administer medication including IVs

• Coordinate and participate in admission and discharge of patient

• Measure vital signs, including pain (the 5th vital sign), pulse oximetry, etc.

• Perform wound care assessments including dressing changes (sterile and nonsterile), and obtaining wound cultures as necessary

• Obtain and deliver specimens to lab

• Perform tracheostomy care

• Perform non-acute ventilator care, if needed

• Perform suctioning including oral, nasogastric, and tracheostomy

• Perform deep suctioning, which may include obtaining specimens

• Assess for and administer tube feedings

• Assist with routine urinary and bowel elimination including catheters, colostomies, and digital stimulation

• Educate patients/residents and/or families regarding health and diagnoses and medication administration including indications for the medication.

• Respond and assist in an emergency situation

• Provide clinical oversight to Licensed Practical Nurses, Nursing Assistants and Health Technicians

• One-to-one observation to include virtual observation

• Performing capillary blood glucose and monitoring

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Maintains regular and punctual attendance.