Staff Nurse - ICU/ER

Job Summary

 

The ICU Staff Nurse functions under the direct supervision of the Headnurse or Charge Nurse and provides total nursing care to critical medical, surgical and traumatized patients. The functions performed require judgment based upon the applications of scientific knowledge and skills and are guided by the established philosophy,  goals, objectives, standards and policies and procedures of the unit.

 

Major Duties and Responsibilities

 

Commitment to Hospital

Practice in a manner which is always client centered and fitting to an excellent Private Hospital, reinforcing the impression that the hospital regards the client (patient/family) as the focal recipient of excellent care, respect, friendly communication and professional behavior

Practice in a manner which promotes positive image of nursing and hospital to patients, family and visitors.

Take immediate action to resolve or clear any negative impression, complaint or distress expressed in any way by the patient or family

 

Job Competence

Completes a head to toe physical and social assessment of the patient upon admission

Initiate cardiac monitoring, oxygen therapy, invasive or noninvasive blood pressure monitoring, oximetry, evaluates IV sites and existing drainage systems

Develop a written care plan upon admission and review and update it daily

Under the direction and guidance of the Headnurse, closely monitors cardiac and physical status of patient under his/her care

Recognize cardiac arrhythmias and intervene using physician orders, ACLS algorithm and ICU standing orders

Reassess patient to identify progress and trends that require intervention or reporting to the physician

Assists in emergency procedures necessary for prompt control of changes in patient’s physical condition

Initiate Code Blue and performs the techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation accurately and effectively

Operate equipments like IV pumps, cardiac monitors (bedside and central), ventilators, pressure modules (arterial and CVP), Bair-Hugger cooling/warming unit, defibrillators

Interprets blood gas analysis and reports immediately abnormal readings

Administer medications, calculate doses and maintain current knowledge of medications

Accepts responsibilities delegated by the Headnurse

Maintains the patient’s clinical records, assists with execution of the physician’s orders and keep accurate problem oriented nurses’ notes

Performs patient care within the principles of primary nursing, reporting pertinent observations or complaints to the team leader or headnurse

Treat patients and their families with respect and dignity

 

Reliability

Treat all equipment carefully & immediately report anything that is out of order

Assist in emergency cases

Perform other duties that may be assigned by Head/ Charge Nurse or Area Manager

Relieve or transfer to another area when directed by Area Manager

Perform clerical duties as requested by the Head/ Charge Nurse

Practice in a competent and efficient manner.

 

Teamwork and Communication

Work cooperatively as part of the multidisciplinary team to provide high quality care

Participates in team conferences with team leader and makes up team assignment

Make rounds with team members and physicians to determine an effective nursing care approach to patient needs and problems

Promote a positive work environment conducive to productive, collegial relations among all members of the health care team

Promote optimum patient/visitor relations in assigned area

Maintain good relationship and work cooperatively with all hospital staff

Never shout, argue or raise voice. Always observe gentleness and a caring attitude

Assist patient with preparations and performance of prayers (salat) if needed

Always provide a welcoming, caring environment

Answer patients' call signals immediately if  able to leave another patient and ask need upon exit.

Aware of the impact of body language and keep it well controlled

Follow correct chain of command for requests or for conflict resolution

 

Attitude, Professionalism and Confidentiality

Always display a positive approach towards the company, the hospital, the job, fellow employees and patients

Assume responsibility for own actions

Adhere to dress code, standards of excellence and always give a professional appearance

Maintain all aspects of confidentiality

 

Management of Work

Follow the standard for Infection Control: hand washing, use of protective eyewear, mask, gown, gloves, head cover and shoe cover as appropriate, proper disposal of contaminated items and use of isolation

Maintain accurate and continued nursing documentation and post monitor strips per policy

Notifies Headnurse/Area Manager about any unusual problems or serious changes in patient’s condition

Establishes and maintain a climate which stimulates and encourages maximum productivity among staff

Participates in outdating of medications and supplies, checking of crash carts, instruments, stock supplies, and linens according to par level

Ensures all machines and equipments are in good condition

Makes rounds with physician and participates actively in total plan of care to assigned patients

Performs  unit assignment/task given by the headnurse

Enters orders into the computer

Adhere to the visitor and nonsmoking policy

Attends unit meetings and conducts unit presentation

 

Productivity and Time Management

Always punctual and  present at work when required

Work accurately, effectively and efficiently

Attends in-service unit lectures, mandatory training, and bi-monthly departmental meetings.

 

Quality and Customer Service

Support and uphold the philosophy, vision, mission, values and objectives of the Nursing Department and the hospital

Ensure a high standard of individualized patient care is maintained in accordance with Nursing Policies and Procedures

Document accurately, clearly, legibly patient progress and treatments given

Evaluate nursing care, with the emphasis on nursing procedures and patient responses, in consultation with the staff nurse on duty

Observe medical asepsis and follow the Infection Control Policy

Conduct checks as assigned

Always meet or exceed patient and family expectations

Smile often and always demonstrate a caring, positive approach

Comply with the standards laid down by the JCIA /ARAMCO/ CBAHI and perform duties necessary to support and achieve accreditation

Know the Key Performance Indicators for the area and strive to improve them

Inform Head/ Charge Nurse or Area Manager of any complaints, incidents or accidents

Inform Head/ Charge Nurse or Area Manager of any deficiencies in the area

Display leadership and motivational qualities

Perform independently as a proficient practitioner and serve as a resource person, role model and teacher to colleagues

Must be aware of and follow all Riyadh National Hospital Policies and Procedures related to all tasks performed

Participate in the audit of nursing practice

Participate in the efficient and economical use of all ward resources

Participate in the total quality management program for the ward or unit

Present a professional appearance by abiding with the hospital dress code policy

Monitor the practice and standard of work performed by PNs, and NOs

Perform other duties as assigned by Head/ Charge Nurse, Area Manager or DON

 

Personal and Professional Development

Pass BCLS within first 6 months at RNH and ACLS/ PALS within one year

Maintain and improve practice by self study

Utilize the Clinical Nurse Educator by asking questions and participating in staff development programs

Enhance professional growth by attending educational opportunities pertaining to ICU nursing

Behave in the professional and maintain good interpersonal relationships with other staff, departments, managers and physicians

Continually improves conversational Arabic

Set and achieve personal objectives

Accept constructive criticism and be willing to learn

Participate in the teaching, training and development of trained/untrained nursing staff and to be a preceptor for orientees

Participate in nursing education activities in the unit and department

Be responsible for on-going professional development through identifying own learning needs, seeking educational opportunities and utilizing available sources and opportunities to remain current in nursing and medical technology

Master basic Arabic phrases used in the area and use them frequently.  Show evidence of continuing learning of Arabic language

Understand role in Patient Centered Care and implement it

 

Management of Resources and Environment

Manage resources in a cost effective way

Ensure there is no waste. Does not use inappropriate resources that are not cost effective. For example, never use sterile gauze to wash the patient

Ensure room is kept clean and tidy.  Remove or report any unsafe situation

Always clean the pantry after use.  Never heat food that has a smell that might be noticed by patients or visitors

Ensure equipment receives proper care & is sent for maintenance when needed

Maintain cleanliness and tidiness of the nursing station

Ensure corridors always appear tidy

Maintains cleanliness of the medication area

Ensure rooms are properly cleaned between patients.  Ensure removal of equipment and supplies used and that equipment that does not belong to the room is returned to the proper places of storage

Utilize equipment, supplies and medications in a cost effective, responsible manner and immediately report malfunction, loss or misuse of items to Head/ Charge Nurse or Area Manager.

 

Patient and Family Education

Involves the patient/families in plan of care and respects patients/families regarding their goals and choices of patient care.

Provides health promotion and health teaching thru methods appropriate to a patients’ developmental level, learning needs, readiness and ability to learn, language preference, culture and situations

 

Reporting to

 

Headnurse and Area Manager

 

Supervise

 

Practical nurses and Nursing Orderlies

 

Qualifications

 

Registered Nurse with a current license to practice

Minimum of three (3) years Critical Care and/or Emergency Nursing experience or three (3) years of clinical nursing in medical or surgical unit or combined medical/surgical unit

With knowledge of medical, surgical and ICU nursing principles and nursing process

Can perform effectively in stressful situations

Communicates well in both written and verbal English

Must have good interpersonal skills

With good organizational skills

Must have good personal hygiene and be well groomed at all times

 

Conditions

 

This job description is subject to periodic review and may be changed at any time in consultation with the employee.