The job below is no longer available.

You might also like

in Tacoma, WA

Use left and right arrow keys to navigate
Hours Full-time, Part-time
Location Tacoma, Washington

About this job

About Us:

The CVICU at St. Joseph Medical Center is a fast-paced, high acuity unit comprised of eight critical care adult inpatient beds dedicated to ICU Recovery. The unit includes a total of 24 beds for post-operative care. All rooms are private. Our outstanding staff provide compassionate, high quality care that is respectful, patient and family-centered, safe and cost-efficient. Recently, our Cardiac Surgery program was honored as a prestigious three star program for CABG and Aortic Valve Replacement procedures by the Society for Thoracic Surgery. Only 33 out of 989 hospitals evaluated in the U.S. received this esteemed rating for both procedures.

Our nurses utilized advanced technology and evidence-based guidelines in caring for the patients in the CVICU. The staff experience the professional satisfaction that comes with making a difference every day for their patients and families, while expanding their own critical care knowledge base and applying critical thinking skills to understand and intervene in difficult and complex patient situations. Our patient population includes those who have experienced cardiac surgery, MI, heart failure, cardiac dysrhythmias, structural heart disease, hypothermia post-cardiac arrest, vascular surgery and ventricular assist devices for destination or bridge to transplant therapy.

Computers are located in each patient room to facilitate bedside documentation and medication verification. All beds are capable of NIBP, SpO2, arterial, pulmonary artery, cardiac output, temperature and arrhythmia monitoring. We utilize Epic as our electronic health record. Our units are designed in a quad structure with a centralized nursing station.

St. Joseph Medical Center enjoys the benefits of being part of the CHI Franciscan Health family of hospitals and other health care services providing care to our communities throughout the beautiful South Puget Sound Region of Western Washington. Recreational opportunities abound here -- we offer water sports, skiing, hiking, shopping, fine dining, theater and an overall excellent quality of life.

Staffing:

The management structure of the CVICU consists of an experienced Clinical Manager and one floor Charge Nurse per shift who oversees 24 beds and approximately 14 staff members. The Unit is also supported by a Critical Care Nurse Educator. The staff is comprised of RN's and Care Assistants with support services provided by Respiratory Therapy, Critical Care Pharmacists, PT/OT and a Dietician. RN assignments are determined by patient census and acuity and normal RN ratios are 1:1 or 1:2. Progressive care ratios are 1:3.

Orientation:

All RNs complete a centralized hospital and nursing orientation in addition to a Unit-based orientation which is structured to fit the needs of the RN's individual level of experience. In addition to a clinical, preceptor-based bedside orientation, RNs attend didactic classes that are specific to open heart recovery and device therapy.

Essential Duties

Provides continuous cardiac monitoring, arrhythmia recognition and intervention.

Initiates and titrates multiple, complex cardiac related infusions at higher doses.

Manages patients with invasive lines i.e.: arterial lines, pulmonary artery catheter, ventriculosomy/ICP.

Manages intubated/mechanically ventilated patients.

Manages acute post cardiac surgery patients.

Manages acute trauma patient.

Keeps abreast of trends, developments and regulatory requirements impacting matters within designated scope of responsibility.

Administers, oversees and documents the administration of medications (e.g., topically, orally, intramuscularly, subcutaneously and intravenously) as ordered by the healthcare practitioner and in accordance with hospital policy.

Provides holistic, comprehensive, and professional nursing care to patient within the scope of practice.

Cultural Sensitivity and Competence: Demonstrates proper use of available communication tools for effective communication and understands how the culture(s) of patient populations can affect communication, collaboration and the provision of care, treatment and services. Patient Populations Served: Demonstrates knowledge and proper skills associated with the department's defined specific populations served.

Demonstrates competent professional practice and engages in opportunities for professional growth. Demonstrates accountability to meet stated deadlines for all mandatory requirements.

Coordinates nursing care and advocates for patient needs so that all appropriate disciplines are informed of and participating in the plan of care.

Routinely explains delays. Assesses, monitors, and intervenes as indicated during and post examination or procedure.

Provides health care education and guidance to patient and their families. Educates regarding results, findings and diagnoses to patient or patient's family.

Prepares patient for discharge and assists with coordinating post discharge needs.

Performs related duties as required.

Adheres to and exhibits our Core Values of Reverence, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence.

Education/Experience:

Graduation from an accredited school of nursing. Possession of a BSN degree is preferred. Previous PCU/ICU experience preferred, or 1-2 years med/surg experience, or New graduate with completion of senior practicum in a specialty area i.e.: critical care, ED, PACU, and successful completion of critical care residency program.

License/Certification:

Current licensure as a Registered Nurse issued by the Washington State Board of Nursing. Current Healthcare BLS Certification. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or attainment within six months of hire is required. CRN/CNRN preferred.

Consistent with our Core Values, Catholic Health Initiatives employers are EEO/AA/M/F/Vets/Disabled Employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identification, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected characteristic.

CHICB