Registered Nurse (RN) - Intensive Care Unit

Overview

The Registered Nursing (RN) is responsible to perform a competent level of nursing care as demonstrated by the critical thinking model known as the nursing process. The standards of practice (assessment, diagnosis, outcomes identification, planning, implementation, coordination of care- teaching and health promotion and evaluation) along with the standards of professional performance (ethics, culturally congruent practice, communication, collaboration, leadership, education, evidence- based practice /nursing research, quality, evaluation, resource utilization, and environmental health) encompass the actions and foundation of professional nursing. The RN possesses clinical knowledge and skills to meet standards as required by specific clinical areas.

Department/Position Overview

Sentara Leigh Hospital Intensive Care Unit, AACN Gold Beacon Award recipient, is comprised of 20 licensed critical care beds and has an average daily census of 18 patients. Staffing ratios vary and can be 1:1 to 1:3 with 1:2 being the usual assignment.

The ICU RN’s are required to have a wide array of knowledge, skill and ability to competently and safely provide critical care to our patients. Frequent ongoing education, new skill acquisition and skill validation are provided and supported by an experienced ICU CNS for new and experienced ICU nurses.

This unit welcomes experienced nurses moving into this specialty. The 11-week Transition to Practice program focuses on the orientation transition experience with intentional knowledge support and skill acquisition for practice in IMC areas.

ICU staff are supported by an interdisciplinary care team which in part includes unit based respiratory, physical, speech and occupational therapists. Interpreter, nutrition, palliative, chaplaincy and ethical services are readily available as well. Our ICU has onsite and eICU pulmonary critical care intensivists and their team of physician extenders 24/7. Physician lead, nurse driven interdisciplinary rounds are held daily for continuity of care and to address nursing’s concerns or questions. These rounds are made educational and even fun at times by our very engaged intensivist MD’s.

Education

• Degree or Diploma in Registered Nursing (required)
• Bachelor of Science Nursing- BSN or MSN (Preferred)

Certification/Licensure

• Registered nursing License (Required)
• BLS required within 90 days of hire

Experience

• Minimum of 1 year emergency, intermediate care, intensive care of med/surg nursing