Registered Nurse - 3 Harmony Trauma ICU

Role Description: Registered Nurse (RN) - Trauma Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

ICU Nurse Bonus Program:
In recognition of your experience and expertise, the Emergency Department offers a competitive bonus program:

• 1 full year of critical care experience: $5,000 bonus

• 2+ years of critical care experience: $10,000 bonus

• 3+ years of critical care experience: $15,000 bonus

Position Overview:

The Registered Nurse (RN) in the Trauma Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is responsible for providing high-acuity, specialized nursing care to critically injured patients who have sustained traumatic injuries. The RN will be required to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based care while managing complex trauma cases in a fast-paced, high-stress environment. The Trauma ICU RN works as part of a multidisciplinary team, including trauma surgeons, intensivists, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals, to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

Patient Assessment and Monitoring:

• Perform comprehensive assessments of trauma patients, including monitoring vital signs, neurological status, and overall physical condition.
• Continuously assess the patient's progress and response to treatments, adjusting interventions as necessary.
• Utilize advanced monitoring equipment to track parameters like heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and intracranial pressure (ICP).

Direct Patient Care:

• Administer medications, intravenous fluids, blood products, and other therapies as ordered.
• Manage ventilator settings, assist with intubation/extubation, and ensure optimal respiratory function for trauma patients with respiratory distress or failure.
• Provide wound care, including dressing changes, drainage management, and monitoring for signs of infection.
• Perform and assist with diagnostic tests, including EKGs, lab draws, and imaging preparations as required.
• Support trauma patients in maintaining hygiene, comfort, and safety in a critical care setting.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration:

• Work closely with trauma surgeons, intensivists, residents, and other team members to develop and implement patient-specific care plans.
• Participate in daily rounds and collaborate with team members to discuss patient progress, challenges, and new interventions.
• Assist in the coordination of care with physical therapists, dietitians, social workers, and other disciplines involved in trauma recovery.

Emergency Response and Trauma Care:

• Respond quickly and decisively to trauma-related emergencies, including managing severe bleeding, shock, cardiac arrest, and other life-threatening conditions.
• Perform advanced life support (ALS), including CPR, as needed during trauma resuscitations and critical care events.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Accurately document patient assessments, interventions, and responses in electronic health records (EHR).
• Provide clear, concise reports during shift changes to ensure continuity of care and effective communication.
• Maintain detailed records of medications administered, including dosages, routes, and times.

Patient and Family Support:

• Provide emotional support to patients and their families, offering education and assistance regarding injury prognosis, treatment options, and recovery.
• Effectively communicate with patients (as appropriate) and family members about the trauma care process, providing updates on patient status and anticipated next steps.

Education and Professional Development:

• Stay current with trauma care protocols, new research, and advancements in critical care nursing.
• Participate in educational opportunities such as in-services, conferences, and workshops related to trauma and intensive care nursing.
• Mentor and support new nurses and other healthcare team members in the Trauma ICU, fostering a culture of continuous learning and excellence.

Infection Control and Safety:

• Adhere to all infection prevention and control protocols to minimize the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
• Ensure safe and sterile procedures when handling invasive lines, tubes, and dressings.
• Comply with unit-specific safety protocols, including patient handling, fall prevention, and medication safety.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Education:
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) required (or completion within specified time frame if hired with an Associate's Degree in Nursing).
• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• Experience:
• At least 1-2 years of ICU nursing experience required, with a preference for trauma, critical care, or emergency nursing experience.
• Experience with advanced monitoring devices, ventilators, and trauma-specific care is highly preferred.
• 2 years of medical/surgical experience preferred, with critical care experience strongly preferred.
• Certifications:
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) required.
• Advanced Trauma Care for Nurses (ATCN) certification required within 3 years from the date of hire or transfer.
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) certification is preferred or must be obtained within a specified time frame.
• ACLS required within 6 months from the date of hire or transfer.
• Stroke Education:
• NIHSS certification required.
• Existing team members must complete minimum of 8 contact hours of education every 1 year in basic stroke assessment or intervention by 5/31/25.
• New team members must complete 8 contact hours of education within 1 year from the date of hire or transfer.
• Skills:
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHR) and other healthcare technologies.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in high-pressure, emergency situations.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift and move patients, often with the assistance of a team.
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform physical tasks for extended periods.
• Occasional heavy lifting or repositioning of trauma patients with appropriate equipment.
• Visual and auditory acuity necessary for monitoring patient status and operating medical equipment.

Work Environment:

• The RN will work in a fast-paced, high-stress environment with critically ill trauma patients.
• Shift: Includes rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• The Trauma ICU operates 24/7, so flexibility in scheduling and readiness for emergencies is essential.

Role Reporting:

• The RN reports directly to the Trauma ICU Nurse Manager and works closely with the Medical Director and Trauma Surgeons.

Additional Notes:

• High-Stakes Environment:
  The Trauma ICU is a high-stakes environment, requiring quick, coordinated actions from all team members to ensure the safety and recovery of our critically ill patients. Every action, from triaging trauma patients to administering critical medications, must be performed with precision.
• Protocol Adherence:
  Always follow established protocols for emergency care, including triage procedures, resuscitation guidelines, and patient monitoring. Ensure thorough documentation to ensure patient safety, legal compliance, and quality improvement.
• Unit Logistics:
  Be mindful of unit logistics, including coordinating breaks and shift changes to maintain continuity of care. It's essential to communicate with team members when taking breaks or transitioning shifts to ensure that no aspect of patient care is overlooked.

Summary:

The Registered Nurse in the Trauma ICU plays a crucial role in managing critically injured patients, providing life-saving care, and ensuring the best possible recovery outcomes. This role demands highly specialized skills in trauma care, patient assessment, and emergency response. The RN works collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to deliver high-quality, compassionate care in one of the most demanding healthcare environments.