Nurse Clinician - Cardiac Care

Principal Duties

1) ASSESSMENT:

• Performs a systematic initial and on-going assessment of the patient's physical and psychosocial status, specific to the age of the patient.

• Assesses patient/family educational needs and readiness to learn utilizing appropriate resources.

• Assesses patient/family discharge planning needs utilizing appropriate resources.

2) PLANNING:

• Collaborates with the patient/family and other members of the health care team to develop and update a plan of care that is consistent with the medical diagnosis and based on the patient's changing physical, psychosocial and age related requirements.

• Establishes realistic and measurable goals that are culturally sensitive, and identifies nursing interventions to achieve the goals.

• Plans and organizes patient care activities on a daily basis.

3) IMPLEMENTATION/INTERVENTIONS:

• Provides total, direct nursing care consistent with the plan of care and needs of the patients with respect for the patient's privacy, dignity, personal preference and culture.

• Performs critical care skills for which she/he has demonstrated competency.

• Provides and prioritizes nursing care that is focused on the assessment, diagnosis, planning, treatment and evaluation of cardiac critical care patients.

• Provides continuous cardiac monitoring, arrhythmia recognition and intervention.

• Reads, understands, and recognizes any abnormalities in the 12 leads EKG.

• Initiates and titrates multiple, complex cardiac related infusions.

• Manages intubated/mechanically ventilated patients.

• Sets up, monitors and adjusts specialized equipment used on patient's care including but not limited to cardiac pacing and IABP.

• Analyzes, interprets and records electronic displays, such as central venous pressures, arterial blood pressure, cardiac rhythms, and ventilators pressures and waveforms.

• Assists clinicians with procedures such as central line insertions, intravenous pacing, TEE, endotracheal intubation, cardioversion, and emergency defibrillation.

• Responds to life-threating situations based upon ICU protocol and ACLS guidelines.

• Monitors patients for changes in status and indications of conditions such as sepsis or shock and institute appropriate interventions

• Transcribes physician's orders and reviews nursing and medical orders for accuracy and appropriateness.

• Prepares, administers, and documents the administration of oral, parental and topical medications as prescribed by the physician. Is knowledgeable of therapeutic effects, usual dosages, contraindications, Side effects and adverse reactions for all drugs and parental fluids administered. Maintains accountability for narcotics and controlled drugs.

• Intervenes appropriately in clinical emergency situations, initiates emergency resuscitative measures and assists with codes.

• Sets up equipment and assists physicians with diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

• Performs a wide range of nursing procedures with attention to accuracy, patient safety and comfort, including those requiring strict aseptic technique.

• Assists with transfer of patients within the health care facilities.

• Serves as transport nurse for patients during ambulance or aircraft transport.

• Teaches patients and their families with emphasis on compliance with prescribed therapeutic regimen. Supports families in meeting the patient's psychosocial needs.

• Maintains a safe, clean and organized environment for the patient/ family/visitors and staff.

• Demonstrates priority setting skills and timeliness in responding to patient needs.

Principal Duties (cont'd)

4) EVALUATION:

• Evaluates quality of nursing care being delivered and identifies opportunities for improvement.

• Evaluates on an ongoing basis the patient's progress and the appropriateness of the plan of care involving the patient/family and other health team members.

• Updates the plan of care to reflect patient's current health status and needs.

• Evaluates and documents the patient/family's understanding of and response to the plan of care including teaching and discharge plans.

• Participates in presenting patient care conferences.

5) PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

• Practices within the established standards, policies and procedures.

• Recognizes when patient care needs extend beyond the limits of personal ability and consults appropriate resources.

• Provides input during development and review of patient care standards, policies and procedures and participates in the Interdisciplinary Quality Assessment & Improvement Program.

• Assumes responsibility for professional development and maintains currency in nursing for area of practice.

• Uses computer technology as required.

• Maintains infection control and safety awareness functions accordingly and initiates corrective action when indicated.

• Participates in fire and disaster drills and mock codes.

• Demonstrates acceptance, caring and empathy to patients and families.

• Treats customers (guests, patients, nurses, physicians and other employees) with courtesy, respect and caring behaviors.

• Always answers a patient's call light/bell even if it is not an assigned patient and always takes the initiative to assist the patient.

• Presents a positive image of JHAH through professional appearance and behavior.

• Maintains confidentiality by choosing the appropriate persons, time and place for patient related discussions.

• Immediately brings abnormal findings to the attention of the Charge Nurse.

• Supports unit culture of quality and safety.

• Assures patient comfort and dignity measures during transport, without exception.

• Frequently checks for and reads all communication/minutes.

• Acts as a patient advocate and develop supportive relationships with patient/family maintaining a professional role.

• Uses verbal and nonverbal communication that conveys respect for the patient/family/visitor/staff.

• Communicates verbal information in an accurate concise and timely manner.

• Communicates written information in a legible accurate, concise and timely manner.

• Documents in a manner that is consistent with the nursing documentation guidelines.

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other members of the health care team.

• Complies with department dress code.

• Maintains an acceptable standard of attendance and reports to work on time.

• Demonstrates support for Nursing Department Philosophy and Objectives.

Education

3 years International Diploma or Bachelor Degree.

Experience

2 years minimum clinical nursing experience following licensure/registration in the country of origin, to include one (1) year experience in Cardiac Care unit is preferred.

Certifications/Other requirements as applicable

• Current licensure as a professional registered nurse.

• Fluent spoken and written English. Spoken Arabic desirable.