Job Description
Methodist Health System is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse for our Surgical Intensive Care Unit. In this role, you will provide advanced, compassionate care to critically ill surgical patients, collaborating closely with physicians and interdisciplinary teams. Responsibilities include patient assessment, care planning, medication administration, and use of advanced monitoring equipment. You'll practice in a culture rooted in integrity, compassion, accountability, and teamwork. Methodist Health System offers competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, professional development, and opportunities for growth within a leading Texas healthcare organization committed to improving and saving lives.
Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive, evidence-based nursing care to critically ill post-surgical patients in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit during night shifts.
- Perform ongoing assessments, interpret hemodynamic and clinical data, and promptly recognize and respond to changes in patient condition.
- Administer and titrate IV medications, blood products, and vasoactive drips according to physician orders and unit protocols.
- Manage ventilators and other advanced life-support equipment in collaboration with physicians and respiratory therapy.
- Care for central lines, arterial lines, surgical drains, and invasive monitoring devices, ensuring accurate measurements and strict aseptic technique.
- Deliver meticulous post-operative and wound care, including pain management and monitoring for complications or signs of infection.
- Document all assessments, interventions, medications, and patient responses accurately and promptly in the electronic medical record.
- Collaborate with surgeons, intensivists, anesthesiologists, and the multidisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized plans of care.
- Educate patients and families about diagnoses, procedures, treatments, and post-hospital expectations, offering emotional support and clear communication.
- Coordinate transitions of care, including transfers to lower acuity units and discharge planning, to promote safe, efficient care continuity.
- Participate in unit-based quality improvement, patient safety, and infection-prevention initiatives and adhere to all regulatory standards.
- Maintain a safe environment through adherence to policies for safe patient handling, fall prevention, restraint use, and equipment operation.
- Delegate and supervise tasks performed by nursing assistants and other support staff, ensuring standards of care are met.
- Support a collaborative and inclusive culture by demonstrating integrity, compassion, and accountability in all interactions.
- Engage in ongoing professional development, competencies, and required certifications to maintain and enhance critical care skills.
Required Skills
- Critical care nursing
- Surgical ICU nursing
- Patient assessment
- Hemodynamic monitoring
- Ventilator management
- Administration of IV medications and drips
- Central line and arterial line care
- Wound and post operative care
- Recognition and response to clinical deterioration
- Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS)
- Electronic Medical Record (EMR) documentation
- Medication reconciliation and safety
- Care coordination and discharge planning
- Patient and family education
- Infection prevention and control
- Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
- Time management and prioritization
- Delegation and supervision of support staff
- Safe patient handling and mobility
- Quality and patient safety reporting
