Job Description
Methodist Hospital, part of SA Health, is seeking a Surgical ICU Registered Nurse to join our Healthcare & Medical Services team in San Antonio. In this critical care role, you will provide high-acuity postoperative care, collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, and use advanced clinical skills to monitor, assess, and stabilize surgical patients. Our supportive, inclusive culture emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and compassion. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, continuing education, and opportunities for career advancement within a leading healthcare organization committed to excellence in patient care.
Responsibilities
- Provide high-acuity, evidence-based nursing care to post-operative and critically ill surgical patients in the Surgical ICUPerform comprehensive patient assessments and ongoing focused reassessments, including interpretation of hemodynamic and telemetry data
- Manage ventilators, advanced life-support equipment, and invasive monitoring devices such as central and arterial lines
- Administer and titrate high-risk IV medications and vasoactive drips according to provider orders and hospital protocols
- Monitor patients closely for changes in condition and intervene promptly in emergencies, including participation in codes and rapid response situations
- Collaborate with surgeons, intensivists, anesthesiologists, and interdisciplinary team members to develop and implement individualized care plans
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record, including assessments, interventions, and patient responses
- Provide patient and family education regarding surgical procedures, ICU care, treatment plans, and discharge or step-down expectations
- Ensure adherence to infection prevention, patient safety, and regulatory standards, including CLABSI, CAUTI, and VAP prevention bundles
- Participate in multidisciplinary rounds, handoffs, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient outcomes and unit performance
- Support a culture of teamwork, respect, and continuous professional development within the Surgical ICU
Required Skills
- Advanced critical care and surgical ICU nursing skills
- Hemodynamic monitoring and interpretation
- Ventilator management and respiratory support
- Administration and titration of vasoactive and high-risk IV medications
- Central line, arterial line, and invasive device management
- Post-operative assessment and management of complex surgical patients
- Telemetry and cardiac rhythm interpretation
- Wound care and management of surgical drains and dressings
- Rapid response and code blue participation
- Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills
- Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) documentation
- Knowledge of infection prevention and patient safety protocols
- Effective communication with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members
- Time management and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced ICU environment
- Patient and family education skills
