Emergency department (ED) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurses are responsible for the application of the nursing process, in planning and providing care for individuals, families or groups, based on the Standards of Nursing Practice, within a total patient care delivery framework.

Demonstrates critical thinking skills and sound decision making based on scientific principles in theory. Is responsible and accountable for all activities in which they engage. All nursing working in the ED and ICU will be familiar with and follow the Critical Care Standards of Ontario.

Duties and Responsibilities (Subject to Change)

·       Promotes quality nursing care; ensuring patients’ needs are recognized and met

·       Supporting a compassionate and therapeutic environment for critically ill patients

·       Collaborating with patients, their families, their health care providers and healthcare professionals

·       Acting as patient advocates

·       Contributes to care planning, involving clients, and demonstrates an understanding of clients’ rights to make informed decisions

·       Ensures the client is provided with appropriate information to make informed decisions relating to treatment, and care reflects clients preferences

·       Provides nursing care according to plan and undertakes clinical practice procedures and skills in a competent and safe way

·       Able to discuss ethical issues related to area of practice with clients/families and the health care team

·       Evaluates clients’ progress toward expected outcomes, including treatments and health education, in collaboration with the client and the health care team

·       Critical thinking to intervene with appropriate intervention for urgent/emergent care

·       Able to remain calm under

·       Must maintain competency by attending mandatory in servicing (i.e. skills fair and annual ED/ICU education)

·       Education in added nursing skills including bipap, ventilatory support, central lines, hemodynamic monitoring

·       Identifying and managing life-sustaining physiological functions in unstable patients

·       Understanding triage (method of prioritizing injuries based on medical need)

·       Ensure a healthy and safe working environment in accordance with the occupational health and safety guidelines, providing a safe environment for patient, visitors and staff

·       Help maintain a pleasant, comfortable and efficient atmosphere, through effective communication networking with all of the health care team

·       Respect the confidential nature of the job

·       Participate in departmental quality initiatives and risk management program

·       Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills to be able to work effectively with all team members

·       Flexible to be able to prioritize and adapt during emergency situations

·       Other duties as assigned

Additional Responsibilities (Charge Person)

·       Knowledge of patients suitable for transfer out of ICU

·       Maintain updated lists of questions for physicians

·       Ensure adequate supplies and drugs are ordered for next shift, holiday and weekends

·       Ensure rooms are adequately stocked

·       Coordinates breaks. During the nightshift, the charge nurse will coordinate breaks with other charge nurses

·       Work effectively to coordinate services with other patient care units as required

·       Maintain communication with allied health services as required

·       Ensure equipment is functioning and initiate work order when required

·       Coordinate replacement of staff for sick calls

·       Coordinate emergency activities including attending or assigning staff to all codes throughout the building

·       Ensure narcotic count is correct at shift change

·       Performs miscellaneous job related duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education:

Certifications and Registrations

·       A graduate from an approved school of nursing (university or community college) with a current certificate of competence with the College of Nurses of Ontario in good standing

·       Current certification in Basic Life Support (BCLS)

·       IV initiation & CVAD skills

·       Current certification in Advanced Care Life Support (ACLS)

·       Must have CTAS certification at time of employment or obtain within first 3 months of employment

·       TNCC certification (preferred, but not required)

·       PALS certification (preferred, but not required)

·       Advanced cardiac monitoring preferred

Skill, Ability & Experience:

·       A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of Med/Surgical Unit experience in a hospital setting

·       A minimum of 1 year emergency/intensive care experience in a hospital setting is preferred

·       Demonstrate regular work attendance

·       Working knowledge of computers

·       Read and write English

·       French is an asset

·       Shift work is a requirement including days, nights, evenings, and weekends

·       Be available for transfers when required