What are the responsibilities and job description for the Critical Care Nurse Specialist position at Wellspring Nurse Source?
Job Title: Critical Care Nurse Specialist
A critical care nurse specialist provides expert patient care for adults with acute medical conditions, post-surgical needs, and those requiring continuous monitoring.
Key Responsibilities:
- The critical care nurse specialist assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates comprehensive nursing care for patients with complex or chronic conditions.
- Monitors patients' vital signs and cardiac telemetry readings for abnormalities or arrhythmias, administering medications, treatments, and interventions as prescribed by the physician.
- Utilizes advanced telemetry equipment to continuously monitor and interpret cardiac rhythms, identifying and responding to changes in patients' cardiac rhythms or vital signs.
- Maintains accurate and detailed patient records, including assessments, interventions, and outcomes, while documenting telemetry monitoring findings and nursing actions in accordance with hospital policies.
- Collaborates closely with physicians, case managers, physical therapists, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care.
- Educates patients and their families about medical conditions, treatments, and post-discharge care, providing emotional support to those dealing with serious or life-changing conditions.
- Recognizes and responds to signs of patient deterioration or emergency situations such as cardiac arrest, participating in rapid response or code blue events, and performing life-saving interventions when necessary.
Qualifications:
- An active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the practicing state is required.
- An Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) is required.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications are required.
- Telemetry Nurse Certification is preferred.
- Previous experience in medical-surgical or critical care nursing is ideal, although new graduates with strong clinical skills and telemetry training may be considered.
