Travel Nurse RN - ICU/Critical Care - $1,502 per week in Plano, TX at Magnet Medical
Plano, TX 75023
About the Job
The Registered Nurse (RN) – ICU Neuro specializes in providing critical care for patients with neurological conditions in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit (Neuro ICU). These patients may be experiencing life-threatening neurological disorders, including but not limited to, brain injuries, strokes, aneurysms, spinal cord injuries, or seizures. The RN in this role is responsible for delivering comprehensive, high-acuity care, monitoring neurological status, administering treatments, and collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to manage and stabilize patients.
Key Responsibilities:Patient Assessment and Monitoring:
- Conduct detailed assessments of patients with neurological conditions, including vital signs, neurological exams (e.g., Glasgow Coma Scale, pupil response, limb movement), and monitoring for signs of intracranial pressure (ICP).
- Continuously monitor for changes in neurological status, including altered consciousness, pupil reaction, motor function, and speech.
- Utilize advanced technology and equipment to assess patient status, such as intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring devices, electroencephalography (EEG), and cardiac monitoring.
Critical Care Management:
- Administer prescribed medications, including pain management, sedatives, anticonvulsants, and intravenous medications, ensuring correct dosages and monitoring for side effects.
- Provide specialized care for patients undergoing procedures such as strokes (tPA administration), neurosurgical interventions, brain injury management, or spinal cord surgery.
- Monitor and manage ventilator settings for intubated patients, ensuring proper oxygenation and ventilation.
- Manage patients with external drains, such as ventriculostomies (for ICP monitoring), and ensure proper positioning and drainage.
Neuro-Assessment and Interventions:
- Perform neurological assessments using appropriate tools (e.g., Glasgow Coma Scale, pupil reactivity, motor and sensory function).
- Monitor for signs of deterioration, including increased ICP, seizures, or changes in consciousness, and intervene as necessary, following established protocols.
- Administer anti-seizure medications for patients at risk of or experiencing seizures and ensure continuous monitoring.
- Provide hyperventilation or other interventions to decrease ICP if necessary.
Family Education and Support:
- Offer support and guidance to families of critically ill patients, explaining the nature of the neurological condition, prognosis, and treatment options.
- Provide education on the care process, expected outcomes, and potential complications, ensuring families are informed and involved in decision-making.
- Address emotional needs of family members, providing a comforting presence and helping them cope with the uncertainty of critical illness.
Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Team:
- Collaborate with neurologists, neurosurgeons, intensivists, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers to deliver comprehensive care for neurocritical patients.
- Participate in case discussions and rounds to provide input on the patient's condition, treatment plan, and progress.
- Communicate effectively with the team to adjust care plans based on the evolving needs of the patient.
Post-Operative and Recovery Care:
- Provide post-operative care for patients who have undergone neurological surgeries, including monitoring for signs of complications such as hemorrhage, infection, or changes in neurological function.
- Assist in the rehabilitation planning process by preparing patients for further care, such as transitioning to a step-down unit, long-term acute care, or rehabilitation facilities.
- Monitor for complications related to immobility, such as pressure ulcers, and take appropriate preventive measures.
Documentation and Compliance:
- Accurately document all patient assessments, interventions, medications, treatments, and changes in condition in the electronic health record (EHR).
- Ensure all documentation is detailed and complies with hospital policies, nursing standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain up-to-date records for all patient interactions and treatments, ensuring clear communication between team members.
Emergency Response and Crisis Management:
- Respond quickly to emergency situations, including stroke alerts, seizures, and deteriorating neurological conditions.
- Provide advanced life support (ALS) and manage critical neurological emergencies with a focus on stabilizing the patient and preventing further brain injury.
- Participate in rapid response teams and code blue situations, providing immediate care for patients in critical need of intervention.
Patient and Family Advocacy:
- Advocate for the patient’s best interests by ensuring the care plan aligns with their clinical needs and family preferences.
- Provide guidance to families on long-term care planning, including possible neurological rehabilitation, home care, and follow-up treatments.
Professional Development and Education:
- Participate in continuing education and training related to neurological care, critical care nursing, and advancements in neurology and neurocritical care.
- Maintain certifications in critical care and neurological nursing (e.g., Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) or Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN)).
- Share knowledge and expertise with colleagues, mentoring and assisting in their professional development.