Intensive Care Unit - RN

The Intensive Care Unit RN at St. Anthony Hospital is responsible for delivering high-quality nursing care to critically ill patients. This includes monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and collaborating with healthcare teams to create individualized care plans. The RN will also engage in daily patient rounds and participate in rapid response situations, using advanced skill sets to ensure patient safety and comfort.

To qualify for the Intensive Care Unit RN position at St. Anthony Hospital, applicants must have graduated from an accredited nursing school with a preference for those holding a BSN. A current RN license from the Washington State Board of Nursing and BLS Certification are essential. Candidates with PCU/ICU experience or who have completed a senior practicum in Critical Care are preferred, and ACLS certification must be attained within six months of hire.

At St. Anthony Hospital, the Intensive Care Unit RN benefits from a strong support system, including Clinical Managers and Coordinators who foster a collaborative environment. The team also provides various services through Respiratory Care, Pharmacists, Physical and Occupational Therapy, and Dietitians, along with consultations from the Virtual ICU available 24/7 to enhance patient care.

The work environment for an RN in the ICU at St. Anthony Hospital is dynamic and collaborative, designed for optimal patient care. Equipped with modern facilities, each patient room features privacy options and technology for efficient documentation and communication. RNs will also engage in daily interdisciplinary meetings, ensuring they remain informed on patient progress and care strategies.

Yes, there are plentiful opportunities for career advancement for Intensive Care Unit RNs at St. Anthony Hospital. The institution supports professional development through training programs, mentorship, and ongoing education. RNs can pursue advanced certifications such as CRN or CCRN and take part in leadership roles within the team.

When answering this question, it’s important to highlight specific experiences you have had in critical care settings, detailing your responsibilities, the types of patients you cared for, and any particular challenges you faced. Focus on demonstrating your ability to work under pressure and how you effectively managed patient needs.

To respond to this question, share your strategies for prioritizing tasks. Discuss how you assess patient acuity to determine care needs and explain your process for handling emergencies versus routine tasks, emphasizing teamwork and communication with other healthcare providers.

Effective communication is key in critical care. Outline methods you use to keep everyone informed, such as daily briefings, care meetings, or bedside checks with families. Highlight your ability to simplify complex medical jargon into understandable terms to assure families and maintain transparency.

Select a specific case that highlights your critical thinking and clinical skills. Describe the challenges faced, your response to the situation, and the outcome. Focus on the importance of collaboration and how you supported your team in achieving a positive patient outcome.

Share your personal techniques for stress management, such as time management, self-care practices, or seeking support from colleagues. Emphasize how maintaining a balanced approach helps you stay focused on delivering high-quality care despite the demands of a busy ICU.

Discuss your philosophy on patient advocacy, explaining that it includes understanding the patient's needs, preferences, and values. Mention how you ensure that these aspects are communicated to the rest of the healthcare team and the importance of providing compassionate care.

Share a specific instance where you effectively communicated with a distressed family member, using empathy and active listening. Highlight the importance of providing emotional support while simultaneously ensuring the family is kept informed of the patient’s condition and treatment plan.

Outline the infection control protocols you adhere to, such as hand hygiene, proper use of PPE, and regular cleaning of equipment and rooms. Discuss how you stay updated on best practices and communicate these protocols to your team to ensure patient safety.

Emphasize your commitment to lifelong learning, including attending workshops, obtaining certifications relevant to critical care nursing, and engaging with professional nursing organizations. Highlight how your continual education keeps your skills current and helps improve patient care.

Discuss your aspirations within the nursing field, whether it's pursuing advanced practice roles, focusing on nursing education, or taking on leadership positions. Associate your goals with your experiences in the ICU and how these will shape your path in patient care.