RN Surgical ICU - job 2 of 3

As a Registered Nurse in the Surgical ICU at St. Bernardine Medical Center, your primary responsibilities will include coordinating total patient care for critically ill individuals, assessing and interpreting patient data reflective of their status, and providing age-specific care. You will work closely with a team to ensure that all treatments align with the hospital's mission of humankindness, adhering to established policies and procedures to uphold the highest standards of patient care.

To qualify for the RN Surgical ICU position at St. Bernardine Medical Center, you must hold a current California RN License and have a minimum of one year of experience in critical care. Additionally, certifications in BLS and ACLS are required, along with completion of a Critical Care Course within your first year of employment. Basic EKG training should be completed within 90 days, and HBOC computer training must be finished within six months of starting the position.

St. Bernardine Medical Center places a strong emphasis on professional development and support for its nurses. As an RN in the Surgical ICU, you will have access to ongoing training and education opportunities tailored to critical care. The hospital fosters an environment that encourages collaboration and teamwork, ensuring that all staff members feel valued and empowered to provide top-quality patient care.

The work environment for an RN in the Surgical ICU at St. Bernardine Medical Center is dynamic and empowering. You'll collaborate with a passionate team of healthcare professionals in a state-of-the-art facility. The hospital’s culture is rooted in compassion and support, allowing nurses to thrive while focusing on delivering critical care. The diversity of cases and constant opportunities for learning make it both a challenging and rewarding place to work.

St. Bernardine Medical Center offers numerous growth opportunities for RNs in the Surgical ICU. The organization encourages continued education, mentorship, and clinical advancement pathways that allow nurses to develop their skills and specialize further. Many RNs have the chance to participate in leadership training, take on preceptor roles, or even explore other specializations within the medical center as their careers evolve.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of your past roles, highlighting instances where you've managed critical situations, coordinated care, or improved patient outcomes. Discuss the protocols you follow and how you communicate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best care.

Effective communication is vital in ICU settings. Share your strategies, such as regular updates, active listening, and using clear, compassionate language to explain complex information. Mention any specific tools or software you use to enhance communication among the team and with families.

Discuss your approach to prioritization, including assessing patient needs, understanding critical versus non-critical tasks, and the ability to remain flexible. Sharing actual scenarios where you successfully handled multiple priorities will illustrate your capacity to manage stress and workload effectively.

Describe your conflict resolution style and emphasize the importance of teamwork. Share an experience where you navigated a disagreement, focusing on how you preserved professional relationships while ensuring patient care remained the primary focus.

Show your commitment to professional growth by discussing how you stay informed about advancements in critical care nursing. Mention attending workshops, following reputable journals, participating in webinars, and being involved in nursing associations as ways you keep your knowledge up-to-date.

If you have experience interpreting EKGs, share specific examples of when you've utilized this skill in patient care. If you're currently improving your skills, express your eagerness to complete EKG training and discuss how this knowledge contributes to effective patient monitoring in the ICU.

Discuss your dedication to patient advocacy, focusing on how you ensure patients' rights, preferences, and personal values are respected in the care plan. Mention ways you've successfully supported patients and their families in understanding treatment options.

Talk about healthy coping mechanisms you use to manage stress and emotional challenges, such as debriefing with colleagues, participating in support groups, or engaging in self-care rituals. Emphasize the importance of resilience in maintaining both your own health and effective patient care.

Describe your belief in the significance of teamwork in delivering exceptional patient care in the ICU. Share experiences where collaboration with colleagues resulted in improved outcomes or streamlined processes, highlighting how you contribute to a positive team environment.

Express your alignment with Dignity Health's mission of compassion and humankindness. Share how these values resonate with you personally and professionally, and how they inspire you to provide quality care in your role as an RN, particularly in meeting the needs of critically ill patients.