ICU Nurse Job Description to ensure smooth functioning and management of the ward in order to provide quality nursing care in every shift.
- Follow post-operative nursing care record in case file.
- Check inventory of all equipment, crash cart and instruments as per the inventory register and inform the senior nurse /head nurse in case of any discrepancies noted.
- Check the communication book for any new instructions during every shift.
- Maintain the census of the department.
- Enquire and know about – New admissions, Transfers, Surgery and investigation list, Discharges, Care plan, progress all details of the patient.
- Takeover of all patients as per the guidelines mentioned in the handing over and taking over the protocol.
- Greet all patients as well as assess the patients and the unit.
- Document the initial assessment findings in the progress notes.
- Send patients for surgeries/investigations as per the schedule.
- Monitor vital signs routine / as per the orders and document it.
- Ensure that water and diet are provided for all patients as per the diet orders.
- Accompany the Consultants for clinical rounds and carry out their written orders.
- Ensure replacement of medicines, if not endorse to the next shift.
- Post all IP issues and bedside procedures in record.
- Complete all relevant documents.
- Check the patient’s records for any changes, special orders etc.
- Endorse the patients to the next shift staff.
- Inform any special events during the shift to the Nursing Superintendent.
- Prepare a report on the progress of the patient in the patient care record.
- Ensure that the hygienic needs of patients are met and the unit is tidy at all times.
- Check medicines for the entire day.
- Ensure that all admissions, transfers and discharges are entered in the admission discharge register.
- Prepare the patients for surgeries/procedures.
- Check and receive all investigation reports done during the day.
- Send intimation to the concerned departments.
Additional Responsibilities during Night Shift
- Prepare the dressing trolley, trays to be sent to the CSSD. Trays should be washed and dried thoroughly. Articles should be cleaned and replaced.
- Check all the case papers. Arrange the papers in order. Attach new forms as required.
- Ensure that the consent for surgery/procedure is obtained and the necessary preparations for the surgery/procedure have been done.
- Keep the folders ready for surgeries.
- Ensure all the procedures performed throughout the day are entered in the bedside procedures.
- Update the census daily.
- Check the expiry dates of the medicines and send the medicines nearing expiry to the pharmacy.
- Check and record the weights of all ambulatory patients.
- Ensure that the technician has collected all the blood investigations.
- Skill Sets
- Verbal Ability/Communication Skill
- Problem Solving/Decision Making Critical Thinking & root cause analysis of patient care
- Interpersonal – Co-operation & teamwork