ICU Registered Nurse
Gardner, Massachusetts
Heywood Hospital

Registered Nurse - ICU

Location: Gardner, Massachusetts
Employment Type: Contract (13 weeks)
Shift: 36-hour day shift (7:00 am - 7:30 pm), every 3rd weekend and holiday, Monday - Sunday schedule

Job Summary

Provide comprehensive nursing care in an ICU setting, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of patient care. Deliver care based on established standards, protocols, and policies while respecting patient dignity. Collaborate with healthcare team members and participate in multidisciplinary rounds to ensure continuity and quality of care.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and reassess patients; develop and implement nursing care plans and patient goals.
• Provide patient and family education tailored to learning needs and readiness.
• Prioritize patient care and delegate nursing interventions appropriately.
• Document all patient data, interventions, and responses accurately and timely.
• Administer medications and intravenous therapy safely according to orders and protocols.
• Identify and interpret cardiac arrhythmias and EKG changes promptly.
• Manage thrombolytic and anticoagulation therapies per standards.
• Demonstrate knowledge and skills in mechanical ventilation, including care of intubated patients and weaning.
• Interpret arterial blood gases, pulse oximetry, and signs of impaired gas exchange.
• Understand and assist with hemodynamic monitoring and vascular cannulation.
• Administer vasoactive medications safely, understanding dosage and titration.
• Monitor patients in the immediate post-operative phase and manage potential complications.
• Participate in medication reconciliation and implement VAP bundle protocols consistently.
• Promote patient safety by identifying risks and reporting errors/incidents.
• Serve as a preceptor or trainer and engage in professional development.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Massachusetts
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Minimum 1 year of ICU (Intensive Care Unit) experience within the last year
• Previous telemetry experience
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification

Physical Requirements

• Ability to exert 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 10 to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly.
• Frequent reaching, handling, and feeling with hands.
• Occasional stooping and kneeling.

Behavioral Attributes

• Achievement motivation, concern for order, flexibility, initiative, self-confidence.
• Customer service orientation, interpersonal effectiveness, teamwork.
• Analytical thinking and information seeking.

Additional Information

• Contract length: 13 weeks
• Prior travel experience is not specified as required.