The Registered Nursing (RN) is responsible to perform a competent level of nursing care as demonstrated by the critical thinking model known as the nursing process. The standards of practice (assessment, diagnosis, outcomes identification, planning, implementation, coordination of care- teaching and health promotion and evaluation) along with the standards of professional performance (ethics, culturally congruent practice, communication, collaboration, leadership, education, evidence- based practice /nursing research, quality, evaluation, resource utilization, and environmental health) encompass the actions and foundation of professional nursing. The RN possesses clinical knowledge and skills to meet standards as required by specific clinical areas.
Sentara Leigh Hospital Intensive Care Unit, AACN Gold Beacon Award recipient, is comprised of 20 licensed critical care beds and has an average daily census of 18 patients. Staffing ratios vary and can be 1:1 to 1:3 with 1:2 being the usual assignment.
The ICU RN’s are required to have a wide array of knowledge, skill and ability to competently and safely provide critical care to our patients. Frequent ongoing education, new skill acquisition and skill validation are provided and supported by an experienced ICU CNS for new and experienced ICU nurses. Newly hired RN’s will have between 2-14 weeks of orientation depending on prior experience. Our preceptors are purposely selected for their teaching ability and formally trained to meet the training needs of new staff. Specific attention is provided for new graduate ICU RN’s as they participate in our Vizient AACN Nurse Residency Program and AACN’s essentials of Critical Care Orientation online education. Experienced RN’s are encouraged and supported with educational and financial assistance to achieve critical care certification.
ICU staff are supported by an interdisciplinary care team which in part includes unit based respiratory, physical, speech and occupational therapists. Interpreter, nutrition, palliative, chaplaincy and ethical services are readily available as well. Our ICU has onsite and eICU pulmonary critical care intensivists and their team of physician extenders 24/7. Physician lead, nurse driven interdisciplinary rounds are held daily for continuity of care and to address nursing’s concerns or questions. These rounds are made educational and even fun at times by our very engaged intensivist MD’s.
Yearly based
VA , United States Norfolk, VA, United States
VA , United States Norfolk, VA, United States