RN - Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit - CVICU

Job Description

Vidant Health

About The East Carolina Heart Institute

The East Carolina Heart Institute is the first in North Carolina devoted exclusively to education, research, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The institute is associated with Vidant Medical Center and East Carolina University. The primary facilities that make up the Heart Institute are located on the campuses of Vidant Medical Center and ECU’s Brody School of Medicine. We use the most advanced equipment and techniques to manage both familiar and rare cardiovascular problems. Our integration of basic science and clinical research, along with the clinical practice of medicine and surgery, ensures that patients receive the latest, most promising treatment options based on thorough review of their individual needs.

24 – Bed Unit (16 Intensive Care beds and 8 Intermediate Care beds)

CVICU includes three levels of care:  Open-heart recovery, Intensive Care, and Intermediate Care

Primary Population:

CVICU operates as the open-heart surgery unit at Vidant Medical Center. The primary population consists of the cardiovascular and cardiac surgery patient. The typical patient may have the following diagnosis/procedures:

• Robotic surgery and minimally invasive cardiothoracic surgery
• Aortic aneurysm and endovascular grafts
• Left Ventricular Assist Devices (Destination VAD)
• Immediate post-op recovery of coronary artery bypass grafts, valve repair/replacements

Skills utilized include but are not limited to continuous infusion medication management, pain management, wound care, continuous cardiac monitoring, arterial line maintenance, central line maintenance, and chest tube maintenance for all levels of care in CVICU.  Pulmonary arterial catheter management and mechanical ventilation management are included in the ICU setting.

Technological expertise in the ICU setting include Cardiopulmonary Support Devices such as intra-aortic balloon pumps, CRRT, Impella, RVAD/LVAD, and HeartMate. CVICU Nurses may be eligible to train as ECMO specialists after one year in the ICU environment.

Position Summary

• Responsible to provide care in accordance with the North Carolina Board of Nursing-Nurse Practice Act,  American Nurses Association Standards of Practice and other standards established by profession/professional groups, regulating bodies/agents.  Nursing care will be delivered in accordance with Vidant Health and entity specific nursing policies, procedures and professional standards of care/practice.
• Responsible for the provision and coordination of nursing care to include the collection and analysis of assessment data, identification of expected outcomes and development of plan of care in collaboration with the patient/family and other interdisciplinary team members.  Identifies interventions to attain expected outcomes, implements the interventions identified in the plan of care, evaluates the progress of the patient/family toward attainment of outcomes, and documents the process.  This care includes sensitivity to age specific and unique needs of the patient/family.
• Promotes and evaluates the effective functioning of the health care team. Collaborates with health care team members to meet the identified needs of the patient/family throughout the episode of care.  Delegates tasks and activities as appropriate and governed by NC Nurse Practice Act.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate Degree or Diploma is required.
• Current NC RN license or licensure to practice in a participating Nurse Licensure Compact state Health Care Provider is required.
• Basic Life Support is required.
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities required:  (i.e. supervision, computers, etc.) 
• Flexibility in scheduling to meet the twenty four (24) hour needs of the patients. 
• Possess organizational, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to utilize effective and confidential communication in patient, interdisciplinary, and staff relationships.
• Maintains stable performance levels under conditions of pressure and multiple demands.
• Working knowledge and experience with PC-based applications

Other Information

• We offer a $10,000 Bonus
• Shift differentials have just increased to:
  •  $3.50/hr – 2^nd shift
  • $5.00/hr for 3^rd shift
  • $5.00/hr for weekends 
• Relocation Assistance is available
• Full-time positions

General Statement

It is the goal of Vidant Health and its entities to employ the most qualified individual who best matches the requirements for the vacant position.

Offers of employment are subject to successful completion of all pre-employment screenings, which may include an occupational health screening, criminal record check, education, reference, and licensure verification.

We value diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.   Decisions of employment are made based on business needs, job requirements and applicant’s qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, genetic information and testing, family and medical leave, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or any other status protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint.