CCU Nurse

Job Description:

Cardiac nurses are specialized, trained nurse professionals working with patients who have life-threatening situations that required an extended hospital stay in an intensive care or critical cardiac care unit of the hospital. The Cardiac nurse must be skilled to make complex assessments, give the patient intense therapy and provide intervention care. The nurse may also perform ongoing duties for a patient in CCU unit during his stay.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Individualized assessment is made by the CCU nurse to determine the immediate needs of the critical care patient.

• Ongoing assessment is then established to keep tabs on the patient's condition and make any changes in treatment based on hospital policy, procedure and protocol.

• Communicate clearly and effectively with patients and their families to facilitate lifestyle modifications.

• Assessment also allows the CCU nurse to educate the patient and her family on what to expect in the days, weeks and months following CCU treatment.

• Assist in performing diagnostic tests such as ECGs/Cardiac & Vascular Lab tests.

• Monitor their vitals, especially cardiovascular readings and assessing and interpreting lad results.

• Evaluate and monitor heart related devices such as pacemakers.

• Interact with the patients as well as their family's pre and post treatment.

• Educating patients on cardiovascular diseases and informing them of preventative measures.

• As shift changes occur, it is the nurse's duty to inform the relief nurse of all patient care information.

• If the patient requires special procedures, the CCU nurse acts as an assistant to the doctor or head nurse.

• Documentation of assessments and drug therapy is recorded by the CCU nurse.

• She also makes documentation of physical therapy and other treatments given.

• The nurse must also keep all patient clinical records with doctor orders confidentially secure.

• In some cases, the CCU nurse is the team leader on the nursing staff and reports directly to the head or charge nurse.

• In this position, she has the duty of directing and developing the skills and abilities of the staff under her.

• She is also responsible for giving the team assignments as directed by the head nurse.

GNM