SICU RN (Night Shift) at WVU Medicine: A Comprehensive Guide

Role Overview

The SICU RN (Night Shift) position at Ruby Memorial Hospital (WVUH) within WVU Medicine offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for registered nurses seeking to provide critical care to patients in an inpatient setting. This 0.9 FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) role focuses on delivering high-quality nursing care through the nursing process, utilizing competent clinical knowledge, skills, and independent nursing judgment. The RN accepts accountability for care provided by themselves and healthcare providers to whom care is delegated, ensuring positive patient outcomes.

A Day in the Life of a SICU RN (Night Shift)

As a SICU RN on the night shift, your responsibilities will be diverse and require a high level of expertise. A typical shift might include: * **Patient Assessment:** Conducting thorough assessments of patients' conditions, including vital signs, neurological status, and pain levels. * **Medication Administration:** Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians, ensuring accuracy and patient safety. * **Monitoring and Intervention:** Continuously monitoring patients' conditions, identifying potential complications, and implementing appropriate interventions. * **Collaboration:** Collaborating with physicians, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans. * **Documentation:** Accurately documenting patient care in the electronic health record (EHR). * **Emergency Response:** Responding to medical emergencies and initiating life-saving measures. * **Family Communication:** Communicating with patients' families to provide updates on their loved ones' conditions and answer questions. * **Equipment Management:** Ensuring that all equipment is functioning properly and that supplies are readily available. * **Delegation:** Delegating tasks to other members of the healthcare team, such as certified nursing assistants (CNAs), based on their scope of practice. * **Patient Education:** Providing education to patients and their families on their conditions, medications, and treatment plans.

Why Morgantown, West Virginia?

Morgantown, West Virginia, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Home to West Virginia University, Morgantown boasts a vibrant cultural scene, a thriving economy, and a low cost of living. The area offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, and fishing. Morgantown is also conveniently located within driving distance of major metropolitan areas such as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.

Career Path for Registered Nurses at WVU Medicine

WVU Medicine is committed to providing its employees with opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Registered nurses can advance their careers through various pathways, including: * **Clinical Ladder:** Progressing through the clinical ladder, which recognizes and rewards nurses for their expertise and contributions to patient care. * **Specialty Certification:** Obtaining specialty certifications in areas such as critical care, cardiology, or oncology. * **Leadership Roles:** Pursuing leadership positions such as charge nurse, nurse manager, or director of nursing. * **Advanced Practice Nursing:** Continuing their education to become advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), such as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists. WVU Medicine also offers numerous educational programs and resources to support nurses' professional development, including tuition reimbursement, continuing education courses, and mentorship programs.

Salary and Benefits

The estimated salary range for a SICU RN at WVU Medicine in Morgantown, West Virginia, is $68,000 to $95,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including: * **Health Insurance:** Medical, dental, and vision insurance. * **Prescription Drug Coverage:** Coverage for prescription medications. * **Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA):** Options for pre-tax savings for healthcare expenses. * **Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance:** Coverage for life insurance and accidental death. * **Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance:** Income protection in case of disability. * **Paid Time Off (PTO):** Vacation, sick, and personal days. * **Paid Holidays:** Paid time off for major holidays. * **Retirement Plan:** A retirement plan with employer matching contributions. * **Employee Assistance Program (EAP):** Confidential counseling and support services. * **Tuition Reimbursement:** Reimbursement for tuition expenses for continuing education. * **On-Site Childcare:** Childcare services available on-site. * **Employee Discounts:** Discounts on WVU Medicine services and other products and services.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment for its employees. The organization values teamwork, collaboration, and respect. WVU Medicine is also committed to providing its employees with opportunities for professional growth and development. The culture is one that values patient-centered care and continuous improvement.

How to Apply

To apply for the SICU RN (Night Shift) position at Ruby Memorial Hospital (WVUH), please click the “Apply” button located at the top of this page. Complete the application in full, providing all required information. Be sure to highlight your relevant experience and qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. **What are the minimum qualifications for this position?** * The minimum qualifications include a current Registered Nurse (RN) license in West Virginia or a current multi-state Registered Nurse license through the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), Basic Life Support (BLS) certification within 30 days of hire, and one (1) year of nursing experience. 2. **What are the core duties and responsibilities of a SICU RN?** * The core duties and responsibilities include modifying patient care plans, utilizing evidence-based practice, delegating tasks, verifying care plans, providing education, promoting communication, influencing policy, utilizing resources, incorporating organizational growth plans, participating in healthy community strategies, recognizing quality improvement strategies, reviewing policies, demonstrating data collection understanding, disseminating findings, engaging in nurse-sensitive indicator activities, participating in professional development, identifying ethical situations, improving the ethical environment, adhering to patient rights, and engaging in work/life balance opportunities. 3. **What is the work schedule for this position?** * This is a 0.9 FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) position on the night shift. Specific shift hours may vary but generally involve working during nighttime hours. 4. **What is the dress code for RNs at WVU Medicine?** * RNs are required to wear scrubs. Specific color requirements may vary by department. 5. **What is the patient-to-nurse ratio in the SICU?** * The patient-to-nurse ratio in the SICU varies depending on patient acuity but is typically 1:1 or 1:2. 6. **What opportunities are there for professional development?** * WVU Medicine offers numerous opportunities for professional development, including tuition reimbursement, continuing education courses, and mentorship programs. 7. **What is the culture like at WVU Medicine?** * WVU Medicine is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment. The organization values teamwork, collaboration, and respect. 8. **Are there opportunities to transfer to other departments within WVU Medicine?** * Yes, WVU Medicine encourages employees to explore different career paths within the organization. 9. **What is the process for obtaining specialty certifications?** * WVU Medicine supports nurses in obtaining specialty certifications by providing resources and financial assistance. 10. **Who can I contact if I have questions about the position?** * You can contact the WVU Medicine Human Resources department for questions about the position.