Picking Up PRN RN ICU Jobs in Lafayette, Colorado
For Registered Nurses (RNs) looking for a more dynamic and fast-paced nursing career path, working in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) may just be the perfect fit. Lafayette, Colorado, with its picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains, offers a great opportunity for PRN RN ICU jobs at two of the top hospitals in the area: Good Samaritan Hospital and CommonSpirit St. Anthony North Hospital.
This article will explore what it takes to be an ICU RN, what a typical day looks like, and the advantages of picking up PRN shifts in the ICU. It will also discuss how Nursa, a nursing PRN job app, can help you find PRN ICU RN jobs in Lafayette and nearby areas, such as Denver, Wheat Ridge, Brighton, and Grand Junction.
ICUs in and near Lafayette
Good Samaritan Hospital in Lafayette is a community-based hospital that prides itself on providing top-notch healthcare to its patients. The ICU at Good Samaritan is a 12-bed unit that caters to both medical and surgical patients. This unit is well-equipped with state-of-the-art technology and equipment to provide optimal care to critically ill patients. The ICU team at Good Samaritan works closely with other departments to provide comprehensive care to their patients.
CommonSpirit St. Anthony North Hospital, just 20 minutes away from Lafayette, is a Level III Trauma Center and a designated Stroke Center. The ICU at this hospital is a 16-bed unit that provides care to a diverse patient population, including medical, surgical, trauma, and neurology patients. The ICU team at St. Anthony North is dedicated to providing excellent patient care while promoting a positive work environment for its staff.
Typical Duties of an ICU RN
Working as an ICU RN comes with a wide range of responsibilities. Some of the typical duties of an ICU RN include the following:
- Assessing and monitoring patients' vital signs, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation
- Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by the physician
- Collaborating with the rest of the healthcare team to create and implement patient care plans
- Monitoring and managing patients' ventilators and other life-support equipment
- Providing emotional support to patients and their families in times of crisis
- Educating patients and their families about their conditions and treatment plans
- Assisting with procedures in the ICU
- Documenting patient care and progress in electronic medical records
In the ICU, RNs play a critical role in supervising Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs). While LPNs and CNAs have a more limited scope of practice, they are crucial in providing hands-on care to patients in the ICU. RNs are responsible for assigning tasks to LPNs and CNAs, monitoring their work, and providing guidance and support as needed.
How to Become an ICU RN
To become an ICU RN, an aspiring nurse must first complete an associate or bachelor's degree in nursing from an accredited nursing program. Then, they must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed RN. After gaining some experience in general nursing, individuals can pursue additional training and education in critical care nursing. Some hospitals may also require certification in critical care nursing for RNs working in the ICU.
Skills Needed for an ICU RN
Being an ICU RN requires a unique set of skills. Some essential skills for ICU RNs include the following:
- Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Strong assessment and monitoring skills
- Ability to stay calm and make quick decisions in emergencies
- Attention to detail and the ability to multitask
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to show compassion and empathy towards patients and their families
- Physical and emotional resilience to handle high-stress situations
Is Working in the ICU as an RN Hard?
Working in the ICU can be physically, emotionally, and mentally demanding. ICU nurses often work with critically ill patients, which can be emotionally draining. The nature of the work can also be physically demanding, with long shifts and heavy patient loads. However, the rewards of working in the ICU, including making positive impacts on patients' lives, often outweigh the challenges.
Advantages of Picking Up PRN Jobs as an ICU RN
There are several advantages to picking up PRN jobs as an ICU RN:
- Flexibility: As a PRN ICU RN, you have the flexibility to choose your shifts and work as many or as few as you prefer.
- Higher pay: PRN rates for nursing jobs are often higher than the average RN salary in Colorado, allowing you to earn more for the same hours worked.
- Variety of experiences: Working as a PRN ICU RN allows you to work in different healthcare settings, gaining experience and diversifying your skill set.
- Competitive edge: PRN jobs can provide you with a competitive edge by allowing you to work in different settings, gaining experience and expanding your professional network.
How to Find PRN RN ICU Jobs near Me
Nursa is a nursing job app that connects healthcare facilities with qualified nurses looking for PRN shifts. Some advantages of using Nursa to find PRN nursing jobs in Lafayette and nearby areas include the following:
- Easy application process: Nurses can easily apply for PRN jobs in the app, and facilities can quickly review and approve applications.
- Direct communication: Nursa allows nurses to communicate directly with the hiring managers at facilities, making the application process more efficient.
- Competitive pay: Nursa offers competitive pay rates for PRN RN shifts in Colorado, ensuring that nurses are fairly compensated for their work.
- Professional growth: Nursa provides access to a variety of PRN shifts, giving nurses the opportunity to gain experience in different settings.
- Reliable payment: Nursa guarantees timely and reliable payment for PRN shifts.
In addition to Lafayette, Nursa also offers PRN ICU jobs in nearby areas, including Denver, Wheat Ridge, Brighton, and Grand Junction. This provides nurses with the opportunity to explore different cities and healthcare facilities while working as a PRN ICU RN.
Request PRN RN Jobs with Nursa
Finding PRN RN jobs in Lafayette and nearby areas is straightforward with Nursa. Nurses can follow these simple steps to start picking up PRN shifts:
- Download Nursa from the App Store or Google Play Store.
- Create a profile and upload your nursing credentials, including your nursing license and immunization records.
- Browse and apply for PRN positions that interest you.
- Communicate directly with hiring managers to schedule and confirm shifts.
- Work your shift and get paid directly through the app.
If you're a qualified ICU RN looking for PRN shifts in Lafayette and nearby areas, sign up with Nursa today and start requesting shifts.
