Telemedicine-ICU RN Cert

The job is responsible for providing consultative patient care nursing services via the centralized Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (VMFH) Virtual Health Network which focuses on the provision of virtual remote care for patients in intensive care units (ICU), other inpatient care units and/or other CommonSpirit Health markets. From a centralized command center location, an incumbent works collaboratively with the Tele-ICU and an interdisciplinary team of healthcare providers to facilitate achievement of clinical objectives, quality/customer service standards and improvement of patient care outcomes. The provision of nursing services are extended to CommonSpirit markets in other states outside Washington State and will require procurement of current RN licensure in those states.

Work is conducted in accordance with VMFH-FH policies, applicable regulatory requirements and scope of practice for the nursing profession and is strongly focused on patient safety. Work involves continuous contact with physicians, patients, patient families, community agencies, patient care staff and management. An incumbent is accountable for the quality of care provided to patients, and has the authority to direct care, provide education, seek resources at the unit/department level, and delegate appropriate tasks.

Work also includes:

1) collaborating with patients, families and on-site healthcare providers in developing/implementing/assessing the patient's plan of care and appropriate nursing interventions for optimal patient care/safety;

2) monitoring electronic systems/equipment to identify variations from standard norms relating to patient care/status; and

3) providing education/guidance on best practice intensive care nursing and ensuring that providers are following established patient care procedures and documentation standards.

Work is performed in accordance with standards of safety and care that provide instruction/guidance for taking care of issues and patient needs in the absence of a physician. Requires the application of judgment and critical thinking skills in making recommendations/decisions regarding patient care (within the scope of practice), including knowledge and integration of available standards, resources and data, and in the efficient utilization of staff/resources.

Essential Function

• Monitors assigned patients from a command center remote location via live streaming video equipment; makes ongoing assessments with respect to physical, psychosocial, cultural, behavioral/emotional, developmental and spiritual needs; communicates with members of the Tele-ICU Center team across all locations and the bedside ICU or other inpatient care interdisciplinary team(s) in a collegial manner to provide safe and error-free care during routine and emergent conditions.
• Collaborates with physicians, professional nursing staff and ancillary members of the healthcare team in determining nursing plan of care and the general management of intensive care patients; interprets and facilitates the application of standards of nursing practice to the patient care process.
• Interprets monitoring data to determine when a change in care is appropriate and makes recommendations/decisions regarding treatment changes within defined scope of responsibility; follows up to ensure treatment is delivered as ordered, and to ensure continuity of medical care; advises physician of developments in patient’s condition when indicated.
• Incorporates critical thinking into daily practice as demonstrated by quality of care provided, transfer of knowledge, follow-through and patient outcomes. Works to prevent patient problems from occurring by:  direct observation via telemedicine technology, proactive surveillance of adverse physiological trends, assurance of appropriate prophylactic strategies, medical chart review, and appropriate reaction to BPA Alerts.
• Initiates and/or implements appropriate patient interventions as necessary to respond to routine, urgent and emergent patient issues; assesses and evaluates results to facilitate positive outcomes.
• Determines/recommends, in consultation with on-site healthcare providers, timely and appropriate changes to patient care plan.
• Responds appropriately by demonstrating effective decision-making and provides follow-up to ensure that patient problems are resolved.
  Monitors and evaluates team performance to ensure the quality of care provided is consistent with the VMFH standards, documentation procedures and applicable regulatory requirements. 
• Through a defined reporting process, reports clinical, administrative, or technical problems that results in medical errors, unsafe care, or sub-optimal communications between the Tele-ICU Center and ICU or other inpatient health care professionals. 
• Provides guidance in preparing patient for discharge and assists in coordinating post-discharge needs.
  Documents care delivered and patient status utilizing the nursing process in accordance with VMFH standards of care, including changes in patient condition, patient responses to intervention and reassessments of pertinent findings.
• Reviews and assures appropriateness, accuracy, timeliness and execution of physician orders.
• Prioritizes clinical information accurately and in a timely manner.
• Adheres to VMFH’s policies and procedures, including safety, risk management and regulatory standards.
  Provides health care education and guidance to healthcare providers, patient and/or families; educates regarding results, findings and diagnoses to patient and/or patient’s family within scope of practice.
• Provides continuing assistance to management with respect to the development and/or improvement of existing clinical/treatment protocols/practices through the ongoing observation, analysis and evaluation of current activities.
• Serves as a consultant/mentor/change agent in advancing the practice of intensive care nursing among other nurses, using innovative evidence-based interventions, best-practice guidelines and modification of professional standards and organizational policies that direct the care of nursing personnel and other healthcare providers to improve outcomes.
  Keeps abreast of trends, developments and regulatory requirements impacting matters within designated scope of responsibility.
• Evaluates general management of patients and patient’s response to nursing interventions and multi-disciplinary treatment plans in relation to current/future best practices and changing requirements.

Education/Experience:

• Associates Of Science Nursing upon hire or
• An equivalent combination of additional qualifying work experience may be substituted for the Bachelor’s degree requirement required or
• Bachelors Of Science nursing or other healthcare-related discipline, graduation from an accredited school of nursing upon hire required and
• Three years of related work experience that demonstrates the attainment of the requisite job knowledge, skills and abilities required and work experience in an intensive care unit setting required.

License/Certifications:

• Registered Nurse: WA (RN:WA) upon hire required and
• Basic Life Support - CPR (BLS-CPR) upon hirer required and
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) upon hire required and
• Critical Care Knowledge (CCRN-K) upon hire required or
• Critical Care RN With Tele-Icu Specialty (CCRN-E) upon hire required or
• Critical RN Adult/Neonatal/Pediatric/Acute (CCRN) upon hire required or
• Certified Neuroscience RN (CNRN) upon hire required

Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.

Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.

Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.

We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.