Registered Nurse Tier 1 (Union) - ICU
Company : Appalachian Regional Healthcare
Location : Hazard, KY, 41701
Job Type : Full Time / Part Time
Date Posted : 30 December 2025
Overview
The Registered Nurse requires substantial specialized knowledge, judgement and nursing skills based upon the principles of psychological, biological, physical, and social sciences in the application of the nursing process in the respective departments in which assigned. The RN must collaborate with physicians and multidisciplinary team members; provide physical and psychological support to patients, friends, and families; supervising assigned team members and students.
Responsibilities
- Completes patient assessments, formulates plan of care, oversees implementation of plan of care, evaluate and adjust plan of care utilizing critical thinking skills
- The performance of other nursing acts which are authorized or limited by the board, and which are consistent either with American Nursing’s Association Standards of Practice or with Standards of Practice established by nationally accepted organizations of registered nurses.
- Care, counsel health teaching and promotion, utilizes Teach Back methodology as affirmation of comprehension
- The administration of medication, intravenous therapy and treatment as prescribed by a LIP
- Supervision, delegation and follow-through to other personnel in the performance of activities relating to nursing care.
- Mentors and precepts students and orient new staff as assigned
- Reports up chain of command Clinical Nurse Manager/Nurse Manager/House Nurse Coordinator pertinent information
- Participates on various teams, committees or performance improvement initiatives
- Ensures a safe and secure environment for patients, coworkers and self
- Participates in Discharge Planning and Transition of Care (able to define pt needs)
- Serves as a patient advocate and escalates patient related concerns timely
- Timely documents pertinent findings in medical record
- Assist patients in performing activities of daily living and functions as an active team member
- Assumes responsibility for personnel professional development
- Utilizes effective communication skills and active listening, exhibits compassionate and empathetic attitude
- Practices Hands Off communication utilizing SBAR; Performs Bedside Shift reporting utilizing SBAR (unless contradicted)
- Functions as a positive influence, role model and adheres to professional code of conduct
- Respects dignity and confidentiality of all matters relating to patients
- Refer to Special Addendum and Staff Nurse Position Description
- Performs other job duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Associate's Degree Graduation from an accredited school of nursing. Required
- Bachelor's Degree Preferred
- Up to 1 year Preferred Minimum of one (1) year acute care nursing experience (1) year of experience should be relevant to specific department in which they will be working. Refer to addendums for additional requirements. Experience with Electronic Health Record Preferred. Preferred
- Operates critical care equipment such as respirators, temporary pacemakers, defibrillators, and other emergency equipment.
- Set-up, maintains, interprets results of cardiac and hemodynamic monitor required and takes action as indicated by nursing practice and hospital procedures.
- Perform special procedures such as endotracheal and tracheostomy suctioning; tracheostomy care; extubation; cardio-pulmonary resuscitation; arterial punctures; care of chest tubes and pleurevac; set up and assistance with peritoneal dialysis, paracentesis, thoracentesis.
- Able to manage specialty drips using approved protocols
- Prior to assignment to unit as sole RN provider, the nurse must successfully complete critical care course acceptable to the Community Chief Nursing Officer and demonstrate mastery of equipment, diagnostic responsibilities, and procedures required of the critical care nurse. Such course work shall include: • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and management of an obstructed airway. • EKG interpretation. • Drug therapy, including emergency drug therapy via the I.V. route, or routes normally left to the physician. • Hemodynamic monitoring. • Critical care procedures. The nurse shall be adequately oriented to unit policies, procedures and equipment. Orientation shall include safety procedures, infection control practices, and performance improvement activities.
- Completion of the following Competencies: Moderate Sedation Completion of Stroke Modules Restraints
- Registered Nurse Required
- Advanced Dysrhythmia/EKG Required
- NIH Stroke Certification Required
- BLS Required
- Advanced Life Support Certification Required
- De-Escalation Training within 6 months of hire Required
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification (recommended) Preferred
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Frequently asked questions
In Hazard, KY, possessing certifications such as NIH Stroke Certification is often required for ICU Registered Nurses Tier 1 to ensure they meet critical care standards. Appalachian Regional Healthcare specifically mandates these credentials to align with local healthcare regulations and patient care expectations.
This ICU RN position emphasizes hands-off communication through SBAR protocols, enhancing shift reporting and patient safety. Such structured communication minimizes errors and ensures seamless information flow among multidisciplinary teams at Appalachian Regional Healthcare.
ICU Registered Nurse Tier 1s manage critical care equipment, perform advanced procedures like tracheostomy suctioning, and oversee complex medication regimens. They also supervise team members and engage in discharge planning tailored to high-acuity patient needs, which sets them apart from general nursing roles.
While a recent associate degree graduate can apply, having at least one year of acute care experience is preferred for this ICU role. This ensures readiness to handle critical care complexities and meet Appalachian Regional Healthcare’s standards for patient safety and quality.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare fosters career growth by assigning mentorship roles to ICU RNs, providing access to critical care courses, and encouraging participation in performance improvement initiatives. This environment nurtures skill advancement and leadership within the ICU team.
Hazard, KY shows moderate demand for ICU nurses, with Appalachian Regional Healthcare actively recruiting to fill specialized roles. The market competition is balanced, providing opportunities for well-qualified candidates with critical care certifications and acute care experience.
The typical salary for an ICU Registered Nurse Tier 1 in Hazard, KY ranges between $58,000 and $72,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. This aligns with regional healthcare compensation trends and reflects the specialized skills required for critical care nursing.
Appalachian Regional Healthcare promotes a collaborative and safety-focused culture, encouraging ICU Registered Nurses to actively participate in committees and quality improvement. This culture supports compassionate patient care while fostering teamwork and professional accountability.
Mastery of advanced dysrhythmia and EKG interpretation is critical for ICU nurses to promptly identify cardiac events and intervene effectively. This skill set is vital in high-stakes environments like Appalachian Regional Healthcare’s ICU, ensuring timely clinical decisions.
Yes, de-escalation training is mandatory within six months of hire for ICU Registered Nurse Tier 1 employees. This training equips nurses to manage challenging patient behaviors safely, reflecting the hospital’s commitment to a secure environment for staff and patients.