Trinity Health·West Des Moines, Iowa
Provide and direct safe, effective care for high-risk, critically acute patients with life-threatening conditions. Coordinate care delivery, perform ongoing assessments, and manage advanced equipment such as ECMO circuits.
Employment type: Full time
SHIFT: 12 Hour Day Shift
• Full Time - 36 hours per week
• Day Shift (7 AM - 7 PM)
We, MercyOne Trinity Health, serve together in the spirit of the Gospel as a compassionate and transforming healing presence within our communities.
Assessment &
Planning: Performs initial and ongoing patient assessments; develops individualized, outcome-based plans of care.
Care
Implementation: Coordinates and delivers patient care, delegating tasks appropriately and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams.
Evaluation &
Documentation: Regularly reassesses patients, updates care plans, and documents thoroughly.
Communication: Effectively communicates patient status and care needs across teams and during shift transitions.
Clinical
Competence: Follows protocols, administers medications safely, and demonstrates proficiency in required systems and procedures.
ECMO
Management (if applicable): Provides advanced care to ECMO patients, including circuit management, data documentation, and technical education.
Age-Appropriate
Care: Delivers care based on developmental stages and patient-specific age needs.
Safety &
Compliance: Follows infection control, safety procedures, and regulatory standards.
Professional
Integrity: Adheres to legal, ethical, and organizational policies and participates in continuous professional development.
1. Associate degree required, BSN preferred.
2. No experience required; critical care nursing experience preferred.
3. Current Iowa RN license, (current IL license if working in IL).
4. BLS, Mandatory Reporter.
5. ACLS within 12 months of hire.
6. Cardiac monitoring course and/or select units of advance Nursing / Critical Care Course or comparable training
7. Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training (NVCI) within 6 months of hire
8. Basic computer skills required.
9. Ability to work with diverse groups of people.
10. Ability to work under pressure and with a large degree of independence and accountability.
11. Ability to lead/direct others in a high stress situation/environment.
Attend and satisfy all the requirements of a formal course of study that is based upon the guidelines and recommendations set forth by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO), designed by the ECLS Program Coordinator, and approved by the ECLS Program Medical Director.
Complete (72) hours of supervised ECLS case management experience
First (36) hours obtained with a qualified preceptor at the pump
Remaining (36) hours obtained as the primary pump specialist with a veteran specialist as the patient’s bedside RN
Satisfactorily participate in an introductory (8) hour ECLS competency simulation workshop verified by the ECLS Coordinator and ECLS Medical Director.
Satisfy annual requirements to maintain status as an ECLS specialist.
Provides and directs safe, effective and culturally competent care for high risk, critically acute patients with actual or potential life-threatening conditions.
Through evidence-based practice, utilizes critical thinking to assess, plan, implement and evaluate outcome-based care of patients.
Provides care to critically ill patients including cardiovascular and surgical patients.
May assume responsibilities and accountability for assigned ECMO patients.
Supervises and coordinates care provided to patients by the LPN, Patient Care Assistants and other nursing team members.
Facilitates communication with physicians, patient and family, other departments and/or team members.
Adheres to MercyOne's performance expectations and performs all defined services and other related duties in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of MercyOne.
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Requires an Associate degree (BSN preferred) and a current Iowa RN license. Must possess BLS certification, with ACLS and NVCI training required within a specific timeframe after hire.
Market context
ICU RN openings in Iowa are typically driven by ongoing hospital staffing needs, especially for nurses who can manage high-acuity patients and adapt to fast-paced units. This role is competitive because employers often look for an Iowa RN license, BLS, and readiness to complete ACLS and NVCI after hire, while BSN-prepared candidates may stand out. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your license status and certification timeline before applying.