August 11, 2025

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The Roles and Requirements of ICU Nurses
News
May 2, 2025
The Roles and Requirements of ICU Nurses

Few people want to imagine being in an intensive care unit. Patients in an ICU are acutely unwell and require critical medical care, much of which is administered by talented medical professionals known as ICU nurses.

Few people want to imagine being in an intensive care unit. Patients in an ICU are acutely unwell and require critical medical care, much of which is administered by talented medical professionals known as ICU nurses.

Nursing is a challenging and rewarding profession that features people performing a range of services. Anyone who has been in an ICU or visited a loved one in an ICU may understand the stress that nurses working in such wards are under, and recognition of the work they do can be a great way to show these invaluable professionals how much their contributions are valued and appreciated.

--- What is an ICU nurse?

The online nursing resource Nurse.org notes that ICU nurses are highly trained registered nurses (RNs) who work with patients confronting life-threatening illnesses or conditions. Care provided by ICU is often life-saving, as patients within these wards are often intubated, ventilated and taking various medications with a goal of saving their lives.

--- What tasks do ICU nurses perform?

Nurse.org notes that the responsibilities of an ICU nurse vary depending on the system within which a nurse works. So responsibilities can vary from hospital to hospital. However, Nurses.org indicates that ICU nurses generally are tasked with the following responsibilities.

• Collaborate with health care professions to provide holistic care to patients.

• Educate patients and their families on diagnosis, medications, and other information

• Clean and bandage patient wounds

• Monitor life support equipment

• Immediately respond to changes in the patient’s condition

• Evaluate vital signs

• Administer medications • Advocate for patients

• Provide comfort and prevent suffering

• Infuse blood products and monitor patient reactions • Care for the patient’s body immediately after death

• Identify patients’ needs according to their age and level of consciousness and subse- quently create a care plan to meet those needs

• Complete paperwork prior to transferring or discharging a patient

• Respond to medical emergencies on the unit

• Support a compassionate and therapeutic environment for critically ill patients --- What is the ICU-nurse-to-patient ratio?

Various sources indicate that, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ideal ICU-nurse-to-patient ratio was 1:1. However, the sharp uptick in ICU patients during the pandemic forced many systems to shift their approach, and ICU nurses routinely were asked to treat multiple patients. That reality underscores just how heroic the efforts of ICU nurses during the pandemic were, but many within the industry fear that the ideal ratio of 1:1 could be left behind now that COVID-19 hospitalizations are generally down. Experienced ICU nurses urge a return to the 1:1 ratio, noting that abandoning it could ultimately lead to a shortage in the field as nurses suffer from exhaustion and the trauma of juggling so many critical patients at once. Individuals who want to express their appreciation for ICU nurses can support efforts to ensure the pre-pandemic ratio of 1:1 is reestablished at their local health care facilities.

ICU nurses are highly trained and talented individuals. Though being an ICU nurse is challenging, it’s an option anyone thinking of becoming a nurse should consider.

Stand for the Silent
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Stand for the Silent
August 8, 2025
Outside the Walmart on Wood Drive, two determined young women stood in the Oklahoma summer heat - not for recognition, but for a mission. Jamyah McClellan and Tylor Jackson were representing Stand for...
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Over $1.25M in unpaid wages recovered
August 8, 2025
The Oklahoma Department of Labor (ODOL) has announced a significant victory for Oklahoma workers, recovering more than $1.25 million in unpaid wages and liquidated damages during the 2024 fiscal year....
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The thunder of hooves
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The thunder of hooves
August 8, 2025
The thunder of hooves, the pride of heritage and the joy of a united community will soon come together in spectacular fashion as Okmulgee prepares to host the 70th Annual Roy LeBlanc Okmulgee Invitati...
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Historical Museum open Saturday
August 8, 2025
The Henryetta Historical Museum will be open Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. With school starting, the museum will be ending its summer hours very soon, but will be open on Labor Day following the big...
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HEF representative is guest of Lions
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HEF representative is guest of Lions
August 8, 2025
The Henryetta Lions Club held its most recent meeting at The Shack 2.0 with an active agenda, plenty of laughter and a renewed focus on community service as members prepare for a busy fall season of a...
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Back to school season begins
August 8, 2025
As the summer winds down and school bells prepare to ring, Okmulgee County schools are welcoming students and families back with a series of fun and meaningful events. From early-morning sunrises to e...
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YMCA Hosts School Supplies Giveaway
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YMCA Hosts School Supplies Giveaway
August 8, 2025
The Okmulgee Family YMCA showed its commitment to the community by hosting a Free School Supplies Giveaway last Saturday as a drive-thru event. This event makes sure every child in Okmulgee starts the...
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County employment rate rises
News
County employment rate rises
August 8, 2025
Most Oklahoma counties reported jobless rates decreased during June, according to the latest news from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.During the month, the county’s unemployment rate was ...
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Family’s summer road trip to Pikes Peak becomes a journey of discovery
News
Family’s summer road trip to Pikes Peak becomes a journey of discovery
August 8, 2025
Have you determined how your family will be vacationing, relaxing, or having fun this summer?Time is growing short to schedule your family’s summer vacation. Have you and your group made your plans ye...
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Tulsa, OKC resort to hostile architecture to deter homeless encampments
News
Tulsa, OKC resort to hostile architecture to deter homeless encampments
August 8, 2025
The boulders appeared on Fourth Street as if by magic. But their placement near Tulsa’s Metrolink station is no accident; the rocks are intentionally unwelcoming, placed to deter those without homes f...
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100 Years Ago (1925)
Public Notices
100 Years Ago (1925)
August 8, 2025
The general merchandise store of Seth Hufstedler was burglarized Friday night. Entrance was gained by prying off a screen on a rear window and then forcing the top window sash down. The loss was expec...
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