RN - PCU

Registered Nurse

Job Title: Registered Nurse

Profession: RN (Registered Nurse) Specialty: Intermediate Care Unit Duration: 13 weeks Shift: Night Shift Hours per Shift: 12 hours Experience: Minimum of 2 years License: Required Certifications: BLS, ACLS, NIHSS Must-Have: Ability to read and interpret telemetry strips; skilled in titrating drips such as Amiodarone, Cardizem, Dopamine, Dobutamine, Labetalol, Nitro, and Heparin.

Description: The unit consists of 30 beds, which are a mix of private and semi-private rooms. The goal for patient-to-nurse ratios is 1:4, but the unit typically operates at 1:5, with possible ratios of 1:6 occasionally. Charge nurses take a full patient assignment during both day and night shifts. Charge nurses are supported by a Clinical Assistant who works on the floor with a patient assignment and assists in the office. Nurse aides are typically available with ratios of 1:10-12. Weekend requirements mandate that night shift nurses work four weekend night shifts within a four-week schedule. Holidays may require flexibility in scheduling, though holiday shifts are usually covered by permanent staff. Registered nurses are required to wear navy blue scrubs and jackets. Respiratory equipment is managed by the respiratory therapy team, which operates 24/7. There is a hospitalist on-site 24/7, along with an intensivist in the ICU. An IV team is also available in-house 24/7 for IV starts and has a dedicated PICC/Midline team. Pharmacy services are provided in-house around the clock. Registered nurses must be present on the unit ready to begin shifts by 6:45 PM for night shifts, which run from 7 PM to 7 AM. Self-scheduling is allowed as long as unit needs are met, and staff can request up to four days off per month. All staff members are required to float to other areas of the unit as necessary. Orientation includes a day with HR and two days on the unit with a preceptor. Commonly managed diagnoses include chest pain, risk of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and arrhythmias. The unit cares for patients pre and post-cardiac catheterization and manages patients on Tikosyn therapy. Strict attendance policies are in place to ensure staffing reliability. Charting is conducted using an electronic health record system. A Bachelor of Science in Nursing is not required for this position.