RN - PCU

PCU Registered Nurse (RN)Join our dynamic healthcare team as a PCU Registered Nurse (RN) in a mixed patient care unit. This unit accommodates 36-48 beds, with flexibility to modify room types as needed.Required ExperienceA minimum of 1 year of nursing experience is required.First-time travelers are welcome if they possess more than 1 year of nursing experience.First-time travelers must have EPIC experience. Travelers must reside over 100 miles away from any healthcare facility.Patient TypesThe unit serves a mixed patient population ranging from Med/Surg to Intermediate Care. Nurse patient ratios may vary based on patient acuity. Common diagnoses include, but are not limited to:Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) requiring insulin dripsPre/post-surgical patientsCellulitis, influenza, UTIsPneumonia, COPD, CHFRenal failure with or without hemodialysisHepatic failure, gastrointestinal disorders and infectionsSoft tissue injuries and minor fracturesDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) and cerebrovascular accident (CVA) overflowClinical ResponsibilitiesNurses in this role will administer a variety of medications, including oral, IV, IM, and Subcutaneous (SQ), and will also be involved in:Titrating vasoactive drips, TPN, and tube feedingBlood product transfusionsManagement of peripheral IVs, midlines, PICCs, central lines, chest tubes, nasogastric tubes, drains, and collection devicesProviding preventative and restorative skin and wound careTelemetry monitoring including reading and interpreting cardiac stripsPatient RatiosLong length of stay (MedSurg/NO Tele): 1:5-6 in a pod with 10-12 patientsMed Surg/Telemetry (no IMC drips): 1:5 in 2 pods with 10-12 patients eachIntermediate Care: 1:4 in a pod with 8 patients (may include Med/Tele vs IMC patients)Required CertificationsBLSACLSNIHSSEducationThe candidate must have completed a nursing education program approved by a board of nursing and possess a current Registered Nurse (RN) license in South Dakota.Skills RequiredAbility to comfortably take on MedSurg assignments.Prior experience with specified patient types, including IMC/stepdown and neuro patients.Competency in reading and interpreting cardiac strips.Wound care, line management, and drain/tube management.Familiarity with drip titration for medications such as Heparin, Insulin, Cardizem, and Amiodarone.Support on the UnitCNA support is provided with a ratio of 1:8.A charge nurse is available who does not take patient assignments.Phlebotomy and IV/VAT teams are accessible for assistance.FloatingNurses may float within their scope of practice to any Adult Inpatient Unit, including Med Surg, Ortho/Neuro/Surgical, Heart and Vascular Unit, Oncology, and Observation.OrientationTwo days of unit/department orientation will be provided, covering policies, protocols, and department information, followed by two shifts working with a preceptor.SchedulingSchedules are created in six-week blocks. Travelers may be scheduled for up to four weekends within a six-week period, and preferences for weekend work or block scheduling can be communicated.