RN - PCU

Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurse (RN)

We are seeking qualified Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurses (RNs) to join our team. This unit has a total of 44 beds and a mix of patient acuity, including Intermediate Care, Telemetry, and MedSurg.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1.5 years of general nursing experience
• At least 1 year of experience specific to the Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
• First-time travelers welcome with 2+ years of experience
• Must reside 100 miles away from any affiliated facility
• Required certifications: BLS, ACLS, NIHSS
• Completion of a nursing education program approved by a board of nursing; Registered Nurse (RN) licensed in South Dakota

Patient Types

This is a mixed acuity unit, accommodating a variety of patients including:

• Direct admits and Emergency Department (ED) admits
• Post catheterization (Cath Lab) patients
• Patients experiencing myocardial infarction (MI), NSTEMI, and STEMI (IABP patients are placed in ICU)
• Congestive heart failure (CHF) and dysrhythmia management
• Pacemaker malfunction and epicardial pacers
• Backup stroke unit and medical overflow

Responsibilities

The RN will provide care for patients with the following conditions:

• Step down level experience with post-cardiac/vascular patients
• Post-cardiac catheterization, post-open heart surgery, post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), post-electrophysiology studies, and post-pacemaker insertion

Patient Ratios

The RN will typically manage a patient ratio of 1:4 and may be assigned a 1:3 ratio depending on patient acuity.

Skills Required

• PCU-level nursing experience
• Experience with cardiac procedural recovery (CABG, TAVR, post-cardiac cath)
• Familiarity with MI pharmacology and titratable cardiac/vasoactive medications (including Cardizem, Amiodarone, Nitro, Levo, Dopamine)
• Heparin drips and cardiac rhythm interpretation
• Chest tube management and TNK administration (preferred)

Support and Resources on the Unit

• CNA ratio: 1:5-8, depending on the shift
• Charge nurse is unassigned
• Phlebotomy available for peripheral blood draws
• Resource nurse available occasionally
• Tele tech available to oversee cardiac monitoring, with RN verification of strips
• Respiratory Therapy available 24/7
• Hospitalist available 24/7, though not dedicated to the unit

Charting System/Equipment

• Epic
• Alaris
• Omnicell

Orientation and Scheduling

• Orientation consists of 2 partial days of education and 3 shifts on the unit
• Weekend rotation required: every other weekend
• Holidays: every other holiday

Additional Notes

• May be expected to precept students
• Scrub color: Navy Blue
• Free parking available