RN - PCU

Travel Registered Nurse

Job Title: Registered Nurse

Profession: RN Specialty: Stepdown Care Unit

Duration: 13 weeks

Shift: 12-hour Days Hours per Shift: 12

Experience: Minimum 1 year of ICU/Intermediate (Stepdown) experience

License: Active state license required

Certifications: BLS required; ACLS recommended

Must-Have:

• Experience with a nurse-to-patient ratio of 3:1 or 2:1
• Proficiency in managing tracheostomy and ventilated patients
• Ability to titrate drips such as Cardene, Cardizem, Amiodarone, Dobutamine, Heparin, and Vasopressors

Description:

The unit has 20 beds, including 8 private rooms and the rest semi-private. Nurse-to-patient ratios are 3:1. Typical patient diagnoses include COPD, CHF, DM, sepsis, renal failure, DKA, alcohol withdrawal, overdoses, pneumonia, and various respiratory conditions. Patients may also include neuro, surgical, and cardiac cases. The unit regularly manages patients on BiPAP, CPAP, and face mask ventilators, as well as those with tracheostomies or on ventilators. Nursing staff will handle chest tubes, G-tubes, NG tubes, PICC lines, and central lines. RNs are required to titrate medications and manage drips. A charge nurse is available on each shift, and they may take patient assignments if staffing is not ideal. The unit has 2 patient care technicians per shift, responsible for 10 patients each if the unit is at full capacity. All patients are monitored using bedside monitors, with tele techs interpreting strips while RNs confirm findings. Shifts are 12 hours, working from 7 AM to 7 PM. Travel RNs will work with the unit supervisor on scheduling and may have block scheduling options. Weekend requirements involve a commitment every other weekend. Holiday requirements include rotation every other holiday. There is no call or standby requirement for this position. Travel RNs may float to other Stepdown or General Medicine units as needed, and floating to ICU requires extensive ICU experience. There is no specific dress code; any color scrubs are acceptable. Orientation consists of a one-day session for the electronic health record system and a unit orientation with an educator.