RN - PCU

Registered Nurse, Step Down

The Step-Down Registered Nurse provides specialized nursing care to patients who require close monitoring and frequent assessment but do not meet criteria for intensive care. This role requires delivering safe, high-quality, patient-centered care in collaboration with a multidisciplinary healthcare team. The Step-Down Registered Nurse will provide direct patient care for medically complex patients requiring telemetry, frequent monitoring, and specialized interventions. They will perform comprehensive assessments, including respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and hemodynamic status. The nurse will monitor and interpret cardiac rhythms, vital signs, and laboratory results, notifying providers of changes in patient condition. They will administer medications safely, including IV medications, per physician orders and hospital policy. The nurse will manage and care for patients with devices such as telemetry monitoring, IV drips, central lines, PICC lines, and oxygen therapy. They will implement and evaluate individualized patient care plans. Collaboration with physicians, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, case management, and other disciplines to optimize patient outcomes is essential. Educating patients and families regarding diagnosis, treatment plan, medications, and discharge instructions is a key responsibility. Accurate documentation of assessments, interventions, and patient responses in the electronic medical record is required. The nurse will recognize early signs of patient deterioration and activate rapid response or escalate care as needed. Adherence to infection prevention protocols, fall precautions, and patient safety standards is crucial. Floating to other medical-surgical units may be required. This unit serves a wide variety of patients including those related to cardiac care, neuro/stroke, dialysis, post-operative care, respiratory conditions, and general medical surgical overflow.