Registered Nurse PCU

Job Summary:


The Registered Nurse (RN) for the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) provides skilled nursing care to a diverse patient population including cardiac, respiratory, neurological, renal, and complex medical-surgical cases. The RN collaborates within a Co-Care/Virtual Nursing model to deliver comprehensive patient assessments, medication administration, treatment planning, and patient education. This role demands strong clinical skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage higher acuity patients in a fast-paced acute hospital environment. A valid Alaska RN license and at least one year of experience are required.

Responsibilities:

• Provide direct nursing care to PCU patients including cardiac, respiratory, neuro, renal, and complex medical-surgical cases.
• Conduct patient assessments, administer medications, and develop treatment plans in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
• Work within the Co-Care/Virtual Nursing model alongside bedside RNs, Virtual RNs, and CNAs to ensure comprehensive care.
• Monitor and manage patients with advanced cardiac conditions such as CHF, MI, post-TAVR, MVR, pacemakers, and arrhythmias.
• Care for respiratory patients including those with COVID-19, flu, COPD, asthma exacerbations, tracheostomies, and home ventilators.
• Provide care for patients requiring high flow nasal cannula and BIPAP support.
• Assist with overflow patients from neurological and renal units as needed.
• Manage patients with complicated medical conditions requiring higher levels of monitoring such as alcohol withdrawal and gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Document patient care and communicate changes in condition to the healthcare team.
• Collaborate with providers and other team members to ensure quality patient outcomes and safety.

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Active Registered Nurse license in Alaska (license in hand required for auto offer).
• Minimum of 1 year nursing experience, preferably in acute care or PCU settings.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certification.
• NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) certification.
• Strong clinical assessment, medication administration, and treatment planning skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a virtual nursing care model.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Experience with cardiac patient populations including CHF, MI, and post-cardiac procedures.
• Experience with respiratory care including tracheostomy and ventilator management.
• Previous experience in stepdown or progressive care units.
• Familiarity with Epic electronic health record system.

Special Considerations:

• No on-call requirements.
• Weekend coverage may be more frequent than every other weekend based on staffing needs.
• Floating within scope to lower acuity units, renal care, neuro, and medical-surgical units may be required.
• Time off requests are approved individually and must be included in submittal.
• Must have a driver's license, car insurance, and automobile if field work is required (implied by typical RN roles).
• Facility is a Magnet hospital and Level II Trauma center with a high standard of care.

Scheduling:

• 13-week assignment length with immediate start.
• Night shift options: either 3 or 4 twelve-hour shifts per week, traveler's choice.
• Guaranteed 60 hours per two-week pay period, with the possibility of being called off for one 12-hour shift per two weeks.
• Block scheduling is not accommodated.