RN - PCU

RN Step Down

The Step-Down Unit/Progressive Care Registered Nurse provides specialized nursing care to patients requiring close monitoring and frequent assessment. Patients do not meet criteria for intensive care. The RN is responsible for delivering safe, high-quality, patient-centered care in collaboration with a multidisciplinary healthcare team. This role requires strong critical thinking skills and clinical judgment. RNs must manage complex patient conditions in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Providing direct patient care for medically complex patients requiring telemetry and specialized interventions.
• Performing comprehensive assessments, including respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and hemodynamic status.
• Monitoring and interpreting cardiac rhythms, vital signs, and laboratory results; notifying providers of changes in patient condition.
• Administering medications safely, including IV medications, per physician orders and hospital policy.
• Managing and caring for patients with devices such as telemetry monitoring, IV drips, central lines, PICC lines, and oxygen therapy.
• Implementing and evaluating individualized patient care plans.
• Collaborating with physicians and various therapy disciplines to optimize patient outcomes.
• Educating patients and families regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, and discharge instructions.
• Accurately documenting assessments, interventions, and patient responses in the electronic medical record.
• Recognizing early signs of patient deterioration and activating rapid response or escalating care as needed.
• Adhering to infection prevention protocols, fall precautions, and patient safety standards.
• Floating to other medical/surgical units may be required.

The unit serves a wide variety of patients, including cardiac, neuro/stroke, dialysis, post-operative, respiratory, and general medical surgical overflow.