RN - PCU

Registered Nurse (RN)

This position requires functioning across all Progressive Care Units (PCU) and Telemetry units. Nurses will float to various units based on hospital needs, providing care within their scope of practice.

Unit Information

• PCU: 36 beds
• Medical: 36 beds
• Overflow: 11 beds
• Observation: 15 beds
• Surgical: 42 beds

Qualifications

• AHA BLS, AHA ACLS, and NIHSS certifications required.
• 1-2 years of nursing experience preferred, with proficiency in neuro assessments and basic cardiac drips.
• Experience administering Cardizem, Amiodarone, and Heparin drips is essential.
• Prior experience with EPIC electronic health records is required.
• Must have the ability to read and interpret cardiac strips and successfully pass an ECG exam.
• Travel nursing experience is expected.

Patient Care and Ratios

Nurses will care for a range of diagnoses such as:

• Stroke (rule out)
• Chest pain
• Arrhythmias
• Abdominal pain
• Post-surgical recovery
• Altered mental status
• Dehydration
• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
• Gastrointestinal hemorrhage
• Numbness
• Fever
• Sepsis
• Respiratory failure

Staffing ratios include:

• PCU, Overflow, Observation: 1:4
• Medical and Surgical: 1:5 (may stretch to 1:6 occasionally)
• Floating may include duties in ICU for lower acuity holds or ER for boarders, generally maintaining a 1:4 ratio but may extend to 1:5.

Support Staff

• Nurse assistants or patient care technicians available with varying ratios of 1:8 to 1:11 depending on the unit.
• Some units have secretaries for administrative support.

Equipment and Monitoring

• Familiarity with respiratory equipment such as CPAP and high-flow oxygen is necessary to respond effectively to patient needs.
• Nurses must read and interpret telemetry strips, with off-site monitoring in place.

Scheduling and Shifts

Shifts are scheduled from 7 PM to 7 AM. Scheduling is managed by administrative staff to address unit needs, requiring flexibility from travelers. Opportunities for overtime may be available.

Weekend obligations include a minimum of 4 weekend shifts within a 6-week period. Holiday shifts will be scheduled based on hospital needs.

Uniform

Navy scrubs are required.

Orientation

A total of three orientation shifts across different units, in addition to a general facility orientation, will be provided.

Client Details City Alexandria State VA