RN - PICU

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse (RN)

This position is for a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Registered Nurse (RN). The unit comprises a 15-bed Pediatric Unit and a 5-bed PICU. Applicants must possess at least 2 years of PICU RN experience.

Patient Types

• General Pediatrics: Patients aged 0-18 years, including stable adult overflow patients (e.g., post-appendectomy, post-cholecystectomy). Common diagnoses include respiratory illnesses, diabetes, septicemia, cellulitis, neglect/abuse, mental health issues, trauma, neurological conditions, and various general surgery procedures.
• PICU: Patients aged 0-18 years requiring critical or intensive care services. Common conditions include acute and chronic respiratory insufficiency, circulatory failure, significant infectious diseases, endocrine and metabolic disorders, neurologic diseases, toxic ingestions, trauma, and hematologic and oncologic diseases.

Patient Ratios

• General Pediatrics: 1 RN to 5 patients
• PICU: 1 RN to 1 patient for mechanically ventilated patients or titratable drips; 1 RN to 2-3 patients for stable PICU cases

Required Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
• National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)

Required Education

Completion of an accredited nursing education program approved by the board of nursing and registration as a nurse (RN) in South Dakota.

Skills Required

• Physical assessment of patients ranging from infants to adults
• Evaluation of patient symptoms and vital signs
• Administration of prescribed medications
• Patient and family education on care plans
• Proficient use of the EPIC charting system
• Ability to titrate drips and care for mechanically ventilated patients in the PICU

Support on the Unit

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) support (Ratio: 1:8)
• Phlebotomy assistance from RNs and nurse aides
• IV/VAT team for difficult IV placements
• Resource nurse available (Nurse Clinician/Nurse Educator)
• Case Management and Social Work support
• Respiratory Therapy (RT) available
• Hospitalist services accessible 24/7
• In-house intensivist during daytime hours with home call during nighttime

Charting System/Equipment

• EPIC charting system
• Omnicell medication management system
• Drager Ventilators

Orientation

Orientation includes 1 day of facility training and 2 days of unit orientation with a preceptor (1 day in PICU, 1 day in General Pediatrics, and 1 day in NICU prior to floating).

Scheduling

• Weekend rotation: Every other weekend
• Holiday expectations: Must work all holidays
• Time off: Must be pre-approved

Additional Notes

Work culture is described as welcoming and traveler-friendly, with a strong emphasis on learning and growth. Required scrub color is navy, and free parking is available in the parking garage.

Client Details Address 353 Fairmont Blvd City Rapid City State SD Zip Code 57701 Trauma Level Level 2