Registered Nurse (RN) – PCU

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Registered Nurse to join our team in a Post-Cardiac Care Unit (PCU). This role operates similarly to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), providing advanced care for patients with complex medical needs. The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in critical care procedures and protocols.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage patient conditions effectively, utilizing various telemetry systems.
• Administer and titrate vasoactive drips, ensuring optimal patient care.
• Perform cardiac rhythm interpretation and manage dysrhythmias as required.
• Utilize Rapid Response Teams and adhere to IV insulin protocols when necessary.
• Oversee central line and peripheral line management, including PICC lines and Heparin protocols.
• Provide care for diverse patient diagnoses such as respiratory distress, unstable hemodynamics, and post-operative recovery.
• Manage special procedures, including chest tube care and non-invasive airway management.
• Ensure compliance with isolation precautions and hospital policies.
• Attend daily classes during the initial orientation program.

Required Skills and Certifications

• Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience in a similar role.
• Strong experience with arterial lines and critical care drips.
• ACLS, BCLS, and NIH certification are mandatory.
• Proficient in IV starts, telemetry monitoring, and conscious sedation procedures.
• Familiarity with bedside telemetry monitors and equipment management.

Schedule and Expectations

• Target nurse-to-patient ratios are 1:3-4.
• Full-time schedules available with 36 or 48 hours per week options.
• Shifts are scheduled for 12 hours overnight, requiring every other weekend availability.
• Floating to sister units may be required based on staffing needs.
• RTO of 7 days maximum permitted; block scheduling is not available.

Patient Population

The unit is designed to care for a diverse patient demographic, including adolescents, adults, and geriatrics, with an average daily census of 18 and capacity of 20 beds. Typical patient cases include:

• Respiratory distress
• Unstable hemodynamics
• Withdrawal symptoms
• GI bleeds
• Post-operative recovery from various surgical interventions

Special Equipment

The unit is equipped with bedside telemetry monitors and facilitates advanced therapeutic tools such as BIPAP, chest tubes, and tracheostomy management systems. However, there are no ventilators present in the unit.

Other Information

Candidates must successfully complete EKG testing prior to starting in this specialty. Furthermore, applicants are expected to comply with uniform standards, wearing navy, white, or a combination thereof.