Registered Nurse (RN) – PCU

Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse for a mixed acuity unit specializing in pulmonary care. The ideal candidate will possess strong clinical skills and a commitment to patient care in a fast-paced environment. This role involves caring for patients with a range of respiratory conditions, including COPD, pneumonia, and acute respiratory failure.

Required Skills, Certifications, and Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience required.
• Previous travel experience is necessary.
• Proficient in IV starts, ventilation management, telemetry monitoring, and interpretation/management of dysrhythmias.
• Current certifications: ACLS and BLS are mandatory.
• Preferred certification: NIHSS.

Job Details

• Target patient-to-nurse ratio: 1:4-5, with a maximum of 1:6 in extreme situations.
• Full-time commitment of 36 hours per week available.
• Contract duration options available from 13 to 26 weeks.
• Shift hours: 12-hour days from 06:45 to 19:15.
• Requests for time off (RTO) are limited to a maximum of 7 days.
• Mandatory floating to like units as needed.
• Weekend work required: every other weekend.

Patient Population

The unit primarily serves patients with conditions such as:

• COPD exacerbations
• Pneumonia
• Respiratory distress
• COVID-19 and flu cases
• Pulmonary embolisms

Note: The current patient population includes those diagnosed with COVID-19.

Unit Overview

The unit operates with high acuity and is supported by a variety of resources:

• Team lead nurses for support and guidance
• On-site respiratory therapists
• Assistance from an assistant nurse manager
• Access to additional teams, including Admission/Discharge, Code, Behavioral Health, and Rapid Response Teams

No nurse will manage more than one ventilated patient at a time, ensuring a focus on quality care. The unit consists of 48 beds, with CNA support at a ratio of 9-10:1.

Special Equipment

The following equipment and medications are utilized:

• Chest tubes
• Infusions: Dopamine, Cardizem, Heparin
• Ventilators, tracheostomy care, CPAP, and BiPAP devices

Unit Systems and Orientation

Familiarity with systems such as Pyxis, EPIC, and SBAR is preferred. A 24-hour unit orientation is provided for all new hires.

Scrubs

Staff are required to provide their own scrubs, which should be either white or navy blue.

Additional Requirements

Candidates must successfully pass EKG testing prior to starting in this role.