PCU RN Nights

Provides and directs safe, effective, and culturally‑competent care for pediatric through aging adult patients with actual or potential medical health problems. Key accountabilities include assessments, diagnosis, outcomes identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care using critical thinking and evidence‑based practice; adherence to the Professional Practice of Standards as defined by ANA; and active participation in performance improvement activities.

To deliver high‑quality nursing care that meets the physical, emotional, and cultural needs of patients across the lifespan while promoting professional standards and continuous improvement.

• Patient assessment
• Medication administration
• Wound care
• Collaborating with the healthcare team
• Pain management
• Monitoring vital signs
• Providing patient education
• Discharge planning
• Maintaining patient safety

• Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care plans in consultation with healthcare professionals.
• Evaluating medical information and providing direct, individualized bedside nursing care.
• Preparing, administering, and recording prescribed medications.
• Changing dressings, inserting catheters, and starting IVs.
• Adjusting specialized medical equipment as needed, interpreting and recording measurements.
• Monitoring patients’ vitals and reporting adverse reactions to medications in a timely manner.
• Collaborating on discharge planning with the healthcare team.
• Answering questions and educating patients and their families about the plan of care.
• Maintaining and updating patient files, medical charts, and health records.
• Adhering to best nursing practices, standards, and protocols.

• Accurate patient assessment including vital signs monitoring.
• Skilled wound care management.
• Proper medication administration and monitoring.
• Basic life support (BLS) and advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) proficiency.
• Catheter insertion and management.
• Clear, concise patient explanations regarding diagnosis, treatment plans, and procedures.
• Effective communication with patients, families, and the healthcare team.
• Active listening and empathetic communication.
• Critical thinking and clinical judgment: analyzing patient data, making informed decisions, and adapting care plans.
• Teamwork and collaboration: coordinating care with physicians, therapists, nurses, and other professionals.
• Effective handoffs and communication during shift changes.
• Patient safety: adherence to infection control protocols, fall prevention, monitoring for complications.
• Professionalism: maintaining ethical standards, patient confidentiality, accountability, and ongoing professional development.
• Understanding of common medical conditions in a med‑surg setting (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, heart failure, respiratory issues).
• Knowledge of surgical procedures and post‑operative care protocols.
• Basic understanding of pharmacology and medication interactions.

Direction:
The job requires some accountability for scheduling, assigning, or coordinating work. Employees check the quality of work and provide guidance, instruction, training, and direction to others. They may also provide information or suggestions on human resources matters.

Limited:
Works with limited responsibility for material resources such as supplies, equipment, inventories, and small budgets. Responsibility for cost of errors is limited.

Co‑workers/ JCRHC Employees;
Outside Agencies/Other Health Care Providers;
General Public/Visitors/Volunteers;
Physicians/Medical Office Staff;
Residents/Outside Instructors;
Patients;
Families; and Significant Others.

Education: Associate Degree

Field of Study: Nursing

Special Training: ACLS; BLS; PALS;
Dependent Adult/Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training within timelines established in Licensure, Registration, Certification, and Life‑Saving training policy.

Training Preferred: Baccalaureate in Nursing

Licensure / Registration: Registered Nurse in Iowa

Interaction is with a variety of people inside or outside the organization. Communications are of moderate difficulty and sensitivity, involving detailed dialogues and exchanges of information. Requires moderate interpersonal skills and the ability to manage moderately complicated problems or stressful encounters.

Routine exposure to adverse environmental conditions, physical hazards, health and safety risks, and undesirable characteristics. Personal risks necessitate safety equipment or precautions. Exposure is limited to 70% or less of the workday.

Range: $64,300 – $91,900