RN - PCU

Registered Nurse

This position is in a 22-bed unit. The nurse to patient ratios are 1:4-6. Common diagnoses include bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, supra ventricular tachycardia, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, NSTEMI, peripheral vascular disease, pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular accident/transient ischemic attack, post-operative video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, post-operative lobectomy, post-operative wedge resection, chest tubes, and tracheotomy (no ventilation). Post-operative day 1 CABG patients are admitted to the ICU post-operation and then transferred to this unit the next day.

RNs are required to titrate drips including Cardizem, amiodarone, procainamide, dopamine, dobutamine, heparin, and rarely insulin. The charge nurse takes a full patient assignment. A nursing supervisor is available 24/7. There is a ratio of 1:15 for nurse aides on this unit. Respiratory therapists are available in the ICU and hospital-wide 24/7. There are tele/monitor techs in this setting. However, RNs are not required to read their own strips as all interpretation and documentation are completed by the tech.

Monitors are from a recognized brand. Self-scheduling is allowed through a scheduling committee, and blocked scheduling is open for discussion. Weekend requirements average to every other weekend. Travel RNs will be included in the holiday rotation along with permanent staff. There is no on-call or standby requirement. The dress code is navy blue and prohibits artificial nails. IV therapy teams are responsible for all IV sticks.

This position involves 12-hour shifts with a preceptor. The charting system utilized is Allscripts.