Travel Nurse RN - PCU - Progressive Care Unit
Great Falls, MT
Wellspring Nurse Source
3x12 hrs, Days

Job Overview

The Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurse will provide care to hemodynamically stable or predictably unstable patients on a medical/surgical unit that do not require transfer to the ICU. This role involves delivering physical, emotional, spiritual, and cultural support to patients while anticipating a diverse range of medical conditions. The expected patient population includes, but is not limited to:

• Post-operative surgical patients requiring more intensive monitoring
• Pre and post percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) care
• Pacemaker placement
• Revascularization procedures
• Carotid endarterectomy patients
• Conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), renal failure, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), sepsis, and various surgical services

Nurses will be expected to manage patients in relative stability while recognizing that certain diagnoses may require skilled assessment and intervention to mitigate deterioration. The role requires proficiency in operating advanced medical equipment and caring for patients with central lines, chest tubes, nasogastric tubes, continuous bladder irrigation, multiple IVs, and those requiring long-term ventilatory support or CPAP/BiPAP oxygen support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care from admission to discharge, including discharge planning.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care delivery and achievement of desired outcomes.
• Assess and implement established policies and procedures with minimal supervision.
• Act as a clinical leader and assist with the precepting of staff.
• Interact effectively with patients and their significant others, upholding professional nursing standards.
• Supervise and guide RN, LPN, CNA, housekeeping, and dietary staff as needed.

Qualifications

• Current State of Montana RN Licensure
• BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification required (or to be obtained within 6 months of hire)
• EPNC and TNCC certification preferred but not mandatory
• Minimum of 3 years of nursing experience required

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to operate advanced medical equipment, including A-lines and chest tubes
• Knowledge of medication management, particularly common IV medications such as Heparin, Diltiazem, Dobutamine (not titrated), Lasix, Amiodarone, and Dopamine (not titrated)
• Basic cardiac telemetry and EKG interpretation skills
• Experience with pediatric patients is preferred
• Previous experience with post-heart catheterization and post-operative vascular surgery patients is an advantage

Additional Information

Holiday coverage is required. This position may require flexibility in providing support to the Medical Surgical Nursing Unit during staffing actions.