Travel Nurse RN - PCU - Progressive Care Unit
Winston Salem, NC
Wellspring Nurse Source
3x12 hrs, Days

We are seeking a skilled Registered Nurse (RN) with experience in Progressive Care Unit (PCU) settings to join our team. The ideal candidate will exhibit proficiency in various critical skills essential for providing high-quality patient care.

Job Details

• Target Ratios: 1:4-5 (Mixed acuity unit with PCU and MS/Tele patients). May increase to 1:6 in extreme situations.
• Hours: 36 hours per week with 12-hour shifts (06:45 - 19:15).
• Contract Length: 13 weeks or more.
• RTO: 7 days maximum for auto offer.
• Float Requirement: Required to float to like units.
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend.

Patient Population

The patient population primarily includes individuals with conditions such as:

• COPD
• Pneumonia
• Respiratory Distress
• COVID-19
• Influenza
• Pulmonary Emboli

Please note: Patient care includes managing COVID-19 patients who have tested positive.

Special Procedures / Unit Details

This unit operates with a higher acuity level compared to typical med-surg units. A collaborative care model is employed, featuring:

• A team lead present for unit oversight
• On-duty respiratory therapists
• An assistant nurse manager for support

Nurses will be responsible for managing ventilators, primarily chronic tracheostomy and ventilator patients, with a maximum of one ventilator patient per nurse. The unit consists of 48 beds, supported by CNAs at a 9-10:1 ratio. Common conditions include COPD exacerbations, pneumonia, and acute respiratory failure. Most patients will require telemetry monitoring and may have comorbidities.

Available Resources

To support the high patient-to-nurse ratios, the following resources are accessible on the unit:

• Admission/Discharge Nurse
• Assistant Nurse Manager
• Vascular Access Team
• Rapid Response Team (RRT)
• Code Team
• Behavioral Health Team

Special Equipment

• Chest Tubes
• Infusion Drips: Dopamine, Cardizem, Heparin
• Ventilators, Trachs, BiPAPs, CPAPs

Unit Systems

Staff members utilize the following systems:

• Pyxis
• EPIC
• SBAR for communication

Orientation and Scheduling

The unit provides a 24-hour orientation for new hires and is open to accommodating block scheduling based on the needs of the unit.

Uniform Requirement

Scrubs are not provided; staff are required to wear white or navy blue scrubs.

Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years required in a relevant setting.
• Traveler Experience: Previous travel experience is mandatory.
• Skills: Required skills include IV start, vent management, telemetry, CPAP/BiPAP usage, and interpretation/management of dysrhythmias.
• Certifications: Must have ACLS and BLS certifications. NIHSS certification is preferred.

To apply, candidates must successfully pass EKG testing prior to starting in this specialty.