Travel Nurse RN - PCU - Progressive Care Unit
Tacoma, WA
Wellspring Nurse Source
4x12 hrs, Days

Unit Information

This position involves floating within the scope of practice across various units, including PCU, Telemetry, Medical-Surgical, and ER Holding. The role requires flexibility to float to nearby facilities as needed.

Minimum Experience

• 1 year of nursing experience required.
• First-time travelers are welcome with strong PCU/Telemetry and previous float pool experience.

Patient Types and Common Diagnoses

Most common assignments will be in the ED Holding area, although responsibilities will include floating to the inpatient PCU. Typical patient conditions include:

• Neuro
• Trauma
• Surgical
• Medical (e.g., respiratory compromise, sepsis, renal failure)
• CHF, COPD, pneumonia
• Orthopedic issues
• Stroke care
• Cardiac conditions (e.g., post-CABG/TAVR, STEMIs, pacemaker management)

Patient Ratios

• PCU: 1:4
• Medical-Surgical: 1:5-6

Required Certifications and Skills

• BLS, ACLS, NIHSS certifications required.
• Proficient in IV medication titration and cardiac rhythm interpretation.
• Experience with BiPAP management, ostomy care, tracheostomy, chest tubes, and lumbar drains preferred.
• Familiarity with EPIC electronic medical records is necessary.

Department Support

The nursing team will be supported by:

• CNA assistance
• A Charge RN without patient assignment
• Hospitalists available 24/7
• Respiratory Therapists on-site 24/7
• Cardiac and specialty physicians on-call 24/7

Floating Responsibilities

Travelers will float to various units including PCU, Tele, Medical-Surgical, and ER Holding in the designated region and may occasionally require travel to nearby facilities.

Orientation

• 1-day general hospital orientation
• 1-day unit orientation (12-hour commitment) with light introductory training
• Telemetry competency assessment required

Scheduling Details

• Every other weekend rotation; potential for back-to-back weekends (rare)
• Requests for time off (RTO) will be considered (up to 5 days)
• Shifts: 0700-1930 or 1900-0730
• Schedule cycles organized in 3-week increments with 7-10 days notice provided
• No self-scheduling; no guarantee of a patterned schedule

Additional Notes

• Scrub Color: Any solid, professional color
• Free parking available in the garage
• Mandatory hourly rounding and proper documentation required
• Medication wasting must be verified by two nurses for narcotics and controlled substances
• Document pain levels before and after administering pain management
• Breaks are mandated for all staff