Travel Nurse RN - PCU - Progressive Care Unit
Tacoma, WA
Wellspring Nurse Source
3x12 hrs, Nights

Unit Information

This Float Pool position will operate within the scope of practice across various departments, including Progressive Care Unit (PCU), Telemetry, Medical-Surgical, and Emergency Department Holding. The traveler may also float to a nearby facility to provide care within their scope of practice.

Minimum Experience Requirements

• 1 year of minimum experience required
• First-time travelers are welcome if they have strong PCU/Telemetry experience and prior float pool experience

Patient Types and Common Diagnoses

The primary unit for this position will be the Emergency Department Holding, where most shifts will be spent. Additional potential float areas include inpatient PCU, where responsibilities will cover a variety of patient types, including:

• Neurological conditions
• Trauma cases
• Surgical procedures
• Medical patients, including those with respiratory issues, sepsis, renal failure, and bleeding disorders
• Cardiac conditions, including post-operative care and cardiac observation

Patient Ratios

The standard patient-to-nurse ratios are as follows:

• PCU: 1:4
• Med-Surg: 1:5-6

Required Licenses and Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
• NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale)

Required Skills

• IV medication titration
• Cardiac rhythm interpretation
• Management of BiPAP
• Experience with ostomies, general drains, tracheostomies, chest tubes, and lumbar drains
• TR Band experience is preferred
• Familiarity with EPIC software is necessary

Department Support

Staffing support includes:

• Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)
• A Charge Nurse without patient assignment
• Hospitalists available 24/7
• Respiratory Therapists available 24/7
• Cardiac and specialty physicians on call 24/7

Equipment and Technology

• EMR: EPIC is required
• IV Pump: Alaris
• Medication dispensing system: Pyxis

Orientation

• 1-day general hospital orientation
• 1-day unit orientation, including a light orientation period specific to the PCU unit
• Telemetry competency assessment is required for travelers

Scheduling

• Weekend rotations every other weekend, with occasional back-to-back weekends
• Holiday expectations are applicable
• Request Time Off (RTO) up to 5 days is acceptable
• Shifts may be scheduled from 0700-1930 or 1900-0730
• Schedules are created in 3-week increments with 7-10 days’ notice before scheduling begins
• No self-scheduling or guaranteed patterned schedule is offered

Additional Notes

• Scrub colors: Any solid color, professional attire is acceptable
• Paking is free in the designated parking garage
• Mandatory duties include filling out whiteboards, documenting hourly rounding, and providing bedside report
• Medication safety protocols must be adhered to, including proper disposal and documentation
• Breaks are required for all staff members