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

Unit Information

This position is for a Float Pool Registered Nurse who will provide care across various units within the healthcare setting, including PCU, Telemetry, Medical-Surgical, and Emergency Department Holding. The traveler may also float to an alternate location within the region as needed.

Minimum Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 1 year of nursing experience required.
• First-time travelers are accepted, provided they have strong PCU/Telemetry and previous float pool experience.

Patient Types and Common Diagnoses

As a Float Pool Registered Nurse, you will mainly be assigned to the Emergency Department Holding unit but may also float to the inpatient PCU. Common patient diagnoses include:

• Neuro disorders
• Trauma
• Surgical and Medical cases
• Respiratory compromise
• Sepsis
• Renal failure
• Bleeding disorders
• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Pneumonia
• Orthopedic conditions
• Strokes
• Cardiac care, including post-operative CABG/TAVR patients

Patient Ratios

• PCU: 1:4
• Medical-Surgical: 1:5-6

Required Certifications and Skills

• Current certifications: BLS, ACLS, NIHSS
• Skills in IV medication titration, cardiac rhythm interpretation, and management of BIPAP, ostomies, drains, tracheostomies, chest tubes, and lumbar drains.
• Experience with TR Bands is preferred.
• Familiarity with EPIC electronic medical records is required.

Support within the Department

The Float Pool Registered Nurse will have access to:

• CNA support
• A Charge RN without patient assignment
• Hospitalist services available 24/7
• Respiratory Therapists available 24/7
• Specialized cardiac and medical doctors on call 24/7

Orientation and Training

• 1-day general hospital orientation
• 1-day unit orientation (12 hours) in the PCU
• Telemetry competency assessment required for travelers

Scheduling Details

• Weekend rotation: every other weekend, with occasional back-to-back weekends (rare)
• Requests for time off (RTO): Up to 5 days may be approved
• Shift times: 0700-1930 or 1900-0730
• Schedules are made in 3-week increments, with notifications sent 7-10 days prior to schedule start.
• No self-scheduling available, and patterned schedules are not guaranteed.

Additional Notes

• Scrub color: Any solid, professional color
• Free parking is available in the parking garage.
• All nurses must complete hourly rounding and document appropriately.
• Medications must not be left at the bedside or in scrub pockets; narcotics and certain medications require two-nurse verification when wasting.
• Document pain levels before and after administering pain medications.
• Breaks are required.