PCU RN
Rapid City, SD
Thrive Staffing
4x12 hrs, Days

General Information

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced PCU Registered Nurse to join our team. This position includes a mix of patient care responsibilities across a range of acuity levels in a dynamic clinical environment.

Unit Information

• Beds: 36-48 (flexible with semi-private rooms as needed)
• Patient Types: Mixed unit (Med/Surg to IMC level, including Long Length stay patients)
• Patient Ratios:
  • Long Length of Stay (Med Surg/NO Tele): 1:5-6 (1 pod with 10-12 patients)
  • Med Surg/Telemetry (no IMC drips): 1:5 (2 pods with 10-12 patients each)
  • Intermediate Care: 1:4 (1 pod with 8 patients)

Common Diagnoses

The unit supports a variety of patient conditions, including:

• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) requiring insulin drips
• Pre/post-surgical patients
• Cellulitis, influenza, UTIs, pneumonia, COPD, CHF
• Renal failure (with or without hemodialysis)
• Hepatic failure, gastrointestinal disorders, and infections
• Soft tissue injuries and minor fractures
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) overflow

Role Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Administer a variety of medications, including oral, IV, IM, and SQ forms
• Monitor and interpret telemetry readings
• Manage intravenous access devices (peripheral IV, midline, PICC, and central lines)
• Provide preventative and restorative skin and wound care
• Handle titratable vasoactive drips, TPN/tube feeding, and blood product transfusions
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including hospitalists and respiratory therapists

Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of nursing experience required
• Epic experience is required for first-time travelers
• Active RN license from the South Dakota Board of Nursing
• Required certifications: BLS, ACLS, and NIHSS
• Comfortability with various MedSurg assignments and IMC/stepdown patients
• Ability to interpret cardiac strips and manage wound care
• Experience with drip titration for medications such as Heparin, Insulin, Cardizem, Amiodarone, Levophed, and other antihypertensives is highly preferred

Support on the Unit

• Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) available with a ratio of 1:8
• Charge nurse on duty who does not carry a patient load
• Resource Nurse and RT support available

Orientation and Scheduling

New hires will undergo a comprehensive orientation process, including:

• Two days of unit/department orientation
• Two shifts on the unit with a preceptor
• 6-week schedule planning with potential weekend rotations

Time Off Policy

Requests for time off will be considered, with specific blackout dates around major events. Please plan accordingly.

Additional Information

• Free parking available on-site
• Knowledge of audits for pre/post pain scoring is beneficial (90% compliance required)
• Expectations for travelers to be flexible to float as needed within scope

If interested, please have your traveler partner details and preferences ready, as they will be beneficial for scheduling considerations.