PCU RN
Tacoma, WA
Thrive Staffing
4x12 hrs, Days

Unit Information

This Float Pool position will float within various departments of the hospital, including PCU, Telemetry, MedSurg, and ER Holding. The Registered Nurse may also be required to float to additional locations within the region.

Minimum Qualifications

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

Patient Types and Common Diagnoses

The most frequent unit assignments will be in the ED Holding area, while also providing care in inpatient PCU settings. Common patient types include:

• Neuro, Trauma, Surgical, Medical patients
• Conditions such as respiratory compromise, sepsis, renal failure, and bleeding disorders
• General medical and surgical care: CHF, COPD, pneumonia, orthopedic issues, and strokes
• Cardiac Stepdown and Short Stay patients within 24 hours post-CABG/TAVR
• STEMIs, femoral popliteal procedures, pacemaker management, and ablations

Patient Ratios

• PCU: 1:4
• MedSurg: 1:5-6

Licenses and Certifications Required

• BLS Certification
• ACLS Certification
• NIHSS Certification

Skills Required

• IV medication titration
• Cardiac rhythm interpretation
• BiPAP management
• Experience with ostomies, general drains, tracheostomies, chest tubes, and lumbar drains
• Experience with TR Bands is preferred
• Familiarity with EPIC EMR is required

Support Within the Department

• CNA support available
• Charge RN without patient assignment
• Hospitalist coverage 24/7
• Respiratory Therapists available 24/7
• Cardiac and specialty MDs on call 24/7

Technology and Equipment

• EMR System: EPIC
• IV Pump: Alaris
• Medication dispensing: Pyxis

Orientation

• 1-day general hospital orientation
• 1-day unit orientation (12 hours) on PCU
• 1 day of light unit orientation

Scheduling

• Weekend rotation: every other weekend, with potential for back-to-back weekends (rare)
• Holiday expectations are in line with department policies
• Requests for time off (RTO) will be approved up to 5 days
• Shift times: 0700-1930 or 1900-0730
• Schedules are created in 3-week increments, with travelers notified 7-10 days in advance.
• No self-scheduling or guaranteed patterns in scheduling.

Additional Notes

• Scrub color: Any solid color, professional attire required
• Parking is free; parking garage available
• Patient charts must include hourly rounding documentation
• Medications should not be left at the bedside or in scrub pockets
• Two-nurse verification is required for wasting medications such as narcotics and benzodiazepines
• Document pain assessment before and after administering pain medication (30 minutes for IV, 1 hour for oral)