PCU RN
Tacoma, WA
Thrive Staffing
3x12 hrs, Nights

Unit Information

This Float Pool position will provide nursing care across various units within the hospital, including PCU, Telemetry, MedSurg, and ER Holding. The role may also include floating to a nearby facility for patient care within the scope of practice.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 1 year of nursing experience required.
• First-time travelers are accepted with a strong background in PCU/Telemetry and float pool experience.

Patient Care Responsibilities

The primary unit for this position will be the ED Holding area, although floating to the inpatient PCU may occur. The expected patient types and diagnoses include:

• Neuro, Trauma, Surgical, Medical cases
• Respiratory compromise, sepsis, renal failure
• Bleeding disorders, CHF, COPD, pneumonia
• Ortho cases, strokes
• Cardiac Stepdown (CCU) including post-operative CABG/TAVRs
• STEMIs, fem-pops, pacemakers, ablations

Patient Ratios

• PCU: 1:4 patient ratio
• MedSurg: 1:5-6 patient ratio

Licenses and Certifications

• BLS and ACLS certifications required
• NIHSS certification required

Required Skills

• IV medication titration and cardiac rhythm interpretation
• Management of bipap, ostomies, general drains, tracheostomies, chest tubes, and lumbar drains
• Experience with TR bands preferred
• Familiarity with EMR, specifically EPIC

Support and Resources

The department provides comprehensive support, including:

• CNA assistance
• Charge RN available without patient assignment
• 24/7 Hospitalist coverage
• 24/7 Respiratory Therapists
• On-call Cardiac and specialty physicians

Orientation and Training

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

Scheduling and Weekend Commitment

The schedule will be organized in three-week increments, with shifts scheduled to provide notice 7-10 days in advance. Weekend rotation required every other weekend, with the potential for back-to-back shifts (rare).

Holiday Policy and Time Off

• Requests for time off (RTO) are acceptable, with up to 5 days approved.

Work Environment and Expectations

• Scrub colors are to be professional, solid colors.
• Free parking is provided in a designated garage.
• Must document hourly rounding and patient interactions on whiteboards.
• Medications should not be left at the bedside or in scrub pockets during shifts.
• Two-nurse verification is required for wasting medications, including narcotics and benzodiazepines.
• Document patient pain levels before and after administering pain medications (30 minutes for IV, 1 hour for oral).
• Regular breaks are mandatory.