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

General Information

We are seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse (RN) to join our team in a 29-bed mixed acuity Medical Surgical/Progressive Care Unit (MS/PCU). This role requires strong experience in caring for patients experiencing a variety of conditions, including respiratory failure, sepsis, gastrointestinal bleeding, bariatric post-operative care, diabetes management, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, and acute skilled nursing facility patients.

Patient Care Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage patients with diverse medical conditions.
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed.
• Perform patient assessments and document care in compliance with hospital policies.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive patient care.

Unit and Patient Care Details

• Patient Ratios: RN 1:4 in PCU; 1:5 in MS/MT.
• CNA support ratio: 1:10 for basic care tasks.
• Available PPE includes N95 respirators, CAPRs, and PAPRs.

Required Certifications

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

Skills and Experience

• Telemetry experience is required.
• Familiarity with CIWA protocols, BiPAP usage, central line maintenance, and tube/drain management.
• Ability to interpret cardiac rhythms and administer IV medications.
• Preferred skills include chest tube management, tracheostomy care, and experience with home ventilators.
• Common medications include Cardizem, Dopamine, Heparin, Nitro, Lasix, and Dilaudid.

Support and Resources on the Unit

• Charge nurse support is available and often floats within the unit.
• Educational support is provided during day shifts.
• SWAT nurse available for PICC line insertions and procedure assistance.
• Respiratory Therapy is available 24/7.
• Hospitalist support is provided 24/7.
• Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy are available during day shifts.
• Phlebotomy services are available as needed.

Charting Systems and Equipment

• Familiarity with EPIC charting system is preferred.
• Alaris and Pyxis systems are used for medication administration and management.

Orientation and Training

The onboarding process includes a comprehensive hospital orientation covering safety patient handling, glucose training, and EPIC training. Newly hired RNs will undergo a 12-hour unit-specific orientation with a preceptor, followed by taking a full assignment.

Traveler telemetry competency completion is required before starting the position.

Scheduling Information

• Shift Times: Day shifts from 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM and Night shifts from 7:00 PM to 7:30 AM.
• Weekend rotation is required every other weekend.
• No self-scheduling; the manager will coordinate schedules.
• Requests for time off can be made up to 7 days prior.
• A 6-week scheduling cycle will be provided 4 weeks prior to its start.
• Holidays: Minimum expectation is to work 1 summer and 1 winter holiday.

Additional Information

• Dress Code: Professional scrubs in any color.
• Free designated parking is available for staff.
• Bedside handoff is mandatory; all shifts must ensure that the whiteboard is filled out properly.
• The unit culture is welcoming and traveler-friendly; many travelers choose to extend their assignments.