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

About the Facility

Location: Puyallup, WA

Type: Level III Trauma Center

Licensed Beds: 375

COVID vaccine is required for all employees.

General Information

• Beds: 40 private rooms, all capable of negative air pressure.
• 1.5 years of experience required, including at least 1 year of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience.
• First-time travelers are welcome.

Patient Population

The unit cares for a variety of patient types, including:

• Respiratory failure
• Sepsis
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Alcohol withdrawal
• Complicated surgeries
• Decompensating oncology patients
• Diabetic or renal complications
• Congestive heart failure
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Pneumonia
• Comfort care

All patients will receive continuous telemetry monitoring.

COVID Protocols and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Conventional use of PPE is in effect, including N95 masks, CAPRs, and PAPRs as needed.

Patient Ratios

• RN to patient ratio: 1:3-4, with typically 13 RNs per shift.
• CNA to patient ratio: 1:10, responsible for basic care tasks including vitals, bathing, and feeding.

Required Certifications

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

Skills Required

• Telemetry experience
• Tracheostomy care
• CIWA scale knowledge
• BiPAP management
• Central line maintenance and management
• Tube and drain management
• Cardiac rhythm interpretation
• Preferred: Chest tube management

Common Medications

Familiarity with the following medications is required:

• Cardizem
• Heparin
• Insulin (non-DKA)
• Nitroglycerin
• Lasix
• Dilaudid (for comfort care/PCA)
• Preferred: Dopamine, Nicardipine

Support on the Unit

Staffing support includes:

• Free-floating Charge Nurse
• Resource Nurse available for both day and night shifts
• Respiratory Therapy (RT) available 24/7
• Hospitalist services available 24/7
• Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech Therapy (day shift only)
• Phlebotomy services
• IV/VAT Team available

Charting System and Equipment

• Charting system: EPIC (preferred)
• Alaris infusion devices
• Pyxis medication dispensing system
• MP50 Philips bedside monitors (wireless)

Floating Policy

Traveling nurses may be required to float to different areas, including:

• ICU (for PCU level patients)
• Cardiac Care Unit (CCU)
• Observation Unit
• ED Holding (all service levels within scope and below)
• Overflow areas (for all PCU level patients)</