PCU RN
Spokane, WA
Thrive Staffing
3x12 hrs, Days

About the Facility

Located in Spokane Valley, WA, this facility features 123 beds and is recognized as a Level III Trauma Center. It operates as a smaller community hospital for the Spokane Valley area.

Unit Information

Applicants are required to have a minimum of 1 year of Telemetry or Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience. First-time travelers are welcome.

Patient Types/Common Diagnoses

• 3rd Floor: Medical/Surgical (44 Beds)
  • Common Medical Patients: COPD, CHF, Sepsis, Acute Kidney Injury/Chronic Kidney Disease, DVT, PE, cellulitis, pancreatitis, alcohol-related issues.
  • Common Surgical/Orthopedic Procedures: Total joint replacements (knees/hips), gastrointestinal surgeries (exploratory laparoscopy, hemicolectomy, bowel resection), genitourinary procedures (TURP, cystoscopy), gynecological surgeries (total/partial hysterectomy), podiatric and ENT surgeries.
  • Telemetry capabilities with dedicated telemetry technicians for bedside monitoring.
• 2nd Floor: Acute Respiratory Floor (16 Beds)
  • Patients include those with COPD, pneumonia, CHF, and other respiratory conditions.
  • High flow oxygen and BiPap are utilized, with respiratory therapy available next to this unit along with proximity to the ICU for rapid response.
• 1st Floor: ED/MS Overflow
  • Observation and general Medical/Surgical patients.
• Progressive Care
  • Care for Progressive Care Unit patients only within the Critical Care Unit, with no ICU patient responsibilities.
  • Common diagnoses include Afib RVR, q4h checks, and both medical and surgical progressive care patients.

Patient Ratios

• Med/Surg: 1:5
• PCU: 1:3, with no Certified Nursing Assistant support.

Required Qualifications

• BLS and ACLS certifications are required.
• Candidates will take a cardiac rhythm interpretation exam during the compliance process.

Required Skills

• Experience with high flow oxygen, chest tube management, peripheral IV starts and maintenance, wound care, wound vacs, drains (JP, hemovacs), nephrostomy tubes, pain management, PCA, and central line management.
• Knowledge of drips such as Heparin, Amiodarone, Cardizem, and Nitro is expected.
• Inquire about any charge nurse experience and willingness to take on leadership responsibilities.

Support within the Department

• Certified Nursing Assistants available on Med-Surg units only.
• Charge RN may carry a partial patient load while providing support.
• 24/7 availability of phlebotomy for peripheral draws.
• Respiratory therapy and hospitalist services are also available around the clock.
• Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology are available during the day shifts.
• Rapid Response and Code Teams are on standby for emergencies.
• Centralized telemetry monitoring with technicians available 24/7.

Technology and Equipment

• Electronic Medical Records system: EPIC
• IV Pump: ICU Plum Medical
• Medication dispensing system: Pyxis

Floating

Travelers may be required to provide care for PCU and MedSurg patients throughout the facility as needed.

Orientation

• 1 day of classroom training including skill check-offs.
• 12-hour orientation on units, split among three units with 4 hours on each.
• Pass the cardiac rhythm