PCU Float RN
Tacoma, WA
Thrive Staffing
3x12 hrs, Days

Unit Information

This position is part of the Float Pool, where the nurse will float within their scope of practice across various units including: PCU, Tele, MedSurg, and ER Holding. The traveler may also float to a nearby facility as needed.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 1 year of nursing experience required
• First-time travelers are welcome, provided they have strong experience in PCU/Tele and float pool settings

Patient Types & Common Diagnoses

The primary unit of assignment will be ED Holding, though floating to inpatient PCU is expected. Common patient conditions include:

• Neuro, Trauma, Surgical, Medical
• Respiratory compromise, sepsis, renal failure, bleeding disorders
• CHF, COPD, pneumonia, orthopedic issues, strokes
• CCU (Cardiac Stepdown) and Cardiac Short Stay - post-operative care (CABG/TAVRs), STEMIs, pacemaker management

Patient Ratios

• PCU: 1:4
• MedSurg: 1:5-6

Licensure and Certifications

• Current BLS certification
• ACLS certification
• NIHSS certification

Required Skills

• IV medication titration
• Cardiac rhythm interpretation
• Bipap management
• Ostomy and general drain care
• Management of tracheostomies and chest tubes
• Experience with lumbar drains and TR Bands (preferred)
• Proficient in EPIC EMR

Support within the Department

The team includes:

• CNA support
• Charge RN without patient assignment
• Hospitalist available 24/7
• Respiratory Therapists available 24/7
• Specialty physicians on call 24/7

Technology and Equipment

• Electronic Medical Record: EPIC (required)
• IV Pump: Alaris
• Medication Dispensing: Pyxis

Floating Information

The nurse may float to PCU, Tele, MedSurg, and ER Holding units, as well as a nearby facility when needed.

Orientation

Orientation includes:

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

Scheduling

• Weekend rotation: every other weekend, with infrequent back-to-back weekends
• No on-call responsibilities
• Holiday expectations apply
• Requests for time off (RTO) up to 5 days will be considered
• Shift times available are 0700-1930 or 1900-0730
• Schedules are created in 3-week increments, provided 7-10 days in advance
• No self-scheduling or guaranteed patterning of shifts

Additional Notes

• Scrub color: Any solid, professional color
• Parking: Free in the parking garage
• Documentation procedures include hourly rounding and bedside report
• Saline flushes are considered medication; they should not be left at the bedside
• Medications must not be left in unlocked carts
• Two-nurse verification required for wasting medications (narcotics, Benzodiazepines)
• Documenting pain levels before and after administering pain medication is required