Pediatric Critical Care Float Pool RN
Charleston, SC
Magnet Medical
3x12 hrs, Days

A Registered Nurse (RN) – Pediatric Critical Care provides specialized nursing care to critically ill or injured children, ranging from infants to adolescents, in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) or similar acute care setting. This role involves closely monitoring, assessing, and managing the care of pediatric patients with life-threatening conditions, including respiratory failure, organ dysfunction, trauma, or complex medical issues. The Pediatric Critical Care RN works as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure the best outcomes for pediatric patients while offering compassionate support to families during emotionally challenging times.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Patient Assessment and Monitoring:

   • Conduct thorough, ongoing assessments of critically ill pediatric patients, including vital signs, neurological status, respiratory function, and lab results.
   • Use advanced monitoring systems to track parameters such as oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, and intracranial pressure (ICP) in critically ill pediatric patients.
   • Identify early signs of deterioration or changes in clinical status and take immediate action to stabilize the patient.

2. Care and Management of Critical Illness:

   • Administer medications, blood products, and IV fluids as prescribed, and monitor for effectiveness or adverse reactions.
   • Manage complex ventilator settings, oxygen therapy, and invasive monitoring devices (e.g., arterial lines, central venous lines, etc.).
   • Provide critical interventions such as airway management, resuscitation, and CPR when necessary.
   • Perform technical skills such as intubation assistance, wound care, dressing changes, and other advanced procedures as required in pediatric critical care.

3. Multidisciplinary Collaboration:

   • Work closely with pediatric intensivists, respiratory therapists, social workers, physical therapists, and other specialists to develop and implement a comprehensive care plan.
   • Attend rounds and participate in team meetings to discuss patient progress, prognosis, and adjustments to care plans.
   • Collaborate with physicians to adjust treatment plans based on patient responses and changing clinical conditions.

4. Post-Operative and Post-Trauma Care:

   • Provide intensive care for post-surgical or post-trauma pediatric patients, ensuring proper pain management, wound care, and monitoring for complications.
   • Monitor for and address potential complications following surgery, such as bleeding, infection, or organ failure.
   • Ensure the management of pain and sedation according to protocols for pediatric patients, using age-appropriate techniques.

5. Patient and Family Education:

   • Educate families about their child's critical illness, treatment plan, and progress, offering clear and compassionate communication about complex conditions.
   • Provide emotional support to families, offering resources and guidance on coping with the stress and trauma of having a critically ill child.
   • Teach families about post-discharge care, including any ongoing treatments, medications, and follow-up care necessary for recovery.

6. Emergency and Crisis Response:

   • Respond promptly and effectively to medical emergencies and code situations involving pediatric patients, performing life-saving procedures as necessary.
   • Use advanced resuscitation techniques, including pediatric-specific protocols for CPR, drug administration, and defibrillation.
   • Be prepared to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations while maintaining calm and ensuring the safety of the child.

7. Infection Control and Safety:

   • Implement strict infection control measures, particularly with immunocompromised or postoperative pediatric patients.
   • Follow hospital protocols for handling invasive devices (e.g., central lines, ventilators, and catheters) to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
   • Maintain a safe environment for critically ill children, ensuring that all equipment is properly functioning and that the patient’s safety is continuously ensured.

8. Documentation and Reporting:

   • Document all nursing assessments, interventions, and patient responses in the electronic health record (EHR) accurately and in a timely manner.
   • Report changes in the patient’s clinical condition, new symptoms, or adverse reactions to medications or procedures to the healthcare team.
   • Ensure that all patient information is maintained confidentially in compliance with healthcare regulations (e.g., HIPAA).

9. Quality Improvement and Professional Development:

   • Participate in ongoing professional development and continuing education to remain current on the latest pediatric critical care techniques and evidence-based practices.
   • Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance the care and outcomes for critically ill pediatric patients.
   • Contribute to the development of nursing protocols, policies, and best practices for the care of pediatric patients in the critical care environment.