PCU Progressive Care Unit RN
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Penrose Hospital

PCU RN (Registered Nurse)

Overview

• Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Unit: PCU, 3E CVU
• Beds: 36
• Shift: Days, 12 hours per day, 36 hours per week
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Scrub Color: Navy blue
• Hiring Process: The clinical team interviews candidates. If selected, an offer is extended on behalf of the facility.

Patient Population

• Cardiac, respiratory compromise, and post-procedure recovery patients

Staffing and Ratios

• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:3 or 1:4
• Charge Nurse: Has no patient assignment
• Nurse Aides: Yes, at 1:12
• Telemetry Technicians: Based in a different unit with a separate cost center. Strips are read by monitor technicians and verified by the RN. Telemetry monitors are GE. Rhythm strips are not interfaced with the electronic medical record and are kept on paper.

Required Qualifications

• BLS certification
• ACLS certification
• Driver's license must be submitted
• Must be in state for orientation week, even if first-day modules are completed remotely

Clinical Skills and Responsibilities

• Able to care for non-invasive respiratory support, such as BiPAP and high-flow oxygen
• Able to manage some drips included in the titratable medications policy for IMC units
• Chest tube management
• RNs are required to titrate drips: Yes
• Common titratable or set-rate drips: Cardiac, antihypertensive, metabolic, antiarrhythmic, and sedation and analgesia
• Respiratory therapy equipment: Ventilators, CPAP, BiPAP, and high-flow oxygen

Scheduling

• Scheduling Method: Self-scheduling and block scheduling
• Weekend Requirements: Yes. Schedule a minimum of six weekend shifts per six-week schedule, with 6 to 9 weekends per six-week schedule overall.
• Holiday Requirements: Yes
• Call or Standby: Determined by the nurse manager
• Orientation: Date and location are assigned during orientation week

Floating

• Float scope is determined by the nurse manager. If needed, the nurse may float within Zone 1 facilities.
• Position is first to float.