Progressive Care Unit RN
Grand Island, Nebraska
CHI Health Saint Francis

Registered Nurse (PCU)

Location: Grand Island, Nebraska
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit Overview

• Department: Stepdown / Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
• Number of Beds: 33
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:4-5
• Patient Population: Young adults through geriatrics with conditions such as sepsis, STEMI, CHF, chest pain, COVID, stroke, renal failure, COPD, DKA, and complex multisystem failure
• Busy patient flow with frequent admissions and discharges within the same shift

Shift Details

• Shifts: 0630-1900 and 1830-0700
• Scheduling: Unit schedulers assign traveler schedules (no self-scheduling)
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend
• Holiday Requirement: As needed to meet unit needs
• Floating: May float to MedSurg, Inpatient Rehab, or Skilled Care units

Orientation & Training

• Orientation: First week classroom training plus two 12-hour shifts on the floor
• RN Skills Exam: Pass/fail open book exam during orientation; must score 90% or higher to continue

Clinical Responsibilities

• RNs are required to titrate drips (e.g., Heparin, Amiodarone, Cardizem, Nitroglycerin, IV antibiotics, Insulin) and administer maintenance IV meds
• RNs must read and interpret telemetry strips independently
• Charge nurse present on each shift and takes an assignment
• CNAs available with a fluctuating 1:10 ratio based on census
• Respiratory equipment includes BiPAP and Airvo

Required Certifications & Licenses

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

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of unit experience in PCU or similar stepdown setting

Additional Information

• Fingernail Policy: Artificial nails are prohibited in all patient care areas; refusal to comply may result in contract termination
• Dress Code: Navy blue scrubs for RNs
• Driver’s license required at submission to verify candidate’s distance (must be within 50 miles radius)
• Candidates may not be currently employed full time, part time, or PRN with any facility associated with certain large healthcare systems within the radius
• Return to Office (RTO) required within 7 days of contract start; no additional RTO extensions will be approved
• Attributes for success: Strong teamwork, positive attitude, engagement in patient experience, commitment to bedside report and hourly rounding

Summary

This is a 13-week PCU RN contract position requiring at least 1 year of relevant experience, current BLS, ACLS, and NIHSS certifications, and the ability to manage complex patients with multiple comorbidities. The role involves telemetry monitoring, drip titration, and working in a fast-paced environment with a strong emphasis on teamwork and patient-centered care.