PCU Registered Nurse (RN)

General Information

This nursing position involves working in a Progressive Care Unit (PCU) with beds ranging from 36-48, accommodating semi-private rooms as required. Candidates should possess a minimum of one year of nursing experience, specifically in a PCU setting. First-time travelers are welcome if they have over one year of nursing experience and mandatory EPIC systems knowledge. Travelers must reside at least 100 miles from any facility.

Patient Types

The unit serves a mixed patient population including Med/Surg to Intermediate Care (IMC) levels. The patient load comprises approximately 90% Med/Surg and 10% Intermediate Care. Nurses in this role will manage various conditions, including:

• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) with insulin drips
• Pre/post-surgical patients
• Cellulitis, influenza, urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Pneumonia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
• Renal failure (with or without hemodialysis), hepatic failure
• Gastrointestinal disorders and infections
• Soft tissue injuries and minor fractures
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVTs) and stroke overflow

Nurses will also administer various medications, manage IV access, and provide wound care, telemetry monitoring, and other nursing care as needed.

Patient Ratios

• Long length of stay (MedSurg/NO Tele): 1 RN to 5-6 patients
• Med Surg/Telemetry (no IMC drips): 1 RN to 5 patients
• Intermediate Care: 1 RN to 4 patients

Required Certifications

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

Education and Experience

Candidates must have completed a nursing education program approved by a board of nursing and be a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in South Dakota. A minimum of one year of PCU nursing experience is required.

Skills Required

• Comfort with MedSurg assignments
• Experience with EPIC electronic health record system
• Ability to read and interpret cardiac strips
• Wound care, line management, and drain/tube management expertise
• Competency in drip titration for medications such as Heparin, Insulin, Cardizem, and Amiodarone

Support on the Unit

• Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) with a ratio of 1:8
• Charge nurse not taking a patient load
• IV/VAT Team availability
• Respiratory Therapy (RT) support 24/7
• Access to Hospitalist services 24/7

Charting System and Equipment

• EPIC (mandatory)
• Omnicell technology for medication management
• Alaris infusion devices

Floating Policy

Nurses may be required to float to any adult inpatient unit, including Med Surg, Ortho/Neuro/Surgical, Heart and Vascular Unit, Oncology, and Observation, based on scope of practice and staffing needs.

Orientation

A comprehensive orientation program includes two days of unit and department training, online learning modules, and two shifts on the unit with a preceptor.

Scheduling

The schedule operates on a six-week basis, with travelers potentially working up to four weekends in that period. Time-off requests during specific holiday seasons and peak periods are subject to managerial approval, with blackout dates established during high-traffic events.

Additional Information

• Scrub color: Navy Blue
• Free parking provided
• Potential