Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurse (PCU RN)

General Information

The Progressive Care Unit is a mixed unit accommodating 36-48 patients, offering both semi-private rooms and a variety of care levels. The care team plays a critical role in managing diverse patient needs.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year of nursing experience required.
• First-time travelers accepted with over one year of experience, provided they have EPIC experience.
• Travelers must reside at least 100 miles away from any facility.
• Permanent staff members must wait one year before returning as travelers.

Patient Population

The unit serves a mixed acuity patient population, providing care primarily in Med/Surg with some Intermediate Care (IMC) patients. Common diagnoses include:

• Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
• Pre/post-surgical care
• Cellulitis
• Influenza
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Pneumonia
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
• Renal failure
• Hepatic failure
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Soft tissue injuries
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVTs)

Patient Ratios

• Long-length stay (Med/Surg/No Tele) – 1:5-6
• Med Surg/Telemetry (no IMC drips) – 1:5
• Intermediate Care – 1:4

Required Certifications

• BLS
• ACLS
• NIHSS

Required Education

Completion of an accredited nursing education program and a registered nurse (RN) license from the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

Skills Required

• Comfortable with MedSurg assignments
• EPIC experience
• Previous experience in caring for patients with the aforementioned conditions
• Able to read and interpret cardiac strips
• Proficient in wound care and line management
• Capable of managing drip titration for medications such as Heparin, Insulin, Cardizem, Amiodarone, and Levophed

Support on the Unit

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with a 1:8 ratio
• Charge Nurse available who does not take a patient load
• Phlebotomy services provided
• Respiratory Therapy available
• Hospitalist services offered

Charting System/Equipment

• EPIC
• Omnicell
• Alaris

Floating

Nurses may float to any adult inpatient unit as needed, which may include Med Surg, Ortho/Neuro/Surgical, Heart and Vascular, Oncology, and Observation units.

Orientation

• Two days of unit/department orientation covering policies and procedures
• Classroom training with Nursing Professional Development Team
• Two shifts of hands-on orientation with a preceptor

Scheduling

• Six-week scheduling process
• Weekend rotation includes up to four out of six weekends
• No mandatory call time required
• Current holiday scheduling does not accept requests for time off
• Approval of time off up to a week and a half, with specific blackout dates during peak events

Additional Information

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