Registered Nurse (RN) – Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

General Information

This position is located in a 15-bed Pediatric Unit with an additional 5-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). A minimum of 1.5 years of PICU experience is required. First-time travelers will be considered only if they have at least 2 years of experience.

Patient Types

• General Pediatrics: Provides care for patients aged 0-18 years, as well as adult overflow (stable medical conditions), including but not limited to, post-operative appendectomy, post-operative cholecystectomy, cellulitis, etc. Common diagnoses include respiratory illness, diabetes, septicemia, cellulitis, hyperbilirubinemia, neglect/abuse, mental health issues, trauma, neurology cases, and various general surgeries (ENT, gastrointestinal, urological, orthopedics, neurosurgery).
• PICU: Responsible for critical or intensive care services for patients aged 0-18 years, focusing on conditions such as acute and chronic respiratory insufficiency, circulatory failure, infectious diseases causing organ dysfunction, endocrine and metabolic disorders, neurological diseases, toxic exposures, trauma, and hematologic or oncological conditions.

Patient Ratios

• General Pediatrics: 1 nurse to 5 patients
• PICU: 1 nurse to 1-2 patients

Required Certifications

• Registered Nurse (RN)
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
• NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale)

Required Education

Completion of a nursing education program approved by a state board of nursing.

Skills Required

• Conduct physical assessments of patients ranging from infants to adults.
• Evaluate patient symptoms and monitor associated vital signs.
• Administer medications as prescribed.
• Educate patients and families on the plan of care.
• Proficient in using EPIC charting system.
• Experience in PICU, including the ability to titrate medication drips and care for mechanically ventilated patients.

Support on the Unit

• CNA support with a ratio of 1:5
• Charge nurse providing coverage across units
• Nurse-led lab draws
• IV/VAT team with ultrasound assistance for difficult IVs
• Resource Nurse: Nurse Clinician/Nurse Educator
• Access to case management and social work
• Respiratory therapy available
• Pediatric hospitalist with Advanced Practice Provider support
• Pediatric pharmacy, social work, and case management support

Charting System/Equipment

• EPIC
• Omnicell

Floating and Unit Orientation

Nurses may be required to float between the NICU (30 beds, feeder/growers with 1:3 ratios) and General Pediatrics with patient ratios up to 1:5.

The orientation program includes:

• 1 day of facility orientation (both online and in-person training)
• 2 days of unit orientation with a preceptor

Scheduling

• Weekend rotation: Every other weekend
• Holidays: Required to work
• Time off: Requires pre-approval

Other Notes

• Work culture promotes a friendly atmosphere and encourages learning and growth.
• Scrub color: Navy
• Free parking is available in the parking garage.