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

Position Overview

This role is focused on providing comprehensive care to patients in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) setting, with a primary emphasis on patients with cardiac conditions in a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU). The successful candidate will engage in critical nursing practices, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and ensure the delivery of high-quality care to a diverse patient population.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), with at least 1 year specifically in a Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU).
• BLS and PALS certifications are required.
• Experience with the following patient types and procedures is essential:
• Caring for patients with congenital heart defects, respiratory issues, and various surgical needs.
• Proficiency in aseptic and sterile techniques, basic dressing changes, and the management of various medical devices and tubes (e.g., ventilators, tracheostomies, G/GJ/J-tubes, NG tubes, chest tubes, foley catheters, and central lines).
• Skills in managing PCA pumps, drip management, and performing central line blood draws and peripheral lab draws.
• Knowledge of ECMO and peritoneal dialysis is preferred but not required.

Patient Types and Common Diagnoses

The position primarily involves caring for PCICU patients, but may also involve general PICU patients with the following conditions:

• Cardiovascular issues, including fresh open hearts, post-catheterization care, and medical cardiac conditions such as congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and myocarditis.
• Respiratory issues including high-flow oxygen, CPAP, BiPAP requirements, and conditions like asthma and RSV.
• Surgical cases, including appendectomies, g-tube placements, ENT surgeries, bowel obstructions, and neurological procedures.
• Patients receiving chemotherapy and those requiring specialized interventions during COVID surges.
• Trauma care for injuries resulting from falls, motor vehicle accidents, and other incidents.

Work Environment

This role is situated within a Level II Trauma Center that comprises 152 total beds, including 22 PICU beds. The average daily census in the PICU is 10-11 patients.

Additional Information

• EMR: Experience with EPIC is preferred.
• Weekend Rotation: Every other weekend, unless otherwise requested.
• Shift Times: Day and night shifts available, with hours from 0700-1930 and 1900-0730.
• Scrub Color: Professional solid color scrubs without graphics or logos are required. Long sleeves must be pullable above the elbow, and long hair must be secured appropriately.
• Floating to MedSurg, ED, or NICU may be required as needed.