Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse (PICU RN)

General Information

This position is within a 15-bed Pediatric Unit and a 5-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Candidates should possess at least 2 years of PICU RN experience. First-time travelers will be considered only if they meet the experience requirements.

Patient Types

• General Pediatrics: Care for patients aged 0-18 years and adult overflow, dealing with stable medical cases such as:
  • Post-operative care (e.g., appendectomy, cholecystectomy)
  • Conditions including respiratory illness, diabetes, septicemia, cellulitis, hyperbilirubinemia, neglect/abuse, mental health issues, trauma, and neurologic disorders.
  • General surgeries encompassing ear/nose/throat, gastrointestinal, urological, orthopedic, and neurosurgery.
• PICU: Treating critically ill patients aged 0-18 years, handling conditions such as:
  • Acute and chronic respiratory insufficiency
  • Circulatory failure
  • Infectious diseases leading to major organ dysfunction
  • Endocrine and metabolic disorders
  • Neurologic diseases
  • Toxic ingestions/exposures
  • Trauma
  • Hematologic and oncologic diseases

Patient Ratios

• General Pediatrics: 1 RN to 5 patients
• PICU:
  • 1:1 for mechanically ventilated patients or those with titratable drips
  • 1:2-3 for stable PICU patients

Required Certifications and Education

• Registered Nurse (RN) with BLS, PALS, and NIHSS certifications
• Completion of a nursing education program approved by a board of nursing
• South Dakota Board of Nursing licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN)

Skills Required

• Conduct physical assessments of patients aged 0 to adult
• Evaluate patient symptoms and associated vital signs
• Administer medications as prescribed
• Educate patients and families regarding the plan of care
• Proficient use of the EPIC charting system
• PICC experience, including the ability to titrate drips and care for mechanically ventilated patients

Support and Resources on the Unit

• CNA support with a ratio of 1:8
• Charge Nurse available covering both units
• RNs and nurse aides trained to draw labs
• IV/VAT Team for difficult IV placements
• Access to a resource nurse, nurse educator, case management, and social work services
• Respiratory Therapy services available
• Hospitalist and intensivist coverage 24/7
• Pediatric pharmacy support

Charting System and Equipment

• EPIC for electronic records
• Omnicell for medication dispensing
• Drager ventilators

Floating Requirements

RNs may be required to float to NICU (30 bed unit, feeder/growers, 1:3 ratio) and General Pediatrics, provided they are comfortable with patient care in these departments.

Orientation

• 1-day facility orientation (including online and in-person training)
• 2-day unit orientation with a preceptor (including time in PICU, Pediatrics, and NICU prior to floating)

Scheduling and Time Off

• Weekend rotation every other weekend is expected</li