RN-PCU

About the Role

Provides direct and indirect patient care in the progressive care setting. Communicates with physicians, Nurse Manager, and co-workers about changes in patient’s clinical condition, including results of diagnostic studies and symptomatology. Responds quickly and accurately to changes in condition or response to treatment. Performs general nursing duties in the PCU department with adequate supervision.

Responsibilities

• Perform head-to-toe assessments on all patients and reassessments as per policy, including pediatric, geriatric, and the general patient population.
• Adequately assess and reassess pain, utilizing appropriate pain management techniques, and educate the patient and family regarding pain management.
• Revise the plan of care as indicated by the patient’s response to treatment and evaluate the overall plan daily for effectiveness.
• Perform waived testing (point-of-care testing) per Clinical Laboratory’s and the resident care unit’s policies and procedures.
• Interpret results of waived tests and take appropriate action on waived test results.
• Perform patient care responsibilities considering needs specific to the standard of care for the patient’s age.
• Administer medications correctly based on the age of the patient and their clinical condition, following the five medication rights to reduce potential for medication errors.
• Formulate a teaching plan based on identified learning needs and evaluate the effectiveness of learning; include family in teaching as appropriate.
• Assist physicians with procedures and perform services requiring technical and manual skills.
• Perform treatments and provide services to the level of licensure.
• Treat patients and their families with respect and dignity, addressing psychosocial, cultural, ethnic, and religious/spiritual needs.
• Function as a liaison between administration, patients, physicians, and other healthcare providers.
• Interact professionally with patients and families, involving them in the formation of the plan of care.
• Demonstrate knowledge of principles of growth and development over the life span and provide age-appropriate care.
• Interpret data about the patient’s status to identify age-specific needs and provide care accordingly.
• Perform bedside report on patients at shift change, including any handoff of patient care.
• Provide morning/evening cares, such as brushing teeth, showering/bathing patients, pericares, and denture care.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• BSN or current enrollment in a BSN program preferred.
• Current Registered Nurse licensure in the state of Nebraska.
• 1 year of experience on a Progressive Care Unit preferred.
• Current BLS certification.
• ACLS certification within 6 months of hire.
• NIH Stroke Scale certified within 6 months of hire.