RN - PCU

SoftPath Medical; Macon (GA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Job summary

SoftPath Medical is seeking an RN for the PCU to provide high-acuity care for cardiothoracic and vascular surgical patients. You will monitor cardiac telemetry, manage drips, and collaborate with the care team for smooth patient transitions.

Requirements include 2+ years of RN experience, BLS, ACLS, NIHSS, and a preferred Medical-Surgical national certification. The unit operates in a Level 1 Trauma Center with 24/7 hospital support and 24/7 respiratory/medical staff.

Qualifications

• BLS, BCR, ACLS, NIHSS are required.
• Medical-Surgical national certification preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of RN experience in PCU/telemetry/step-down within a Level 1 Trauma Center.

Responsibilities

• Provide bedside care for cardiothoracic and vascular surgical patients.
• Perform cardiac monitoring and telemetry interpretation.
• Coordinate discharge planning with interdisciplinary teams.

Skills

Trach care

Chest tube management

PIV starts

Glucommander

Insulin drips

Heparin drips

Drips titrated to heart rate

Cardiac monitoring

Telemetry interpretation

Discharge planning

Renal and fluid management

Education

BLS

ACLS

NIHSS

Medical-Surgical national certification

Job description

RN - PCU

About Facility

• 637 licensed beds
• Level 1 Trauma Designation
• Teaching Hospital
• Chest Pain Center
• Stroke Center

Unit Information

• Beds: 24
• Census: 24
• Minimum Experience Required: 2 years
• First-time travelers accepted: Yes

Patient Types / Common Diagnoses

• Primary population: Cardiothoracic and vascular surgical patients, pre-operative and post-operative step-down progressive care
• Secondary population: Cardiology, pulmonology, general medical and surgical patients
• Pre- and post-LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) patients
• Patients with acute or chronic diseases
• Common co-morbidities: diabetes, hypertension, infections, CHF, electrolyte imbalances, etc.

Patient Ratios

• RN: 1:4-6
• LPN: 1:4-6
• CNA: 2-3 per shift

Licenses and Certifications Required

• BLS (Basic Life Support), BCR (Basic Cardiac Rhythm), ACLS, NIHSS – all required
• Medical-Surgical national certification preferred

Required Skills

• Trach care, chest tube management, PIV starts, Glucommander, insulin drips, heparin drips, drips titrated to heart rate (not blood pressure)
• Strong clinical assessment and med-surg nursing skills suitable for a Level 1 Trauma Hospital
• IV insertion and care, central line management
• Wound care and post-operative monitoring
• Cardiac monitoring and telemetry interpretation
• Care coordination with interdisciplinary teams
• Discharge planning & patient education, especially regarding renal and fluid management

Department Support

• CNA: Assist with vital signs, glucose checks, baths, feeding, ambulating, turning patients, hourly rounding, and patient transport (hospital has designated transport team); obtain blood from blood bank
• Receptionist/HUC: Unit secretary on site 7am-11pm; house-wide call secretary 11pm-7am
• Charge Nurse: Present on each unit
• Phlebotomy: Most units have laboratory-collected phlebotomy; nurses draw from CVLs
• IV/VAT Team: No IV team; PICC team available
• Resource Nurse: Yes, including discharge nurses; resource team floats to all units
• Respiratory Therapist: Available 24/7
• Hospitalist: Available 24/7
• Intensivist: Available 24/7
• Telemetry Monitoring/Tech: Central Telemetry Unit

Technology and Equipment

• EMR: EPIC
• IV Pump: Alaris
• Medication Dispensing: Pyxis
• Monitors: Phillips
• Unit-specific equipment includes:
• VS3 vital sign monitors
• Nova Glucose Stat Strips
• Cardiac telemetry monitoring
• Portable vital signs monitors (Dynamapp)
• Bladder scanners, IV pumps, portable oxygen systems
• Glucommander
• PCA pain management
• Suction machines
• Use of admission/discharge protocols for rapid turnover

Floating

Floats to all adult med-surg and telemetry units within the facility.

Orientation

• 1 day orientation with educational modules
• 2 days departmental orientation

Scheduling

• Weekend rotation: 5-6 weekend shifts every 12 shifts (on a 6-week schedule)
• No on-call duties
• Holiday expectations: work one shift on each major holiday (Thanksgiving or day after, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, New Year's Eve or New Year's Day)
• RTO requests require manager approval
• Shift times: 7am-7pm or 7pm-7am
• Schedule cycle repeats every 6 weeks

Additional Information

• Scrub colors: RN - Navy; LPN - Ceil Blue
• Parking: Free parking available around campus or paid parking in decks
• Unit culture: Busy but team-oriented