RN PCU

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Progressive Care Unit (PCU) Registered Nurse is responsible for providing high-level, specialized care to patients requiring intermediate-level monitoring and intervention. PCU nurses care for critically ill or post-ICU patients who need continuous cardiac and respiratory monitoring but are not unstable enough for intensive care. They play a crucial role in managing complex medical conditions, post-operative recovery, and chronic disease exacerbations while ensuring patient safety and comfort.

Key Responsibilities:

• Patient Monitoring & Assessment: Continuously assess and monitor patients' vital signs, cardiac rhythms, oxygen saturation, and neurological status.

• Medication Administration: Safely administer IV medications, drips, blood products, and titrate medications as per physician orders.

• Cardiac & Respiratory Management: Manage patients with telemetry monitoring, oxygen therapy, BiPAP/CPAP, and ventilator weaning.

• Collaborative Care: Work closely with physicians, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized patient care plans.

• Patient Education: Educate patients and families on disease processes, medication management, and post-hospital care.

• Emergency Response: Recognize and respond to signs of deterioration, initiating rapid response and code blue protocols as needed.

• Wound & Drain Management: Provide post-surgical and chronic wound care, including monitoring chest tubes, drains, and surgical sites.

• Documentation & Compliance: Maintain accurate and timely electronic medical records (EMR) to ensure compliance with hospital policies and regulatory standards.

• Infection Control & Patient Safety: Follow strict infection control protocols, fall prevention strategies, and skin integrity measures to ensure patient safety.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ASN/BSN) from an accredited program.

• Licensure: Active RN license (state-specific or compact license).

• Certifications: BLS and ACLS (required); PCCN (Progressive Care Certified Nurse) preferred.

• Experience: Minimum of 1 year of PCU, step-down, telemetry, or critical care experience in a hospital setting.

• Skills: Strong knowledge of telemetry, ventilator weaning, IV therapy, and emergency response protocols.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with EMR systems such as Epic, Cerner, or Meditech.

• Advanced certifications such as CCRN or TNCC for expanded critical care expertise.

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to manage rapidly changing patient conditions.

Work Environment:

• Fast-paced hospital setting with a 1:3-4 patient ratio depending on acuity level.

• Requires standing, walking, and lifting for extended periods.

• Exposure to infectious diseases and bodily fluids.

• Rotating shifts, weekends, and holiday requirements based on facility needs.

This role demands clinical expertise, adaptability, and strong communication skills to provide high-quality care to acutely ill patients transitioning between intensive and general medical care.