Nurse:Patient Ratios: 1:3 PCU 1:4 med surg (split PCU and Med Surg unit)
Common diagnoses/Types of patients: Seizures, strokes, neurosurgeries, renal transplants, lumbar drains, art lines. Continuous EEG set up by EEG tech- instructions on cart once set up.
Experience or 'Must have' skills: Progressive care trained. Neuro experience preferred. Highly prefer art line and lumbar drain experience. First time traveler okay for day shift. One year of experience.
Are RNs required to titrate drips?: Yes- PCU will titrate. Med surg RNs won't take cardiac drips.
Charge Nurse/House Supervisor? Does the charge nurse take an assignment?: Charge available 24/7. Typically no patients. On occasion can take a full load- although not ideal. Would like someone that can do charge on NIGHTs only.
Are there Tele/Monitor Techs on this unit? Are RNs required to read their own strips? What brand are the tele monitors?: No techs on site, all monitored at the FESC in Tacoma. RN is expected to be able to read/interpret a strip. Philips monitors are used
Job Requirements
BLS, NIHSS
Must have strong neuro skills
Required Certifications: BLS, ACLS, NIHSS
Are RNs required to titrate drips?: Yes- PCU will titrate, med surg RNs won't take cardiac drips
Experience or 'Must have' skills: Progressive care trained, neuro experience, art line and lumbar drain experience
Are there nurse aids on this unit/Ratios: PCT 1:10- vitals, drains, foleys, ambulation, ADLs, EKGs, blood sugars. Remove IV and foleys.
Schedule Information
Shifts & Scheduling: 7a and 7p- 12 hour shifts
Flexibility required. No set schedules
Weekend Requirements: 4 weekend shifts per schedule at minimum. May need to flex to more if staffing is tight. For days shift weekends are Saturday and Sunday. For nights weekends are Friday and Saturday
Holiday Requirements: Expected to work holidays as needed to fill in holes, especially on nights
Unit Specific Information
Unit/Department specific orientation: 1-2 shifts depending on comfort level. Night shift will also need to be trained to renal transplant care, lumbar drains and arterial lines
Nights, Weekends as needed
First to float
Additional Details
Could be used to precept new employees or students