The Registered Nurse (RN) in the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) provides intermediate care for patients who require a higher level of monitoring and treatment than in a general medical-surgical unit but do not require the intensive care provided in an ICU. The RN in PCU delivers critical care to patients recovering from surgery, medical procedures, or acute conditions, monitoring their progress and responding to changes in health status. The RN will work collaboratively with the healthcare team to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients in the PCU setting.
Key Responsibilities:
Patient Assessment:
Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients with moderate to high acuity, monitoring their physical and emotional needs.
Continuously evaluate vital signs, lab results, and cardiac rhythms for any changes that may indicate a need for intervention.
Identify potential risks and complications, such as arrhythmias, respiratory distress, or post-operative issues, and act accordingly.
Patient Care and Monitoring:
Administer prescribed medications and treatments, including IV medications, pain management, and blood products.
Monitor patients with telemetry, arterial lines, and other continuous monitoring devices, adjusting care as necessary.
Provide post-surgical care for patients who have undergone major surgery, including cardiovascular, neurological, or orthopedic procedures.
Manage patients with complex conditions, such as heart failure, respiratory distress, and diabetes.
Collaboration:
Work closely with physicians, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans.
Participate in daily rounds and communicate with the team regarding patient condition, response to treatments, and any changes in care plans.
Patient Education:
Educate patients and families about the recovery process, treatment plans, medications, and any required lifestyle changes.
Provide guidance on managing chronic conditions, improving health, and preventing readmissions.
Documentation:
Accurately document all nursing interventions, patient assessments, outcomes, and any changes in condition using electronic health records (EHR).
Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and hospital-specific documentation requirements.
Safety & Infection Control:
Follow infection control protocols and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
Respond to changes in patient condition quickly and appropriately, including initiating emergency procedures if needed.
Emergency Response:
Recognize and respond promptly to emergencies, including code blue situations or significant changes in patient vital signs.
Perform advanced life support (ALS) or other emergency interventions as required.
Teamwork and Support:
Collaborate with PCU colleagues, support staff, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure safe and efficient patient care.
Serve as a resource to less experienced nursing staff and participate in mentoring or training initiatives.
Quality and Compliance:
Follow all hospital protocols and national standards to maintain high-quality care, safety, and patient satisfaction.
Participate in quality improvement activities and patient safety initiatives to enhance patient outcomes.