The Step-Down Unit/Progressive Care/Med/Tele (SDU/PCU) Registered Nurse provides specialized nursing care to patients who require close monitoring and frequent assessment but do not meet criteria for intensive care. The SDU/PCU RN is responsible for delivering safe, high-quality, patient-centered care in collaboration with a multidisciplinary healthcare team. This role requires strong critical thinking skills, clinical judgment, and the ability to manage complex patient conditions in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities - to include but not limited to
The Step-Down Unit/Progressive Care Registered Nurse will:
Provide direct patient care for medically complex patients requiring telemetry, frequent monitoring, and specialized interventions.
Perform comprehensive assessments, including respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and hemodynamic status.
Monitor and interpret cardiac rhythms, vital signs, and laboratory results; notify providers of changes in patient condition.
Administer medications safely, including IV medications, per physician orders and hospital policy.
Manage and care for patients with devices such as:
Telemetry monitoring
IV drips (e.g., cardiac, vasoactive, or insulin infusions where applicable)
Central lines, PICC lines
Oxygen therapy, high-flow oxygen, CPAP/BiPAP (as appropriate per unit policy)
Implement and evaluate individualized patient care plans.
Collaborate with physicians, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, case management, and other disciplines to optimize patient outcomes.
Educate patients and families regarding diagnosis, treatment plan, medications, and discharge instructions.
Accurately document assessments, interventions, and patient responses in the electronic medical record (EMR).
Recognize early signs of patient deterioration and activate rapid response or escalate care as needed.
Adhere to infection prevention protocols, fall precautions, and patient safety standards.
May float to other med/surg units.