Travel Nurse RN - PICU - Pediatric Intensive Care
San Diego, CA
Magnet Medical
3x12 hrs, Nights

Patient Assessment and Monitoring:

• Conduct thorough, ongoing assessments of critically ill pediatric patients, including vital signs, neurological status, respiratory function, and lab results.
• Use advanced monitoring systems to track parameters such as oxygen saturation, heart rate, blood pressure, and intracranial pressure (ICP) in critically ill pediatric patients.
• Identify early signs of deterioration or changes in clinical status and take immediate action to stabilize the patient.

Care and Management of Critical Illness:

• Administer medications, blood products, and IV fluids as prescribed, and monitor for effectiveness or adverse reactions.
• Manage complex ventilator settings, oxygen therapy, and invasive monitoring devices (e.g., arterial lines, central venous lines, etc.).
• Provide critical interventions such as airway management, resuscitation, and CPR when necessary.
• Perform technical skills such as intubation assistance, wound care, dressing changes, and other advanced procedures as required in pediatric critical care.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration:

• Work closely with pediatric intensivists, respiratory therapists, social workers, physical therapists, and other specialists to develop and implement a comprehensive care plan.
• Attend rounds and participate in team meetings to discuss patient progress, prognosis, and adjustments to care plans.
• Collaborate with physicians to adjust treatment plans based on patient responses and changing clinical conditions.

Post-Operative and Post-Trauma Care:

• Provide intensive care for post-surgical or post-trauma pediatric patients, ensuring proper pain management, wound care, and monitoring for complications.
• Monitor for and address potential complications following surgery, such as bleeding, infection, or organ failure.
• Ensure the management of pain and sedation according to protocols for pediatric patients, using age-appropriate techniques.

Patient and Family Education:

• Educate families about their child's critical illness, treatment plan, and progress, offering clear and compassionate communication about complex conditions.
• Provide emotional support to families, offering resources and guidance on coping with the stress and trauma of having a critically ill child.
• Teach families about post-discharge care, including any ongoing treatments, medications, and follow-up care necessary for recovery.

Emergency and Crisis Response:

• Respond promptly and effectively to medical emergencies and code situations involving pediatric patients, performing life-saving procedures as necessary.
• Use advanced resuscitation techniques, including pediatric-specific protocols for CPR, drug administration, and defibrillation.
• Be prepared to make quick decisions in high-pressure situations while maintaining calm and ensuring the safety of the child.

Infection Control and Safety:

• Implement strict infection control measures, particularly with immunocompromised or postoperative pediatric patients.
• Follow hospital protocols for handling invasive devices (e.g., central lines, ventilators, and catheters) to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections.
• Maintain a safe environment for critically ill children, ensuring that all equipment is properly functioning and that the patient’s safety is continuously ensured.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Document all nursing assessments, interventions, and patient responses in the electronic health record (EHR) accurately and in a timely manner.
• Report changes in the patient’s clinical condition, new symptoms, or adverse reactions to medications or procedures to the healthcare team.
• Ensure that all patient information is maintained confidentially in compliance with healthcare regulations (e.g., HIPAA).

Quality Improvement and Professional Development:

• Participate in ongoing professional development and continuing education to remain current on the latest pediatric critical care techniques and evidence-based practices.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance the care and outcomes for critically ill pediatric patients.
• Contribute to the development of nursing protocols, policies, and best practices for the care of pediatric patients in the critical care environment.