Progressive Care Nurse Job Description Template
The Progressive Care Nurse is responsible for providing comprehensive nursing care to patients in a progressive care setting. This role involves working closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure high-quality patient care, frequent monitoring, and rapid response to changing patient conditions.
Responsibilities
- Monitor and assess patient's vital signs and overall condition
- Administer medications and treatments as prescribed
- Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement patient care plans
- Educate patients and their families about medical conditions and treatments
- Provide emotional support to patients and their families
- Ensure accurate documentation of patient care and condition
- Respond quickly to changes in patient conditions and initiate appropriate interventions
Qualifications
- Valid RN license
- Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) preferred
- Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience, preferably in a progressive care or ICU setting
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required; Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification preferred
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Skills
- Advanced patient assessment skills
- Clinical decision-making
- Medication administration
- Patient and family education
- Electronic Health Records (EHR) software
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
Frequently Asked Questions
A Progressive Care Nurse provides care to patients who are transitioning from critical care units, such as the ICU, to less intensive care. Their responsibilities include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and collaborating with healthcare teams to develop patient care plans. These nurses also provide ongoing assessments to prevent complications and ensure that patients are stable enough to move to regular medical wards.
To become a Progressive Care Nurse, one must first be a registered nurse with a valid nursing license. This typically involves completing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), followed by passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Many hospitals prefer or require additional certifications, such as the PCCN (Progressive Care Certified Nurse) credential, which involves additional coursework and passing a specialized exam.
The average salary for a Progressive Care Nurse varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and the employing hospital or healthcare facility. Generally, Progressive Care Nurses earn a competitive salary that reflects their specialized skills and expertise, with potential for additional compensation through certifications and nighttime or weekend shifts. Salaries also increase with years of experience and advanced certifications.
Qualifications for a Progressive Care Nurse include a registered nursing license, validated through passing the NCLEX-RN exam after completing a nursing degree program. While not universally required, many opt to obtain the Progressive Care Certified Nurse (PCCN) certification to demonstrate expertise in the field. This role also requires strong clinical skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Progressive Care Nurses must possess strong assessment and monitoring skills to manage patients with complex medical conditions. Key responsibilities include continuous observation of patient health, executing treatment plans, and providing communication between the patient, family, and healthcare team. Effective decision-making, empathy, and technical nursing skills are crucial for success. They must often juggle multiple patient needs while ensuring compliance with healthcare standards and protocols.