PICU Nurse Job Description
The pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) is a special section of a health care facility that delivers the highest level of medical attention to sick or injured children. Nurses who work in PICU are specially trained to provide continuous, intensive care to their young patients. Routine nursing tasks in the PICU may include monitoring the patient's blood pressure, breathing and heart rate.
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Significance
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According to AllNurses.com, working in PICU requires nurses to have a broad scope of knowledge and experience. PICU nurses may be called upon to provide nursing care for infants, young children and adolescents. PICU nurses must be able to provide treatment for a wide range of ailments from common childhood diseases to life-threatening illnesses.
Education
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PICU nurses are registered nurses. According to the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are three primary educational methods of becoming a registered nurse. Candidates may complete a four-year course of instruction at an accredited university or college to obtain a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) degree. Candidates may complete an associate of nursing degree at an accredited two-year community college. Candidates may complete a diploma program at some major health care facilities. Many health care facilities require PICU personnel to complete additional pediatric education development and support (PEDS) training in order to enhance their clinical expertise.
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Teamwork
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PICU nurses are required to have strong interdisciplinary skills and knowledge, but they do not work in a vacuum. The PICU unit is typically staffed by a number of PICU registered nurses, nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, clerks, nurse supervisors, pediatric nurse practitioners, physicians and surgeons. It is important for PICU nurses to be able to work as part of a larger team.
Care and Support
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An important part of a PICU nurse's responsibility is providing education, information and emotional support to their patient's family and caregivers. The PICU nurse has the most consistent direct contact with the patient. They are responsible for monitoring and recording vital signs and reporting any observed changes. They may administer medications and treatments as prescribed by the attending physician.
Benefits
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According to NurseZone.com there is an urgent need for PICU nurses in health care facilities across the country, resulting in higher pay rates for experienced PICU nurses. NurseZone.com notes that income levels for PICU nurses tends to vary according to such factors as geographic location, level of experience and type of facility. The BLS estimates the median income of all registered nurses as of May 2008 to be $62,450. Employment opportunities are expected to expand by 22 percent between 2008 and 2018.
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References
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