Travel Nurse RN - Pediatric ER - $1,727 per week in Charleston, SC

A Registered Nurse (RN) – Pediatric Critical Care provides specialized nursing care to critically ill or injured children, ranging from infants to adolescents, in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) or similar acute care setting. This role involves closely monitoring, assessing, and managing the care of pediatric patients with life-threatening conditions, including respiratory failure, organ dysfunction, trauma, or complex medical issues. The Pediatric Critical Care RN works as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure the best outcomes for pediatric patients while offering compassionate support to families during emotionally challenging times. Key Responsibilities : 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.