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Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Wyoming

Home of Yellowstone National Park and five other natural parks, in addition to interesting fossils and hot springs, The Equality State may be a great option to work as a nurse. We’ve put together a list of some of the best hospitals in the state. Read on to learn more.

Wyoming’s Top Hospital

• Campbell County Memorial Hospital
• Cheyenne Regional Medical Center – West Campus
• Ivinson Memorial Hospital
• Memorial Hospital of Converse County
• St. John’s Medical Center
• Wyoming Medical Center

Best Hospitals in Wyoming

The following top hospitals have been determined using reliable sources such as U.S. News & World Report, the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and Medicare.

Campbell County Memorial Hospital

Campbell County Memorial Hospital is an Area Trauma Hospital (ATH) and has a four-star rating from the federal government.

The hospital has received the Gold Seal of Approval by The Joint Commission for its excellence in pathology and clinical laboratory. Its health system was also named one of the Top 150 Places to Work in Healthcare by Becker’s Healthcare in 2018.

The facility was awarded the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) Chest Pain Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry Achievement Award — Silver Performance from the American College of Cardiology for its quality care for heart attacks in 2017. It also received the same award for its standards in medical procedures for heart conditions.

Learn more about Campbell County Memorial Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Gillette, Wyoming
• Employees: 1,244 (across the entire network)

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Cheyenne Regional Medical Center – West Campus

Cheynne Regional Medical Center (CRMC) is a Magnet hospital, which is an ANCC program that recognizes hospitals for its excellence in various areas,  including outstanding care and inspirational leadership.

The facility is rated high performing in stroke by U.S. News & World Report. In 2022, it received several recognitions from Healthgrades, including the America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention Award and the Gastrointestinal Surgery Excellence Award.

CRMC was also recognized with a Gold Plus Level in the Get With The Guidelines program from The American Heart Association for its high standards in stroke care, and a Silver Plus Level for its excellence in adult resuscitation.

The federal government gave it a three-star rating.

Learn more about Cheyenne Regional Medical Center – West Campus:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming
• Hospital network: two facilities
• Employees: 1,975+ (across the entire network)

Ivinson Memorial Hospital

Ivinson Memorial Hospital is rated high performing in hip fracture by U.S. News & World Report. 

The facility has been named a Top 100 Rural and Community Hospital for the past five years by the Chartis Center for Rural Health.

It has also received the Gold Seal of Approval by The Joint Commission for its excellence in quality care and clinical laboratory.

The federal government gave it a three-star rating.

Learn more about Ivinson Memorial Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit
• Location: Laramie, Wyoming
• Employees: 506

Memorial Hospital of Converse County

Memorial Hospital of Converse County is rated high performing in back surgery and hip fracture by U.S. News & World Report.

The facility was considered one of the best hospitals for patient experience in the Western U.S. by Becker’s Healthcare. It was also voted the Best Hospital and the Best Outpatient Surgery Center in the Casper Star-Tribune’s 2020 Readers Choice – Best of Wyoming Awards. 

The federal government gave it a three-star rating.

Learn more about Memorial Hospital of Converse County:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Douglas, Wyoming

St. John’s Medical Center

St. John’s Medical Center is rated high performing in back surgery, maternity care, pneumonia and hip fracture by U.S. News & World Report.

The facility was named one of the world’s best hospitals by Newsweek in 2022 and received the Outstanding Patient Experience Award from Healthgrades three years in a row.

It was also named one of the Top 20 Rural and Community Hospitals by The National Rural Health Association.

The federal government gave it a five-star rating.

Learn more about St. John’s Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Jackson, Wyoming
• Employees: 850+

Wyoming Medical Center

Wyoming Medical Center is rated high performing in four procedures or conditions, including heart failure and kidney failure, by U.S. News & World Report. 

The hospital received the Gold Seal of Approval by The Joint Commission for its excellence in general care, pathology and clinical laboratory and ambulatory care. It was also awarded the NCDR Chest Pain MI Registry Achievement Award from the American College of Cardiology in several areas, such as diagnostic catheterization and electrophysiology device implant.

The American Heart Association also gave it various recognitions, including the Get With The Guidelines – Heart Failure Silver Plus award, and the Gold Plus award for its stroke program.

It has a “B” grade from The Leapfrog Group and a three-star rating from the federal government. 

Learn more about Wyoming Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Casper, Wyoming
• Hospital network: two facilities
• Employees: 1,218+

What makes a best hospital in Wyoming

All of the above-listed hospitals have several factors in common, including good benefits and work management. Read more below.

Benefits

Nurses in Wyoming receive a good salary. But it doesn’t just end there, because employers also offer competitive benefits, such as medical insurance, paid time off and education programs.

Growth opportunity

Top hospitals are always providing growth opportunities, especially for nurses who demonstrate their willingness to learn. If you’re a registered nurse, becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), a licensed practical nurse or a nurse practitioner are some of the possibilities.

Employee satisfaction

Programs designed to prevent work-related health issues, such as job fatigue, back pain and burnout, are very important for employee satisfaction. Happy employees work better with others, and people prefer to be around contented employees.

High patient satisfaction

As a measure of care quality, patient satisfaction is as crucial as many other factors. It’s the Era of the Customer, when customer satisfaction impacts brand reputation, patient retention, and the hospital’s value.

Other factors that make a top hospital

An organization’s performance is also affected by other features, such as healthcare technology and ethics. Dive deeper into these topics below.

Safety record is critical

Approximately 40% of patients experience harm in ambulatory and primary care settings, and 80% of these errors are preventable, according to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Practices such as labeling of medications and asking patients if they understand their prescription are some of the most efficient methods implemented by many top hospitals to increase healthcare safety.

Hospital policies focus on customer services 

The best hospitals prioritize patient support programs. Nurses can practice this customer-centric approach by demonstrating patience when explaining treatment  to patients and avoiding unnecessary arguments.

Latest technology and training improve healthcare

Many technological devices are used in healthcare to improve the patient experience. St. John’s Medical Center, for example, offers a mobile app that automates payments for physicians and intensivists. 

Ethics lead the way

Following ethical values is particularly important for issues such as patient privacy, organ donation and the allocation of resources. Any difficult circumstance can be handled rationally in this way.

Next steps

To land a job in the best hospitals in Wyoming, you may need direction — whether you’re an experienced nurse or a recent graduate. Continue reading below.

Build your resume

Presenting a well-written resume for recruiters may put you ahead of the other candidates. Considering that, we’ve prepared a nursing resume guide so you have the chance to create the document that’ll get you hired.

Join a nurses association

Joining a nursing association may also help build your resume. When you become a member of a nursing organization you access many career opportunities and networking, which can be included on your resume. Bear in mind that taking part in a nursing union could be useful as well, especially with advocating for issues related to salary and working conditions.

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Attend industry educational conferences and workshops

Workshops and nursing conferences allow nurses to network and get Continuing Education Credits (CEUs). Find more valuable tips on our advice page about working as a nurse in Wyoming.

Keep up with continuing education requirements

To work in Wyoming you have to meet the state’s education requirements. One of them is having 30 to 60 hours of continuing education.

We offer free Wyoming CEU courses. Access now and start learning. 

Search for job openings

If you want to find a job in a smart way, join Incredible Health today.

We match the right employer to you, no matter if you’re a registered nurse or a specialist.

Transfer your nursing license to Wyoming

With a nursing license transfer, nurses from other states can work in Wyoming. If you need to do so, read our guide and learn more about the process.

Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals South Dakota

Home to Mount Rushmore and the Badlands, South Dakota also prides itself on its excellent healthcare organizations. 

Top hospitals in South Dakota are no exception when it comes to providing the best medical services to the community. Whether you are a registered nurse planning to advance your career or a recent graduate looking for the best nursing jobs in the state, you need to know about these top-ranking hospitals in the state. 

South Dakota’s Top Hospital

• Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
• Avera Dells Area Hospital
• Bennett County Hospital and Nursing Home
• Black Hills Surgical Hospital
• Sanford USD Medical Center

Best Hospitals in South Dakota

Some of these are  Magnet® hospitals, which must reach certain strict standards put in place by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Only 9.3% make it to the list for providing the benchmark of nursing excellence. South Dakota has 2 Magnet® hospitals along with a few top hospitals you may consider:

1. Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center
2. Avera Dells Area Hospital
3. Bennet County Hospital and Nursing Home
4. Black Hills Surgical Hospital
5. Sanford USD Medical Center

Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center

The flagship hospital of Avera, one of the 15 top health systems in the nation, Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center embodies every standard of a Magnet® hospital. According to US News, the medical facility is ranked #1 in the nation for 3 adult specialties and #2 in South Dakota as the best regional hospital. It has also been cited as high-performing in two adult specialties and seven procedures and conditions. Avera is South Dakota’s largest private employer with more than 13,000 employees and physicians.

• Administration: Non-profit
• Hospital Type: General and Surgical facility, teaching hospital
• Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Employees: 13,000+

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Avera Dells Area Hospital

A part of the Avera Health System, Avera Dells Area Hospital is a general medical and surgical facility. Only 21 miles from Sioux Falls Regional Airport, it is an excellent critical-access hospital that offers a full range of advanced services that is accessible and cost effective for the community. They were also recognized as one of the Top 100 Critical Access hospitals in the US by the Chartis Center for Rural Health in 2021.

• Administration: Non-profit
• Hospital Type: General medical and surgical facility
• Location: Dell Rapids, South Dakota

Bennett County Hospital and Nursing Home

Bennett County Hospital and Nursing Home is a general medical and surgical facility. Located 130 miles southeast of Rapid City, this hospital has a nursing home to provide medical care to the urban crowd. Apart from that, Bennett County Hospital also has a rural health clinic that provides primary care, lab services, and hospice care in designated rural communities of the area. 

• Administration: Non-profit
• Hospital Type: General medical and surgical facility
• Location: Martin, South Dakota

Black Hills Surgical Hospital

Black Hills Surgical Hospital is one of the best medical facilities for orthopedic and spine surgical care. US News has recognized it as high performing in 4 conditions and procedures. Located in the second largest city of South Dakota, this multi-specialty health facility serves patients primarily from western South Dakota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wyoming.

• Administration: Non-profit
• Hospital Type: Surgical facility
• Location: Rapid City, South Dakota

Sanford USD Medical Center

Sanford USD Medical Center under the Sanford Health system was ranked as one of the 100 Great Hospitals in America by Becker’s Hospital Review in 2017 and 2018. US News has ranked the hospital as #1 regionally ranked hospital in South Dakota and recognized as high performing in 3 adult specialties and 14 procedures and conditions. It is one of the two Magnet®️ hospitals in the state.

• Administration: Non-profit
• Hospital Type: General medical and surgical facility
• Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Employees: 4,000

What makes the best hospital in South Dakota

Let’s look at some qualities that make these the best hospitals in South Dakota.

Benefits

The constant flow of revenue allows the reputed hospitals to provide their employees with financial stability and added perks to attract the best talents in healthcare. Apart from a good salary, employees also enjoy other benefits like financial assistance for homebuyers, tuition assistance, wellness programs, and more.  

Growth opportunity

If you are a nurse who wants to be  part of advanced research in the medical field, eminent hospitals will provide such opportunities for you. High-ranking hospitals facilitate advanced research and innovation within their organization. Such research programs are also well-funded. Thus, employees have a lot of room for growth. 

If you don’t necessarily want to be part of research but you want to move up in the medical field, you can consider positions like nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner. These positions are in high demand and are great options for your career path. 

Employee satisfaction

Exceptional hospitals invest in employee satisfaction to increase productivity. They have the means to offer competitive wages and benefits. They also recruit enough people to give their employees room to breathe and avoid burnout. Satisfied employees create a healthy environment and in turn, provide top-notch care to their patients.

It is pretty common among nurses to face compassion fatigue. In top-ranking hospitals, they enjoy an excellent work-life balance and can happily take up more responsibilities.

High patient satisfaction

Increased crowding in emergency departments impacts patient satisfaction, according to a report published in the NCBI journal. High-performing hospitals make it a point to provide hassle-free service and personalized care to every patient. They are given specialized attention according to their needs. 

Employees tend to feel a certain pride working in such an organization and strive  for excellence.

Other factors that make a top hospital 

Here are some additional factors that make these hospitals top employers.

Safety record is critical

4% of hospitalized patients contract some kind of healthcare-associated infection (HAI), according to CDC reports. Employees of top  hospitals get the best possible training to use proper techniques and sterile conditions during procedures. With a properly trained staff available, the risk of HAI can be reduced by 80%. 

Hospital policies focus on customer services 

Great customer service results in happy patients. Such policies make the patient feel safe and confident in their treatment. When you’re looking for a new place of employment, look for a hospital that prioritizes customer service and upholds the customer’s bill of rights. 

Latest technology and training to improve healthcare

The high-ranking hospitals realize the importance of technology in providing efficient and accurate health services. Such advanced hospitals invest in and adopt new technology to maintain a high standard of health care delivery. 

Working in a top  hospital will upgrade your skill to handle emergencies as a nurse. You can also learn new techniques and make use of the latest innovations in the health industry. 

Ethics lead the way

No matter how exceptional the healthcare services of a hospital are, they will not serve their whole purpose if it’s not accessible to the entire community. Top hospitals find ways to deliver top-notch healthcare at an affordable rate. Such policies prove the ethical way of functioning of a hospital.

Next steps

As a practicing nurse or a recent graduate with suitable nursing expertise, working in one of the above-listed South Dakota hospitals may advance your skills and career aspirations.

Looking for a job but getting overwhelmed?  Without the right strategies, landing your dream job can be hard.  With these guides and resources, it will be easier for you to get your dream job in the top hospitals in South Dakota.

Build your resume

The first step to standing out among the crowd of applicants is a well-structured resume. First, understand the job’s role and personalize your resume according to the hospital and the job you want. Point out your degrees and accolades, and highlight your strongest skills. Keep a solid  list of references who can speak to your character and your work ethic. Follow this nursing resume guide for more information.

Join a nurses association

Want to find the best nursing jobs? Start networking in the community. If you have access to the relevant networks, you will receive multiple opportunities to choose from. Does your state have a nurses union? Weigh the pros and cons of such unions. If you find them suitable, join a professional nursing organization promptly. 

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Attend industry conferences and workshops

Check out top nursing conferences and keep up-to-date with the recent updates in the healthcare sector. The healthcare industry advances every day, and you need to keep up with it! Attending conferences will help you learn relevant skills and gain knowledge of advanced healthcare techniques to have that edge over other candidates. 

Keep up with continuing education requirements

Every state has different education requirements. To stay relevant in this ever-growing field, updating your qualifications in accordance with the demand is key. Incredible Health offers free CEU courses, which will add to your expertise. Simply sign up to access them today!

Search for job openings

You need to keep track of various job postings by notable hospitals to get the very best opportunity for yourself. The right resources can guide you to all the best nursing openings at the best hospitals above or elsewhere in South Dakota. Sign up on our platform and never miss a job update from eminent hospitals.

Transfer your nursing license to South Dakota

If you want to work in South Dakota, gather information on the nursing license transfer policies of the state. Nurses coming from a compact state and moving to another compact state can quickly transfer their license. But if it’s a non-compact state, things might get a little tricky. Here is a guide to help you along the process.

Career Resources / Job Searching / Best Hospitals Mississippi

Mississippi is rife with opportunities for healthcare workers. It has the second-highest concentration of job opportunities for nurse practitioners (NP), and it ranks in second place among nonmetropolitan areas for the highest employment of registered nurses (RN), according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

To help nurses and other healthcare workers navigate the hospital landscape, we’ve put together a list of some of the top hospitals.

Mississippi’s Top Hospital

• Anderson Regional Medical Center
• Forrest General Hospital
• Mississippi Baptist Medical Center
• North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo 
• St. Dominic Hospital

Best Hospitals in Mississippi

We used a number of respected and authoritative sources to put together our list. 

U.S. News & World Report’s best hospitals list is based upon specific criteria regarding patient outcomes — hospital discharge, for example — and processes of care and resources, such as the number of patients and expert opinion.

We also supplemented our research with reliable sources such as Medicare, Healthgrades and The Leapfrog Group. 

Anderson Regional Medical Center

Anderson Regional Medical Center (ARMC), North campus, is rated high performing in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) by U.S. News & World Report. 

The facility is considered a Level III Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons and has received the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission for its high standards in healthcare quality.

ARMC was also awarded the National Cardiovascular Data Registry (NCDR) Chest Pain Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry Achievement Award — Platinum Performance from the American College of Cardiology in 2021 for its quality of care for heart attacks. 

Learn more about Anderson Regional Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Meridian, Mississippi
• Hospital network: two facilities 
• Employees: 1,201

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Forrest General Hospital

Forrest General Hospital is ranked No. 4 in Mississippi and is rated high performing in seven procedures or conditions, including colon cancer surgery, heart attack and kidney failure, by U.S. News & World Report.

The facility was awarded the NCDR Chest Pain Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry Achievement Award — Platinum Performance from the American College of Cardiology in 2022 for its excellence in treating heart attacks. It also has a “B” grade from The Leapfrog Group for its hospital safety.

Learn more about Forrest General Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Hattiesburg, Mississippi
• Hospital network: seven facilities

Mississippi Baptist Medical Center

Mississippi Baptist Medical Center (MBMC) is the state’s only Magnet hospital, which is an American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) program that recognizes facilities with excellence in many areas — such as leadership, personnel policies and professional models of care.

The hospital is ranked No. 1 in Mississippi and is rated high performing in nine procedures or conditions, including lung cancer surgery, heart failure and kidney failure, by U.S. News & World Report. It’s also designated a Baby-Friendly hospital and has an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group for its hospital safety. 

In 2019, MBMC was considered one of the 100 great hospitals in America by Becker’s Hospital Review. From 2020 to 2022, it also received the America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery Award from Healthgrades.  

The federal government gave it a three-star rating.

Learn more about Mississippi Baptist Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Jackson, Mississippi
• Hospital network: 22 facilities
• Employees: 3,700+ (across the network)

North Mississippi Medical Center-Tupelo 

North Mississippi Medical Center (NMMC) is ranked No. 2 in the state and is rated high performing in seven procedures or conditions, such as heart attack, colon cancer surgery and hip replacement, by U.S. News & World Report. 

In 2021, it received the QUEST Hero Award from Premier Inc. for its efforts to act quickly in response to the pandemic.

The Level II Trauma Center has an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group and a four-star rating from the federal government. 

Learn more about North Mississippi Medical Center:

• Administration: nonprofit 
• Location: Tupelo, Mississippi
• Hospital network: six facilities
• Employees: 6,717 (across the entire network)

St. Dominic Hospital

Also known as St. Dominic – Jackson Memorial Hospital, the facility is ranked No. 2 in Mississippi and is rated high performing in seven procedures or conditions, including  diabetes, colon cancer surgery and kidney failure, by U.S. News & World Report.

It received the Joint Replacement Excellence Award from Healthgrades in 2020 and the Consumer Loyalty Award from the National Research Corporation (NRC) Health in 2019.

The institution was also recognized by the Joint Commission for its high standards in wound care and stroke. 

Learn more about St. Dominic Hospital:

• Administration: nonprofit
• Location: Jackson, Mississippi
• Hospital network: five facilities 
• Employees: 3,000+

What makes a best hospital in Mississippi

Discover what makes Mississippi’s best hospitals so appealing, in addition to its employment rates.

Benefits

In general, salary isn’t enough to fulfill nurses committed to their well-being and career. Employee benefits, like life insurance, a retirement savings plan and health insurance coverage, help to meet job expectations.

Growth opportunity

Top employers look for nurses who are always trying to grow or specialize their career. A RN can become a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA), for example. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data states Northeast Mississippi has the highest employment in this specialty of all nonmetropolitan areas in the United States. Becoming a NP is another option for a newly graduated RN.

Employee satisfaction

Healthcare professionals serve patients and their wellness is also important, especially to prevent common conditions like work fatigue and burnout.

High patient satisfaction

According to a Harvard Business Review study, patient satisfaction and employee engagement are two factors that improve patients’ feedback about service. This positive impression also enhances customer loyalty and a hospital’s reputation.

Other factors that make a top hospital

There are additional factors, such as high-end technology and customer service policies, that may enhance a hospital’s performance. Read more below.

Safety record is critical

Most infections and medical errors can be prevented through standardized procedures. Electronic medical records, weight-based dosing and barcoding systems are some common resources present in the safest hospitals.

Hospital policies focus on customer services 

Patient-centered care includes treating patients with courtesy and resolving their doubts clearly. These simple attitudes can improve the patient experience and increase customer loyalty.

Latest technology and training improve healthcare

As well as customer service, technology can improve healthcare and patient satisfaction. Patients’ mobile health apps or devices, for example, have the capability to provide nurses with personalized and real-time information about their health.

Ethics lead the way

Any hospital must ensure ethics in all processes, and healthcare ethics programs become even more important as facilities become more complex, which is common among top-level health systems.

Next steps

Whether you are an experienced nurse or a recent RN, you’re always on the lookout for your dream job. Here’s how to get accepted into the kind of great health system every nurse aspires to work for.

Build your resume

In most cases, a resume is the first contact a recruiter has with you. You must be concise and, above all, promote yourself as the best candidate. Learn how to write and format a nursing resume with our guide.

Join a nurses association

The journey of developing your career doesn’t need to be solitary. Meet fellow nurses in a nursing organization, where you can share knowledge, even on an international level. Or join a nursing union and fight for relevant causes, like good salaries and workplace conditions.

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Attend industry educational conferences and workshops

If you want to be an expert in your field, attending nursing conferences will definitely play an important role. Through these events, you can understand the latest research and treatment innovations. Learn more about meetings and get tips about career growth in our advice section for nurses interested in working in Mississippi.

Keep up with continuing education requirements

In addition to events and workshops, RNs, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) need to meet education requirements regarding continuing education units (CEUs).

But this isn’t a problem if you’re on Incredible Health. Sign up and take free Mississippi CEU courses today!

Search for job openings

Searching for jobs on Incredible Health, where hospitals apply to nurses, is a unique experience. Create your free profile, list your goals, access the best opportunities and see your job matches. 

Transfer your nursing license to Mississippi

Professionals who aren’t from Mississippi can still work without problems in this state, which is promising in terms of employment. It’s a nursing compact state, so you’ll have to understand the rules about transferring your nursing license.

Read our guide and learn everything you need to know about the process.

Nurse Types / PCU Nurse

A PCU nurse works in a Progressive Care Unit unit where they treat patients with a variety of chronic health conditions or those recovering from surgeries. They work with patients who need an intermediate level of attention that doesn’t rise to the level of intensive care.

In this article you’ll learn:

• What is a PCU nurse?
• What do PCU nurses do?
• Where do PCU nurses work?
• What are specific types of PCU nurses?
• How do you become a PCU nurse in 3 steps?
• What are additional requirements of PCU nurses?
• How can PCU nurses advance their careers?

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What is a PCU nurse?

A Progressive Care Unit nurse provides bedside care to patients in the PCU unit. Sometimes PCUs are called telemetry units, intermediate care units, direct observation units, step-down units, or transitional care units.

As a PCU nurse, you’ll treat patients with a variety of chronic health conditions or those recovering from surgeries. You must follow the healthcare team’s plans for your patients to ensure a swift and complete recuperation.

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Not sure what nursing career path is best for you?

Try Incredible Health's nursing specialty quiz.

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Qualities of a successful PCU nurse

If you’re a nurse, you know it takes a special set of skills and qualities to be effective at your job. PCU nurses are no different. You’ll enjoy your job duties more if you possess the following characteristics:

Attention to detail

Patients in need of intermediate care have specific healthcare plans you must follow. Noting any new symptoms or reactions to treatment requires a keen eye.

Commitment to patient advocacy

Your patients sometimes can’t speak for themselves. They’ll need you to make sure they receive the level of care required for their complete recovery. You must commit to serving as their caregiver and advocate when necessary to ensure their needs are met.

Empathy

All nurses should have this quality, but it is especially important for you if you plan to work in the PCU. Patients in this unit may have chronic conditions that cause them emotional and physical pain. Connecting with them can help them heal faster.

Organization skills

Patients that need an intermediate level of care have a lot of medical information and instructions. You’ll need to review and organize these to ensure they get everything needed for their recovery. PCUs can move at a hectic pace, so being organized helps you stay on top of patient care.

Sense of humor

Let’s not forget this critical skill. Caring for patients in the PCU can be stressful. You’ll need a solid sense of humor to get through the day. Your patients might benefit from some laughter as well. The healing benefits of laughter are well-documented.

What do PCU nurses do?

Your responsibilities as a PCU nurse can vary from one day to the next. Among the most common tasks you’ll perform include:

• Assisting other members of the medical care team to ensure the patient’s needs are met
• Calculating drug doses for your patients and administering prescribed medications
• Changing dressings, inserting and checking catheters, and starting or changing IVs
• Evaluating and monitoring your patients to determine their healing progression
• Preparing medical equipment assigned to the patient and assisting doctors with bedside procedures

A day in the life of a PCU nurse

A day in the life of a PCU nurse can be hectic and stressful. Your patients require close monitoring and frequent assessment to ensure they are on the path to recovery. They may not be sick enough for the ICU, but their conditions can turn on a dime. You’ll need to pay close attention to ensure their care needs are met.

If you choose to work as a travel PCU nurse, you’ll have the added benefit of exploring new hospitals and working with different patients and healthcare teams.  

Common conditions treated by PCU nurses

Patients living with chronic conditions can find themselves in the PCU during a flare that becomes life-threatening. Some of the other common conditions you’ll encounter as a PCU nurse include:

• Cancer
• Chronic or complicated non healing wounds
• Defibrillator or pacemaker implant
• Heart attacks and heart surgeries
• Pneumonia
• Sepsis and other systemic infections
• Stroke

Where do PCU nurses work?

Most PCU nurses work in hospitals. Other options include long-term care facilities and specialized treatment and recovery centers. It’s also possible to work as a travel PCU nurse, which places you in a different hospital or other PCU frequently.

The number of hours you work depends on the hospital’s staffing needs. Most PCU nurses work full-time. You may be required to be on-call.

What are specific types of PCU nurses?

Just like ICUs, PCUs are grouped into four types: medical, surgical, neonatal/pediatric, and medical-surgical. If you choose to become a PCU nurse, you have the option of specializing in one of these four areas. Working with specific patient groups is possible as a PCU nurse. Some possibilities include:

• Addiction
• Cardiovascular
• Critical care
• Genetics
• Neonatal
• Nephrology
• Rehabilitation

Closely related fields

Not all hospitals have PCUs. Smaller facilities have what are known as telemetry floors instead. Telemetry nursing is closely related to PCU nursing. A telemetry nurse specializes in using medical tools to monitor a patient’s health. 

Another closely related field is transitional care. PCU nurses can use their skills to help patients transition from one care setting to another without compromising their health. 

How do you become a PCU nurse in 3 steps?

There are specific education, licensing, and certification requirements you must meet before you can start your career as a PCU nurse. It can take up to four years to complete your schooling. Follow these three steps to get started.

Step 1 – Become a Registered Nurse

All PCU nurses must hold a Registered Nurse (RN) licensure. There are several ways to get an RN license. You can complete an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and pass the NCLEX-RN exam. You also can choose to pursue your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), which many hospitals now require of RNs.

Earn a BSN degree

It takes three to four years to earn your BSN degree, depending on whether you attend full- or part-time. Pursuing your BSN opens doors to nursing career advancement. Make sure you choose a BSN program accredited by a reputable accrediting agency.

If you already have your RN licensure but want to earn your BSN, you can do so while continuing to work. The RN to BSN program is designed for working RNs.

If you have a BSN in an unrelated field but want to become a nurse, there is the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN). You can earn your BSN in under 2 years.

Pass the NCLEX-RN exam

Passing the NCLEX-RN exam is the final step to becoming an RN. You can use the study guides and other resources available on the NCLEX website to prepare. If you fail the NCLEX-RN exam on your first try, you must wait 45 days before you can try again.

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Step 2 – Accumulate experience

Once you become an RN, you’ll need to accumulate PCU experience before you can take the final step toward earning certification. You’ll need at least 8 to 12 months of recent experience working as an RN in a PCU to fulfill this requirement. Working as an RN in an emergency room setting also satisfies this experience prerequisite.

Helpful skills and experience

Working in a fast-paced healthcare environment like the ER can prepare you for a career as a PCU nurse. Time spent in the ER also gives you insight into various medical conditions, which may help you decide on whether to pursue a nursing specialty.

Some of the most important skills you can hone include:

• Clinical skills. PCU nurses must know how to administer medications, apply IVs, give CPR or first-aid, and take vitals.
• Computer skills. Most patient medical histories are computerized and stored on the cloud. You’ll need to know how to access and update patient information.
• Medical ethics. Learning how to treat patients and other staff is part of practicing medical ethics. Providing unbiased care and protecting the privacy and security of patient healthcare information also falls into this skills category.

If you need to brush up on existing skills or acquire new ones, consider taking some free continuing education courses covering these and other relevant topics.

Changing specialty to a PCU nurse

It’s not uncommon for some nurses to want to change their nursing specialty to PCU nursing. Let’s say you want to go from being a medical-surgical nurse to working in the PCU. Your experience in med-surg care uniquely prepares you for the switchover.

Both med-surg and PCU nurses must be licensed RNs. You may need to learn how to use more complex monitoring devices when you switch from med-surg to PCU. You also can expect to have fewer patients as a PCU nurse because they require more specialized care.

Step 3 – Obtain certifications

As a PCU nurse, you can obtain certifications through professional associations. You can choose concentrations like ambulatory care, cardiology, and pediatrics. Some certifications are:

• PCCN certification offered through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACCN).
• Telemetry certification through the National Telemetry Association (NTA). RNs must meet all eligibility requirements and pass the NTA exam to earn the certification.

What are additional requirements of PCU nurses?

Among the educational, licensing, and certification requirements, PCU nurses have a few additional criteria they must meet before starting their new nursing career. Most PCU nursing professionals must become CPR-certified. Additional prerequisites may include:

• Earning basic life support certification
• Receiving advanced cardiac life support certification

Once you have your PCU license and certification, you must maintain both. You can prepare for the renewal process by completing free nursing CEUs to expand your knowledge and learn new, relevant skills. 

What are the salary and career outlooks for PCU nurses?

Demand for RNs working in all specialties is expected to grow by 6% between 2021 and 2031. As the U.S. population ages, the need for intermediate care units and the PCU nurses who staff them continues to increase. The average annual wage for all registered nurses is $82,750.  

The average wage for a PCU nurse is 104,087. The top 5 cities are:

Job satisfaction

Job satisfaction among nurses in intensive care units and step-down units fluctuates depending on the facility. Skilled managers, effective communication, and overall teamwork can help increase your fulfillment as a PCU nurse.

How can PCU nurses advance their careers?

You have plenty of options for career advancement as a PCU nurse. Earning additional certifications or pursuing a nursing specialty can enrich your knowledge and patient outcomes. Going back to school to earn your Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) can open the door to supervisory or research roles. You also can use an advanced degree to become a nurse educator. 

Let us help you on your journey of becoming a PCU nurse! 

FAQ

Nurse Types / Least Stressful Nursing Jobs

Between hectic long shifts and times where you go hours without taking a bathroom break, there are many nurses who are searching for relief. There are nursing jobs with less stress than others.

This post will outline various nursing roles that aren’t in the emergency room or trauma unit. There are even a host of non-bedside nursing roles that you can perform as well.

The positions we will be taking a look at are:

• Telehealth Nurse
• Nurse Educator
• Public Health Nurse
• School Nurse
• Research Nurse
• Nurse Administrator
• Home Health Nurse

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Least Stressful Nursing Jobs   

Talk about stress and the potential for burnout.  According to our data from a survey, over a third (34%) of the nurses surveyed reported that it is very likely that they will quit their job by the end of 2022. Additionally, 44% cited burnout and a high-stress environment as the reason for their desire to leave.

Now, you might think to yourself, “aren’t all nursing jobs stressful? Isn’t this what I signed up for?” The truth is, there isn’t a blissed-out wonderland where you don’t experience stress. At least not while getting paid.

As stated, several jobs within nursing don’t require the level of stress outlined in the introduction. Now, again, these jobs do carry stress, but not as much as other roles. They also tend to have higher job satisfaction.

Telehealth Nurse

The telehealth role has become more popular during the pandemic. This job involves providing high-quality health care to patients through phone, email or video conference. You can work from home and have flexible hours.

Most of your patients call about routine health questions or check on patients with long-term issues like diabetes. Though telehealth nurses often have a large client base, they aren’t dealing with urgent matters.

Overall, the ability to work from home, deal with non-urgent matters and work flexible hours makes this job a low-stress role.

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Nurse Educator

The nurse educator role involves teaching and training student nurses along with practicing nurses. The nurse educator works in teaching hospitals along with nursing schools. Some nurse educators work at clinics as well.

This position helps encourages nurses to continue learning and keep up with the latest medical developments. Since you aren’t working directly with patients, it is considered less stressful than traditional roles.

This position is for registered nurses who have advanced nursing degrees. However, if you are looking for a less-stressful job, this is a good match.

Public Health Nurse

This role is perfect for nurses who enjoy working with under-resourced communities and want to get away from traditional nursing stress. The public health nurse provides health care to impoverished communities. They advocate for greater health care access for these populations.

Moreover, the role includes screenings, educating about disease prevention, and identifying risk factors in the community.

As a public health nurse, you have an opportunity to help people in ways that don’t cause significant burnout to you. 

School Nurse

Enjoy working with children? Perfect. This role places nurses in schools working directly with children of all ages. The school nurse performs basic first aid and gives children their daily medication. They also provide hearing and vision tests for students.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing and state licensure.

Though you aren’t in a hospital, the role is challenging and engaging. You work independently, which can trigger stress for individuals. However, it is a relatively low-stress role overall.

Research Nurse

If drawn to analysis and data, then research nursing might spur your interest. As a researcher, you would work in universities or research facilities. Your work wouldn’t involve patients much at all.

Generally, research nurses have advanced degrees like a Master of Science in Nursing or Doctor of Nursing Practice. 

Most research nurses study diseases to find new treatments and test new drugs through clinical trials. They also study medical procedures. The patient interaction that they have involves monitoring and caring for research participants.

Though not completely stress-free, it is a job worth exploring if you enjoy studying and working on the cutting edge of scientific inquiry.

Nurse Administrator

Though nurse administrators work in health care centers, they don’t directly work with patients. They mostly create schedules, oversee performance evaluations and create policy planning.

While you still have a lot on your plate with the role, it isn’t a direct patient-facing role. You may feel more comfortable with an administrative position where you lead people than directly caring for patients.

Home Health Nurse

This role still allows you to work with patients without dealing with a hospital healthcare facility setting. You get to work one-on-one with patients, helping them with their medication needs and checking vital signs as a home health nurse.

Generally, you only have a few patients on your docket, which makes this role a lot less stressful.

Last Word on Least Stressful Nursing Jobs

Now that you’ve seen various nontraditional nursing jobs, you might wonder how to apply to these jobs. If that’s the case, you’ve come to the right place. By signing up for Incredible Health, you can start applying for jobs and have employers come to you.