Job descriptions

Hi all,

Can anyone explain the following to me?

RN Staff

RN 24/7

RN pool

per diem

Baylor

RN II/III/IV/V

PACU

PCU

Protocol RN

Thanks in advance :)

RN Staff = You work one floor/specialty, usually set schedule

RN 24/7 = Can work any shift

RN Pool = your on the float pool/Work different floors that need help

Per Diem = You work when needed/flex basis

Baylor = Baylor Plan = Work weekends, usually 32-36 hours, but get paid

for a full 40 hours. U usually work two 16 hour shifts sat and sun

RN II/III/IV/IV= Usually a skills identifier/ Like II is med surg, III can do ICU

PACU = Post Anesthesia CAre Unit

PCU = Post Critical Care Unit, also called PCCU

Protocol RN = Im not sure, but i think someone that specializes in a field,

does research, conducts trials, and so forth

RN II/III/IV/IV= Usually a skills identifier/ Like II is med surg, III can do ICU

For us this is a skills identifier however the levels are universal throughout the hospital and each level reflects more experience and involvement within a specific unit or specialty, and each level increase also means more money.

The higher the staff level, the more of a resource of experience and knowledge that nurse is on that particular unit. As well, the level reflects the involvement a nurse has on the unit with things like, precepting, being involved in QA projects, having advanced training or certification (ACLS, CCRN), participating in the charge nurse role a certain number of times/yr, being an "expert" with a procedure or technology educating other staff on a periodic basis. The staff level also reflects how many of these things a nurse chooses to be involved with.

Our highest level is a staff nurse IV. On my unit, some nurses choose to stay a lower level like a II because they are not interested in getting involved. A couple of nurses like this have been with our hospital for 20+ years and are happy coming in to work, taking their assignment, doing their job, and going home. Other nurses who may have been a new grad as few as 5 years ago might be very involved in the unit and be a staff nurse IV :). It's up to the individual. This doesn't mean the new nurse makes more money than the 20+ years nurse because there is also monetary raises for longevity. They do eventually catch up and surpass the RN who chooses not to get involved though, after about 6-7 years of employment.

Any nurse on any unit can become the highest staff level if they get involved in their unit. There's no distinction between the types of floors or units a nurse works. Just because someone works ICU doesn't mean they are a higher level than a med/surg nurse.