Position Responsibilities
PICU Nurses provide direct and individualized nursing care to patients based on the application of scientific
nursing principles. In addition to basic nursing care, responsibilities of PICU Nurses include (but are not limited
to):
Provides age and culturally appropriate care to patient
Consults and coordinates with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient
care plans
Monitors patient’s vital signs, such as blood pressure, breathing and heart rate, and initiates corrective
action whenever the patient displays adverse symptomatology
Follows continuous cardiac and respiratory monitor readings, such as EKG tracings, O2 stats, CVP/arterial
line waveforms, if applicable, and reports any observed changes
Tracks urine output
Changes dressings, inserts catheters, starts IVs (both central venous & arterial)
Administers infusion therapy, including: IV fluids, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, electrolytes
Monitors and adjusts specialized equipment used on patients, such as ventilators
Prepares and administers and records prescribed medications. Reports adverse reactions to medications
or treatments
Assists treating physician during examination, treatment and procedures, which can include life-saving
situations
Analyzes lab results
Assists with the insertion or discontinuation of CV catheters, arterial lines, external ventricular drains,
epidural catheters and endotracheal tubes, Foleys
Provides education, information and emotional support to the patient’s family and caregivers
Records all care information concisely, accurately and completely, in a timely manner, in the appropriate
format and on the appropriate forms
Performs other position-related duties as assigned, depending on assignment setting
