PCU RN - Ortho Neuro Surgical
Rapid City, SD
American Traveler
4x12 hrs, Days

Assignment Overview

• Shift: Days, 4x12hrs
• Hours: 48 hrs/wk
• Start Date: May 18, 2026
• Length: 15 weeks
• Openings: 1

Description

American Traveler is seeking an experienced RN for a PCU role in an Ortho Neuro Surgical (ONS) unit, requiring at least 1 year of nursing experience and SD or compact RN licensure.

Details

• Mixed acuity unit (Intermediate Care, Telemetry, and Med-Surg) within a 64-bed Ortho Neuro Surgical (ONS) unit spread across 2 floors
• Patient population includes pre/post-surgical, CVA, seizures, cellulitis, influenza, UTIs, pneumonia, COPD, CHF, renal failure (with or without hemodialysis), hepatic failure, GI disorders and infections, soft tissue injuries, minor fractures, and DVTs
• Clinical procedures include medication administration, titratable vasoactive drips, TPN/tube feeding, blood product transfusions, wound care, and telemetry monitoring
• Line and device management includes peripheral IV, midline, PICC, central lines, chest tubes, NG tubes, drains, and urinary/fecal collection devices
• Post neuro-intervention patient experience is preferred; education and resources are provided if needed
• PCU nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:4, including MedSurg assignments
• 12-hour day shifts, 48 hours per week
• 6-week scheduling cycles; travelers may be scheduled for up to 4 out of every 6 weekends, including Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
• Floating required to any adult inpatient unit (Med-Surg, Ortho/Neuro/Surgical, Heart and Vascular, Oncology, Observation) within scope of practice, in rotation with other travelers
• No mandatory on-call; may be placed on call for additional shifts only when staffing is sufficient
• Charting systems include Epic (strongly preferred), Alaris, and Omnicell

Requirements

• Active RN license — South Dakota (SD) state or compact license required
• Current certifications required: BLS, ACLS, and NIHSS
• Minimum 1 year of RN experience required
• Completion of a board of nursing-approved nursing education program required
• Experience with IMC/stepdown and neuro patient populations required
• Ability to read and interpret cardiac strips required
• Experience with drip titration required, including Heparin, Insulin, Cardizem, Amiodarone, and Levophed (up to 5 mcg); training provided for esmolol and other beta-blockers or antihypertensives if needed
• Comfort taking Med-Surg assignments required
• Proficiency in line management, wound care, and drain/tube management required
• Epic experience required for first-time travelers; strongly preferred for all candidates (manager approval required prior to offer without it)
• 2 professional references dated within the past year required for consideration
• DOB and SSN required for consideration

Additional Information

• Unit operates in a pod structure — 8 patients per pod staffed with 2 RNs and 1 Nurse Aide
• Two dedicated charge nurses (one per floor) who do not carry a patient assignment
• Additional support includes a Flex Nurse (10am–10pm daily), Nurse Clinician, phlebotomy, respiratory therapy (RT), and hospitalist coverage
• No IV/VAT team on unit
• Orientation includes 2 days of facility/department orientation (policies, protocols, online learnings, and classroom time with Nursing Professional Development) followed by 2 precepted shifts on the unit
• First-time travelers are welcome with more than 1 year of experience; Epic experience is required for first-time travelers
• Former permanent staff must wait a full year before returning as a traveler
• Candidates must reside more than 100 miles from any Monument Health facility to be eligible
• No time off is approved during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally blackout period (approximately August 1–18)
• Holiday RTO is not currently being accepted; any RTO requests must be submitted prior to offer
• Up to 1.5 weeks off may be approved; a contract extension may be required to accommodate this