Registered Nurse – PCU/Medical-Surgical (Corrections Unit)
Columbus, OH
GHR Healthcare - PH Division
3x12 hrs

Registered Nurse Travel/Contract Position

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Contract Length: 16 weeks

Job Overview

• Work in a corrections health unit serving Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections inmates.
• Float between Oncology Medical-Surgical (MS) units and Progressive Care Unit (PCU) as needed.
• Ensure staff safety in a secure, locked corrections environment with controlled access by Corrections Officers.
• Nurse to patient ratio: 1:3 in PCU, 1:4-5 in MS.
• Some shifts assigned to MS, others to PCU.
• Weekend shifts vary; rotating 12-hour day/night shifts possible, with schedule reviewed every 4 weeks but subject to change based on staffing needs.

Experience & Skills

• Specialty: Registered Nurse
• Required Years of Experience: Not explicitly stated; oncology experience preferred but not required.
• Prior Travel Experience: Not required.
• EPIC charting experience required.
• Medical-Surgical/Telemetry skills needed.

Certifications Required

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS may be required depending on unit (check unit-specific requirements).

Clinical Competencies & Responsibilities

• Float between Oncology MS and PCU units.
• Manage patients with active oncology diagnoses, oncology workup admissions, history of cancer, and non-oncology diagnoses.
• Cardiac monitoring and emergency response including dysrhythmia interpretation and telemetry monitoring.
• IV insulin protocols, feeding tube care, pre/post hemodialysis care, blood product administration, central/peripheral line and PICC line management, IV starts.
• Medication management including heparin protocols, cardiac drips (no titration), PCA.
• Respiratory care including CPAP/BIPAP, High Flow Nasal Cannula, ABG interpretation, tracheostomy management.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams: pharmacy, physical therapy, radiology, respiratory services, social services, rapid response teams, transportation, and interpretation services.

Work Environment

• Secure corrections unit with a 1:2 Corrections Officer to inmate ratio.
• Locked unit with controlled access.

Systems Utilized

• Medication system: Pyxis
• Documentation system: EPIC

Health & Compliance Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check within 90 days of start, including FBI/BCI fingerprinting.
• Education accreditation verification required (accredited nursing program).
• Drug testing: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 3 months of start (no pending tests allowed).
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Physical exam within 1 year of start
  • Tdap vaccine (adult dose)
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination or positive titers
  • Hepatitis B titer or vaccine series (declination acceptable)
  • Varicella vaccination or positive titer
  • Seasonal flu vaccine or declination during flu season (mask required if declined)
• Background checks including EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG monitored monthly.
• Fingerprinting (Ohio BCI & FBI) required within 1 year of start, with specific code for corrections facility.
• Annual review and acknowledgment of dress code, hand hygiene, ethics, compliance, and fraud/waste/abuse policies.
• Competency exams required including medication/pharmacology and dysrhythmia/EKG exam within 1 year of start (updated annually).

References & Documentation

• Two professional references required; at least one must be from a manager or formal leadership.
• Employment application and skills checklist required.

Additional Notes

• Oncology experience preferred but not mandatory.
• Prior travel experience is not required for this position.
• Shift assignments and unit float may require flexibility.
• Safety protocols in a corrections environment are critical.

This position is ideal for RNs comfortable working in a secure corrections setting with diverse patient needs, including oncology and medical-surgical care, and who have strong EPIC charting skills.