Progressive Care Unit RN
Winston Salem, NC
GHR Healthcare - PH Division
3x12 hrs

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (PCU) - Travel/Contract

Location: Winston Salem, North Carolina
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

This is a travel/contract Registered Nurse position in a Progressive Care Unit (PCU) that functions similarly to an ICU. The unit cares for patients requiring telemetry monitoring, management of dysrhythmias, vasoactive drips, and other critical care interventions.

Required Experience

• Minimum 2 years of nursing experience in the specialty (PCU/Stepdown/Telemetry/IMC).
• Accepts first-time travelers (prior travel experience NOT required).

Required Skills & Certifications

• Strong experience with arterial lines and titrating vasoactive drips (e.g., Levophed, Dopamine, Dobutamine).
• Experience with PCU/DOU/IMC/Stepdown units and telemetry monitoring.
• Ability to interpret and manage dysrhythmias.
• Use of Rapid Response Teams.
• IV insulin protocols.
• Blood product administration.
• Central line, peripheral line, and PICC line care/management.
• Heparin protocols.
• Management of CVA patients.
• Chest tubes (Emerson/Pleur-evac).
• Non-invasive airway management including tracheostomy care, CPAP/BIPAP, High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC), nasal cannula.
• Isolation precautions.
• IV start and conscious sedation experience.

Certifications Required:

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support)
• NIH Stroke Certification

Work Schedule & Unit Details

• 12-hour night shifts.
• Target nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:3-4.
• Floating required as needed to sister ICCU unit.
• Weekend requirement: every other weekend.
• No block scheduling allowed.
• RTO (Request Time Off) after booking is NOT allowed onsite; max 7 days RTO for auto-offer.
• Hospital orientation required during week one with daily classes.
• Must pass EKG competency testing prior to start.

Patient Population & Diagnoses

• Average daily census: 18 patients, 20 beds.
• Patient ages: adolescent, adult, geriatric.
• Common diagnoses: post-rapid response patients, respiratory distress, unstable hemodynamics, withdrawal, GI bleeds, post-op GYN, GU, GI, thoracotomies, neuro, ortho surgeries, pre/post OB with complications (e.g., Pitocin).

Equipment & Technology

• Bedside telemetry monitors with remote backup.
• Use of Pyxis medication system and Epic electronic health record.
• No ventilators on unit.

Required Background & Health Documentation

• Criminal background checks within 90 days for all locations lived in last 7 years.
• Education verification for highest degree earned (pending allowed if license valid).
• Drug screening within 30 days of start (10-panel, negative result required).
• Physical exam within 1 year of start (30 days if past positive TB).
• Fit mask testing (N95 or PAPR training) required.
• Negative TB test or chest x-ray per protocol.
• Required immunizations or titers: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B (or facility-specific declination).
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption required during flu season.

Additional Requirements

• Must complete Non-Novant Health Worker Orientation (8-10 hours for acute care).
• Must complete Medication Safety training and submit certificate.
• Must complete competency exams including Dysrhythmia/EKG competency (minimum 82% score required).
• Must comply with hospital policies including confidentiality agreement and dress code.
• Must provide a passport-style photo for badge creation prior to start.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Valid RN license in North Carolina
• Minimum 2 years of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience, including experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• ACLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• BLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Experience with arterial lines and titrating vasoactive drips
• Management of dysrhythmias
• Use of Rapid Response Teams
• IV insulin protocols
• Central line and PICC line care/management
• Heparin protocols
• Chest tubes experience
• Experience with external CPAP/BIPAP