PCU Registered Nurse
Newark, NJ
PRIDE Health
3x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

Job Summary: Registered Nurse - Travel/Contract

Location: Newark, New Jersey
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of Registered Nurse experience (highest requirement noted)
• Prior travel experience: Not explicitly required

Unit & Specialty Experience

• Experience in PCU (Progressive Care Unit), DOU (Day Observation Unit), IMC (Intermediate Care), Stepdown units required
• Level II trauma center experience required; Level I and Teaching Hospital experience highly preferred
• Strong LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) experience required
• Experience with titration of insulin and cardiac drips required
• Patient ratio in stepdown: 1:4 depending on staffing and acuity

Patient Population & Clinical Focus

• Adult patients (18+ years) including:

  • Heart transplant, lung transplant, kidney transplant patients
  • Pulmonary hypertension patients (including stable patients requiring IV prostacyclin)
  • Heart failure, hypertension, cardiac rhythm issues
  • Trach/vented patients with multi-organ issues
  • Ostomy care and pain management
• Neurologic disorders requiring frequent assessments (every 2 hours) or frequent suctioning/turning, including:

  • Stable/established stroke
  • Acute traumatic brain injury
  • Intracranial hemorrhage
  • Lumbar drain placement
  • Cervical spinal cord injury
  • Stable chronic neurologic disorders (e.g., neuromuscular weakness)
  • Peri-operative neurosurgical patients
• Drug ingestion and overdose patients requiring frequent neurologic, pulmonary, or cardiac monitoring

Certifications Required

• NIH Stroke Scale Certification
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• Other certifications may be required depending on unit and role; confirm with program coordinator if unsure

Work Schedule

• Every other weekend

Staffing & Compliance Requirements

• Must complete required background checks including criminal background, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, and state-specific searches
• Required health documents:

  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within required timeframe
  • Physical exam within the last 12 months, cleared to perform essential job functions and free of communicable disease
  • Drug screen within 30 days of start
  • Seasonal influenza vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption
  • Fit test and respiratory medical clearance as applicable
  • Color blindness exam if job tasks require color discrimination
• Required competencies and exams:

  • Medication/Pharmacology competency exam
  • Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam (as applicable)
  • Pass/fail testing for EKG and medication knowledge
• Annual education and facility-specific orientation required prior to start and annually thereafter
• Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) certification required for ER, Pediatric ER, and Behavioral Health RNs (includes online and in-person components)

Additional Notes

• This is a Level II trauma center with a preference for candidates with Level I and teaching hospital experience
• Strong LVAD experience is critical for this role
• Patient acuity and staffing ratios may vary; stepdown unit ratio typically 1:4
• Candidates must be prepared to manage complex transplant and neurologic patient populations
• Compliance with all facility-specific policies, including floating policies and annual education sign-offs, is mandatory

This position is ideal for experienced RNs with critical care and stepdown unit expertise, comfortable managing complex cardiac and transplant patients in a trauma center setting.