PICU Registered Nurse
Charleston, SC
Host Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus
$40-44/hourOverview
- Start Date03/16/2026
- Shift Breakdown3x12 hrs
- ShiftNights
- Duration13 weeks
Pay
Benefits
- Referral bonus
- School loan reimbursement
- Vision benefits
- Wellness and fitness programs
- Company provided housing options
- License and certification reimbursement
- Life insurance
- Medical benefits
- Mileage reimbursement
- Pet insurance
- Discount program
- Employee assistance programs
- Guaranteed Hours
- Health savings account
- Holiday Pay
- 401k retirement plan
- Continuing Education
- Dental benefits
Qualifications
- Associate of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Description
Job Opportunity: PICU Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract)
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Position Details
- Unit: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
- Shift: Nights (7 PM - 7:30 AM), 3 shifts of 12 hours each per week
- Weekend Requirement: Up to 5 weekend night shifts per schedule (including Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
- On-call: Not required
- Patient Ratios: 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 (mixed ICU and Stepdown patients)
- Floating: Floating within scope to meet facility needs is required
Unit Description
- 28-bed unit providing intensive and intermediate care for children ages 0-18
- Patient population includes medical and surgical diagnoses such as respiratory compromise, trauma, post-operative care, neurology/neurosurgery
- Advanced therapies provided: ECMO, CRRT, renal/peritoneal dialysis
- Pediatric palliative care available as needed
- Multidisciplinary team includes RNs, Patient Care Technicians, Respiratory Therapy, Pediatric Dietitians, and Pediatric Pharmacists
Requirements
- Specialty: Registered Nurse - PICU
- Experience: Minimum 2 years of PICU experience (highest requirement)
- Travel Experience: First-time travelers accepted; prior travel experience NOT required
- Licensure: South Carolina RN license or Multi-State/Compact RN license
- Certifications:
- BLS (American Heart Association only)
- PALS (American Heart Association only)
- Preferred Experience: ECMO, CRRT
Scheduling & Work Conditions
- Block scheduling accommodations possible with manager approval
- Local candidates accepted on a case-by-case basis
- Guaranteed hours: Facility may call off 1 shift every 2 weeks
- Hurricane season (June-November) may require assignment to emergency response teams
Facility Highlights
- Level I Trauma Center
- Teaching facility and Magnet hospital
- Total staffed beds: 820
- Electronic charting system: EPIC
Required Documentation & Compliance
- Proof of work eligibility (I-9)
- Valid Driver’s License/State ID
- Social Security Card or SSN verification
- Background checks including: SSN trace, criminal, sex offender registry, FACIS 3, and international searches if applicable
- Education verification (diploma/transcripts)
- Primary source license verification (active, unencumbered)
- NURSYS verification for RNs
- Drug screening: 10-panel within 90 days of start
- Physical exam updated annually
- Fit test for N95 mask within 90 days of start, renewed annually
- Immunizations and titers: Tdap, TB test (T-spot or Q-Gold within 90 days), Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B
- Flu vaccine or medical/religious exemption required during flu season
- COVID vaccination highly preferred; declination form required if not vaccinated
- Competency exams and medication/pharmacology tests as applicable
- Color blindness test prior to start
- References: 2 clinical references required
- Employment history verification for last 3 clinical employers
Certifications Specifics
- ACLS: Not required for pediatric units
- BLS: Required for all clinical staff (AHA or ARC only)
- PALS: Required for all pediatric units
- NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program): Required (AHA/AAP only)
- TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course): Required except for ER RNs
- EFM (Electronic Fetal Monitoring): Not required for PICU
- IV Therapy certification: Required for select LPNs if applicable
Orientation & Facility Specifics
- Orientation modules must be completed prior to start (approx. 2 hours)
- Clear, passport-style photo required for badge (frontal view, business casual attire)
- Facility-specific forms and acknowledgments (HIPAA, safety manuals) required
- COVID and flu vaccination documentation must be uploaded into facility system prior to start
Additional Notes
- Candidates must be prepared for potential emergency response duties during hurricane season (June-November)
- Facility allows floating within scope to meet unit needs
- Local candidates considered but may be compensated differently
This position is ideal for experienced PICU nurses seeking a travel contract in a high-acuity pediatric setting with advanced therapies and a supportive multidisciplinary team.
Employer
Host Healthcare
222 nurses recommend working with Host Healthcare
Pros
THE best recruiter I have worked with in my 4 years as a traveler. Natalie has stellar communication, responding promptly to text messages (my preferred choice of communication), and listens without judgement. Whether it's rate negotiations, shift preferences, or a general concern about the facility Natalie has never left me feeling unsupported. Additionally, dealing with Host Healthcare has been a seamless experience from compliance and onboarding.
Cons
Generally speaking, Host Healthcare doesn't always have the highest rate on the market. Having gone with competing agencies in the past, I have often been disappointed and unsupported and ultimately found it wasn't worth the small pay bump
1 nurse found this helpful
About Charleston, SC
As a Travel Pediatric Intensive Care Nurse in Charleston, SC here's what you should know:- The cost of living in Charleston is slightly higher than the national average.
- Wages may not fully match up with the higher cost of living.
- Average summer highs range from 85°F to 90°F, while winter lows range from 38°F to 42°F.
- Short term rentals are available but may require some effort to find due to high demand, especially during tourist seasons.
- Charleston is car-friendly, but traffic can be congested in certain areas.
- Public transportation options include buses and shuttles, but they may not cover all areas of the city.
- Charleston has a diverse population with a wide age range.
- Common health issues may include allergies due to the pollen-rich environment and potential exposure to tropical diseases.
- There is a large population of travel nurses due to the city's popularity.
- Charleston offers a vibrant culinary scene with a variety of restaurants serving delicious southern flavors.
- It also has a rich arts and music culture, with frequent festivals and world-class galleries.
- Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, surfing, fishing, and golfing, as well as exploring the beautiful beaches and natural habitats.
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