PCU RN
Asheville, NC
Host Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

Registered Nurse (PCU) - Travel Assignment

Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Hours per Week: 36

Unit Overview

• Unit Type: Step-Down/Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
• Number of Beds: 40
• Patient Ratios:

  • Step-Down: 1:5
  • MedSurg: 1:6
  • Combined Step-Down/MedSurg: 1:5 (day and night)
• Staffing: Typically 1-2 CNAs based on volume (day and night)
• Equipment: Baxter IV pumps
• Documentation System: Cerner
• Scheduling: Every other weekend, no call, assist with holidays
• Floating: Expected to float to other units within skill set
• Dress Code: Navy Blue/White scrubs or combination; no t-shirts; navy or white jacket/sweater if needed

Job Description

• Focus on ED decompression and enhanced patient throughput
• Clinical Decision/Direct Admit Unit: Receive admitted patients from the ED, complete Admission Assessment, Medication Reconciliation, and initiate acute care orders
• Patient population includes a wide variety of diagnoses requiring a well-rounded nursing background
• Minimal bedside procedures due to unit environment
• Opportunities to float to CMU Telemetry Unit or serve as ED Transport Nurse assisting with patient transfers from ED to inpatient units

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in North Carolina
• Minimum 2 years of recent Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience, including within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Certifications:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
  • NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Certification

Additional Information

• Most travel nurses on this unit request extensions; some have worked here for several years
• The CMU Telemetry Unit monitors telemetry patients centrally to ensure safety and timely placement on telemetry as ordered
• ED Transport Nurses help maintain ED throughput by moving higher acuity patients to specialized inpatient units, staffed 24/7 with 2 nurses

This assignment offers a dynamic environment with a focus on acute care, patient safety, and teamwork, ideal for experienced RNs seeking a challenging travel nursing role in a progressive care setting.