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 nurse to 5 patients
  • MedSurg: 1 nurse to 6 patients
  • Combined: 1 nurse to 5 patients (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 and/or white scrubs (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 receiving admitted patients from the ED
• Responsibilities include Admission Assessment, Medication Reconciliation, and initiating acute care orders
• Patient population includes a wide variety of diagnoses requiring a well-rounded nursing background
• Minimal bedside procedures performed on unit
• Additional opportunities available in Telemetry and ED Transport roles within the facility

Required Qualifications

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

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

Additional Information

• Patient safety and care are top priorities
• Most travel nurses on this unit request contract extensions; some have worked here for several years
• Floating to other units is required but additional roles such as Telemetry monitoring and ED Transport nursing are available
• Telemetry nurses oversee patient safety and ensure timely placement on telemetry as ordered
• ED Transport Nurses assist with moving higher acuity patients from the ED to specialized inpatient units, supporting ED throughput and decompression

This position offers a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and involvement in multiple specialized roles within the hospital.