Progressive Care Unit (PCU) Registered Nurse
Salem, OR
Access Healthcare
4x12 hrs, Nights

Registered Nurse (RN) - PCU

Location: Salem, Oregon
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Details

• Specialty: RN, Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
• Start Date: January
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratios: 1:3-4
• Experience Required: Minimum 1 year within the last 3 years in MS/Tele/PCU; PCU and neuro stepdown experience with NIHSS certification preferred
• First-time travelers: Not accepted
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend (not greater than every other)
• Certifications Required: BLS (AHA) mandatory
• Floating: Clinician may float within scope, including to West Valley Hospital
• Block Schedule: Not accommodated
• Locals and Pending Licenses accepted
• Oregon Emergency License accepted
• Telemetry experience is a must

Work Hours & Scheduling

• 8, 10, and 12-hour shifts all require 36 hours per week
• Client cancellation policy:

  • Up to 1 shift per 4-week assignment
  • Up to 2 shifts per 8-week assignment
  • Up to 3 shifts per 13-week assignment
• Return to Office (RTO) restrictions: Any time off over 2 weeks requires approval

Unit & Facility Highlights

• Facility Type: Short Term Acute Care Hospital
• Magnet recognized, Teaching hospital, Level II Trauma Center
• Total Staffed Beds: 569
• Charting System: Epic
• Parking: Free
• Scrub Color: Royal Blue

Neurotrauma Care Unit (NTCU)

• 30-bed unit specializing in brain and nervous system disorders (e.g., MS, Parkinson’s, brain tumors, strokes, spinal injuries)
• Staff trained in NIHSS, swallow screen, and spine immobilization
• Joint Commission Primary Stroke Center and Spine Center of Excellence certified
• Works closely with Stroke Navigator

Required Skills & Competencies

Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in:

• BLS through AHA
• Management of telemetry and cardiac rhythm interpretation
• Non-invasive airway management
• Peripheral line care/management
• Rapid response team activation
• Management of dysrhythmias
• Computerized documentation
• Oxygen protocols
• Experience with cardiac drips (e.g., nitro, Cardizem, amiodarone, Nicardipine, other IMCU level drips)
• Isolation precautions and PPE use
• Telemetry skills required for all RNs regardless of unit

Licensure & Certifications

• BLS (AHA) required
• ACLS may be required depending on placement (confirm with recruiter)
• NIH Stroke Certification preferred (especially for ER, Cath Lab, ICU)
• State RN license or Oregon Emergency License accepted
• NURSYS verification required within 30 days of start
• Other certifications (PALS, NRP, TNCC, CHEMO) may be preferred depending on unit

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License or State ID (passport accepted if no driver’s license)
• Background Check: 7-year criminal background check within 90 days of start
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start and ongoing
• Education Verification for non-licensed providers (not applicable for RN)
• Competency Exams:

  • General competency exam with 80% passing score
  • Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam with 85% passing score (required for IMCU, ICU, Cath Lab, ER, Oncology)
• Physical Exam within 1 year of start
• Drug Testing: 10-panel within 90 days of start
• Immunizations and Titers:

  • Tdap vaccine or declination
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) titers or vaccines
  • Hepatitis B titer or vaccination series or declination
  • Varicella titer or vaccines
  • Annual Flu vaccination or declination
• Fit Mask Testing required onsite within first week of start (exceptions apply)

Additional Notes

• Badge photo required at least 8 days prior to start (white background)
• Healthstream modules must be completed by due date before starting
• References: Two references within last 2 years showing 1 year in comparable specialty; one must be supervisory within last 12 months
• No first-time travelers accepted for this role

This position is ideal for experienced RNs with telemetry and PCU experience seeking a travel contract in a well-recognized acute care hospital with a strong neurotrauma specialty unit.