Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurse
Columbus, OH
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Rotating

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (PCU) - Travel/Contract

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Contract Length: 16 weeks

Job Summary

• Position in a corrections health unit serving Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections inmates.
• Float between Oncology Medical-Surgical (MS) units and Progressive Care Unit (PCU) as needed.
• Work in a locked, secure corrections environment with controlled access by Corrections Officers.
• Nurse to patient ratio: 1:3 in PCU, 1:4-5 in MS.
• Some weekend shifts required; shifts may rotate between days and nights on a 12-hour schedule.

Required Experience & Skills

• Specialty: Registered Nurse (RN)
• Years of Experience: Not explicitly stated; oncology experience preferred but not required.
• Prior Travel Experience: Not required.
• EPIC charting experience required.
• Medical-Surgical and telemetry nursing skills required.
• Ability to interpret and manage dysrhythmias and unit-based telemetry monitoring.
• Experience with IV therapy, blood product administration, central and peripheral line care, PICC line management, and starting IVs.
• Familiarity with cardiac drips (no titration), PCA, and heparin protocols.
• Respiratory care skills including CPAP/BIPAP, High Flow Nasal Cannula, ABG interpretation, tracheostomy management, and oxygen therapy.
• Endocrine/metabolic care including IV insulin protocols.
• Gastrointestinal care including feeding tube management.
• Renal care including pre/post hemodialysis and renal failure management.

Certifications Required

• BLS (Basic Life Support) required.
• ACLS may be required depending on unit (check specifics).
• Other certifications such as PALS, NRP, EFM may be required for specific units but not specified for this role.

Systems & Tools

• Documentation system: EPIC (required).
• Medication system: Pyxis.

Patient Population & Diagnoses

• Patients with active oncology diagnoses and treatments (solid tumors, hematology) as well as oncology workup admissions.
• Patients with history of cancer admitted for other reasons (surgical procedures, COPD, sepsis, pneumonia, abnormal labs).
• Non-oncology diagnoses as well.

Work Environment

• Secure corrections unit with a 1:2 Corrections Officer to inmate ratio.
• Locked unit with controlled access.
• Safety of staff is a key responsibility.

Shift Details

• 12-hour day/night rotating shifts.
• Shift assignments reviewed every 4 weeks but subject to change based on staffing needs.
• Weekend shifts vary by unit requirements.

Compliance & Background Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check within 90 days of start, including FBI and BCI fingerprinting.
• Education must be from an accredited nursing program (CCNE, ACEN, NLN CNEA, or CASN).
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 3 months of start.
• Physical exam within 1 year of start confirming good health and free of contagious disease.
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Tdap vaccine (adult dose)
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccines or positive titers
  • Hepatitis B titer or vaccine series (declination acceptable)
  • Varicella vaccines or positive titer (medical exemption possible)
  • Seasonal flu vaccine or declination during flu season
• Annual background and compliance training including Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training.
• Competency exams required including medication/pharmacology and dysrhythmia/EKG exam within 1 year of start.

References & Documentation

• Two professional references required, including at least one from a manager or formal leadership.
• Employment application and skills checklist required.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a secure corrections healthcare environment with a focus on oncology and medical-surgical nursing, requiring strong clinical skills, adaptability, and experience with EPIC documentation.