Progressive Care Unit RN
Columbia, SC
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights

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

Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Contract Length: 11 weeks
Shift: Nights, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7 PM - 7 AM)
Patient Ratio: 1:4
Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend if needed
On-call: No
Floating: May be required to float within scope to like units or sister facilities

Experience & Licensure Requirements

• Specialty: Registered Nurse (PCU)
• Required Years of Experience: 2 years
• Prior Travel Experience: Required (first-time travelers not accepted)
• Licenses: South Carolina RN license or Multi-State/Compact RN license
• Certifications Required:

  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• Preferred Certifications: NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
• Special Requirements:

  • Epic electronic health record experience required
  • Experience with 1:4 patient ratio

Work Environment & Facility Information

• Facility Type: Acute Care Hospital
• Total Staffed Beds: 304
• Charting System: Epic
• Parking: Free parking available with a parking pass; garages and lots available
• Scrub Color: Royal Blue
• Hurricane Season: June through November; travelers may be assigned to emergency response teams during this time

Scheduling & Other Details

• Block Scheduling: Possible with manager approval, dependent on unit needs
• Local Radius: 60 miles
• Locals Accepted: Yes, on a case-by-case basis
• Guaranteed Hours: Facility may call off 1 shift every 2 weeks

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Background Checks:

  • Annual background check covering all locations lived/worked in past 7 years
  • Must include SSN trace, statewide, national criminal, sex offender registry, FACIS 3, and international searches if applicable
  • Background check must be run within 90 days of start
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start and updated for renewals

• Education Verification: Required; diploma or transcripts accepted as placeholder if verification pending

• Licensure Verification:

  • Primary source verification required showing active, unencumbered license with no pending actions
  • NURSYS verification required for all RNs
  • SC RN license processing times vary; temporary walk-through licenses available under certain conditions

• References:

  • Proof of 2 clinical references required
  • At least one reference must be from the same unit as assignment

• Employment History:

  • Verification of last 3 clinical employers required
  • Application must include all PTO, contract assignments, agency names, and no unaccounted gaps

• Photo for Badge:

  • Clear, passport-style color photo with solid light background, frontal view, cropped from shoulders up

Certifications & Competencies

• Mandatory Certifications:

  • BLS (AHA only)
  • ACLS (AHA only)
  • NIH Stroke Certification (required for ER and PCU)
  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) required for MS and ER units
  • TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) required except for ER RNs
  • NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) as applicable
  • EFM (Electronic Fetal Monitoring) as applicable

• Competency Exams: Medication test/pharmacology and other competency exams as required

• Orientation: Completion of facility-specific orientation modules and safety manual acknowledgment required prior to start

Health & Immunization Requirements

• Physical Exam: Must be completed within 90 days of start, attesting ability to meet physical demands without restrictions
• TB Testing: Negative TB test (T-spot or Q-Gold) within 90 days of start or proof of positive TB with follow-up chest x-ray
• Vaccinations:

  • Tdap within 10 years or declination form required
  • Flu vaccine required during flu season (Aug 1 - Apr 30) or medical/religious exemption (no declinations accepted)
  • COVID vaccines highly preferred; if declined, MUSC Vaccination Declination form required
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B titers or vaccines required as per facility policy
• Drug Testing: 10-panel drug screen within 90 days of start (no instant tests)
• Respirator Clearance: Annual medical clearance required for respirator use via RespSafety questionnaire

Additional Notes

• Travelers must complete all required facility-specific documents prior to start, including confidentiality agreements, contractor forms, ID badge requests, and job description acknowledgment.
• Modules for orientation typically take 2-6 hours depending on location and must be completed on a computer (not a phone).
• Radiation badge required for certain specialties/units; process may take 5-7 days before starting floor work.
• Travelers should be aware of potential emergency assignments during hurricane season (June-November).

This position is ideal for experienced PCU RNs with prior travel contract experience, who hold the necessary licenses and certifications, and are comfortable working night shifts with a 1:4 patient ratio in an acute care hospital setting.