PCU Registered Nurse
Burlington, NC
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights

Registered Nurse - PCU (Progressive Care Unit)

Location: Burlington, North Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Provide care in a 30-bed Cardiac Medical Progressive Care Unit operating 24/7.
• Focus on cardiac patients including Congestive Heart Failure, Acute Coronary Syndrome, arrhythmias, pre/post cardiac catheterization, myocardial infarction rule out, syncope, and pacemaker placement.
• Secondary focus on respiratory conditions such as COPD, pneumonia, and BiPAP management.
• Patient-to-nurse ratios typically 1:5; 1:4 when managing drips or BiPAP.
• Night shift schedule: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 PM - 7:30 AM), including weekend rotation and holidays as needed.
• Scheduling done in 6-week blocks via self-assisted scheduling system based on patient acuity and staff skill mix.
• Use of EPIC electronic health record system.
• Rapid Response Team involvement preferred.
• Nurse Assistants available 24/7; RN secretary available 7 AM - 11 PM.

Required Experience & Skills

• Valid Registered Nurse license in North Carolina.
• Minimum 2 years of Cardiac PCU (Progressive Care Unit) experience, with at least some experience within the last year.
• Associate of Science in Nursing or Associate Degree in Nursing.
• Current ACLS certification issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
• Current BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification.
• Proficient in use of EPIC electronic health record system.

Certifications & Licenses

• Current Registered Nurse license valid in North Carolina.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification required.
• NIH Stroke Certification preferred.
• Pass/Fail EKG/Dysrhythmia competency exam required (must score 82% or higher, max 2 attempts).
• EPIC system competency testing required.
• Orientation Safety Manual acknowledgment required.

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Government-issued photo ID and Social Security Card required for badge issuance.
• Background check within 60 days covering all locations lived/worked/schooled in past 7 years.
• Education verification required (Associate’s degree in nursing or higher).
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug test within 40 days of start.
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap vaccine proof
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 6 months
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) immunity or vaccination proof
  • Hepatitis B titer or declination
  • Varicella immunity or vaccination proof
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption (required prior to clearance)
• Fit mask test (N95) completed within current calendar year and valid through assignment.
• Fingerprinting required only if assigned to Home Health or Long-Term Care (not applicable here).
• Two supervisory references required, with at least one from the past 12 months.
• Employment application/resume with 7-year work history required.
• Verification of employment for last 5 years required.
• Annual skills checklist with a one-week grace period for renewal.

Additional Notes

• Candidates must be flexible with scheduling and adhere to a zero-tolerance policy for tardiness and unexcused absences.
• Pass/Fail EKG exam is mandatory for all RNs regardless of specialty.
• First-time travel nurses are welcome to apply.
• Candidates must complete a health history form and other facility-specific documents prior to clearance.
• Badge photo must meet strict facility requirements (no selfies, no hats, solid color background, business casual or uniform attire).
• Self-scheduling system used for shift assignments based on patient care needs and staff skill mix.

Shift Details

• Night shift: 7:00 PM to 7:30 AM
• 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each
• Weekend and holiday rotation required

This position is ideal for experienced cardiac progressive care nurses comfortable with telemetry monitoring, managing complex cardiac patients, and working night shifts in a fast-paced environment.