PCU Registered Nurse
Potsdam, NY
Access Healthcare
4x12 hrs, Nights

Job Opportunity: PCU Registered Nurse

Location: Potsdam, New York
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Work on a mixed acuity unit including Progressive Care Unit (PCU), Medical-Surgical Telemetry (MS Tele), and Medical-Surgical patients.
• Must have PCU/Intermediate Care Unit (IMC) experience within the last 3 years.
• Patient ratios vary by acuity:

  • Days and weekends: 1 nurse to 3-5 patients
  • Nights: 1 nurse to 3-7 patients
• Float requirement: Yes, may float to sister units including West 2, West 3, and Observation unit.
• Weekend requirement: Every other weekend.
• Patient diagnoses include PCU and MS Tele, surgical pre/post-op (ENT, general surgery, trauma surgery, ortho surgery), overflow medical patients, and rare pediatric patients (travelers assigned only if experienced).
• Unit uses EPIC for documentation, Pyxis for medication dispensing, and SBAR for communication.
• Unit orientation: 12 hours.
• Return to work (RTO) after assignment: maximum 7 days.

Required Skills and Experience

• Valid RN license in New York.
• PCU - Progressive Care Unit experience within the last year, with a minimum of 3 years of PCU experience overall.
• ACLS certification.
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification.
• PALS certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing.
• Clinical skills including:

  • Interpretation and management of dysrhythmias
  • IV insulin protocols and titration of insulin drips
  • Blood product administration
  • PICC line management
  • Heparin protocols
  • Management of cardiac drips (without titration)
  • Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA)
  • Thrombolytic agents
  • Total joint replacements

Shift Details

• Night shift: 4 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 PM to 7:00 AM).
• Total hours per week: 48.

Required Licenses and Certifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license for New York State.
• ACLS and BLS certifications (AHA provider/instructor/RQI accepted).
• NIH Stroke Scale certification.

Health and Compliance Requirements

• Government-issued photo ID required.
• Background checks including 7-year criminal history, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG within 30 days of start.
• Education verification for nursing degree required.
• Drug screening required within 30 days of start (specific panels detailed in facility policy).
• Physical exam within 1 year of start, updated annually.
• Fit mask test within 1 year of start, updated annually (specific mask types required).
• Immunizations and titers required with documentation within 5 days of contract signing:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray (within 1 year)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (positive titers or vaccinations)
  • Hepatitis B (positive titer, completed series, or declination)
  • Varicella (positive titer, vaccinations, or documented history)
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or signed declination during flu season.
• Eye exam (Snellen) within 1 year of start.
• Harassment prevention training certificate required annually.
• Medication/pharmacology competency exams and dysrhythmia/EKG competency exams required as per specialty.

Additional Requirements

• Must complete facility-specific training modules prior to start.
• Must review and acknowledge patient confidentiality, sexual harassment prevention, patient experience training, and other compliance policies.
• References: 2 professional references required.
• Employment application and skills checklist must be completed and updated annually.
• 7-year work history verification required.

Summary

This is a travel Registered Nurse position on a mixed acuity PCU/MS Telemetry unit requiring recent PCU/IMC experience, strong telemetry and critical care skills, and multiple certifications. The role involves night shifts with floating responsibilities and care for a diverse patient population including surgical and medical cases. Compliance with extensive health, background, and training requirements is mandatory. First-time travelers are welcome, but candidates must live more than 50 miles from the facility.