Travel Nurse RN - PCU - Progressive Care Unit
Council Bluffs, IA
First Connect Health
3x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

PREMIUM STEPDOWN / PCU RN CONTRACT – 3x12 NIGHTS

We are seeking a highly proficient Progressive Care Unit (PCU) / Stepdown Registered Nurse (RN) for a 13-week travel assignment in Council Bluffs, IA. Operating within a 22-bed stepdown unit at a Level 3 Trauma Center, this fast-paced position is designed for adaptable, team-oriented nursing professionals.

Please note: This position is a PRESCREEN + AUTO-OFFER need. Profiles must be 100% compliant at submittal to be considered [HARDSTOP].

📅 SHIFT & POSITION DETAILS

• Schedule: Night shifts, 3x12-Hours (18:30 PM - 07:00 AM) on a cyclic scheduling matrix.
• Guaranteed Hours: 36 Hours guaranteed weekly.
• Contract Length: 13 Weeks (08/03/2026 – 11/02/2026).
• Weekend & Holiday Rules: Every other weekend is required [REQUIRED], alongside 1 major and 1 minor holiday.
• Cancellation Policy: The hospital reserves the right to cancel up to 4 shifts per 13-week assignment.
• Orientation Track: 12 total hours (1 department-specific shift). Note: Nurses must pass an open-book skills exam with a 90% or higher on Friday during orientation or face immediate termination [HARDSTOP].
• Floating Mandate: Traveling clinicians will float to the ICU if appropriate and supported by prior experience.

📋 CLINICAL MATRIX & UNIT SCOPE

• Unit Footprint & Ratios: A high-volume 22-bed unit featuring balanced 1:4 nurse-to-patient ratios. Dedicated Patient Care Technicians/Aides support the floor at a 1:10 ratio.
• Caseload Profile: Acute management of heart failure, atrial fibrillation (Afib), respiratory distress, and stroke presentations.
• Drip Titration Mandate: Must be highly proficient in independently titrating critical drips [REQUIRED], including Cardizem, Amiodarone, and Nitroglycerin.
• Telemetry & Respiratory Scope: No separate monitor techs; RNs must read, interpret, and document their own strips. Unit respiratory protocols include CPAP management and troubleshooting.

📋 REQUISITE QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUBMISSION

• Experience Rules: Minimum 2 years of current, consecutive acute care Stepdown/PCU experience [REQUIRED]. Must exhibit strong critical thinking skills to manage a rapid influx of admissions and discharges.
• Licensure Required: Active, unrestricted Iowa (IA) state nursing license or active multistate Compact license must be verified at submittal.
• Certifications Required: Verifiable Active AHA BLS, AHA ACLS, and NIHSS certifications are strictly required upon submission [HARDSTOP].

📍 CORPORATE & COMPLIANCE EXCLUSIONS

• CommonSpirit System Rule: Candidates cannot be currently or recently employed full-time, part-time, or PRN with any facility associated with CommonSpirit Health, including CHI and Dignity Health, within the past year [HARDSTOP].
• Radius Rule: A strict 50-mile local radius restriction is enforced. A valid Driver's License must be provided at submittal to verify a permanent address outside this boundary.
• Fingernail Policy: Artificial nails are completely prohibited in all patient care areas. Refusal to remove them prior to start will result in immediate contract termination.
• Time Off Constraints: All requested time off (RTO) must be disclosed upfront at the time of submission. Post-submission RTO will be automatically denied.