PCU RN - Hematology/Oncology
Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse – Acute Leukemia and Hematology

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 16 weeks

Job Summary

• Provide nursing care primarily for newly diagnosed adult and geriatric acute leukemia patients.
• Work 12-hour day/night or 12-hour night shifts with flexible, self-scheduled shifts based on unit needs.
• Staffing ratios goal: 1 nurse to 4 patients, sometimes 1:5.
• Orientation includes one week of Monday-Friday day shifts followed by 36 hours of on-unit preceptor orientation.
• Shift assignments may rotate between days and nights every 4 weeks depending on staffing priorities.
• Emphasis on infection prevention and patient falls prevention.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid RN license in Ohio
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Minimum 2 years of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) nursing experience, with at least some experience within the last year
• Medical-Surgical and Telemetry (MS/Tele) nursing experience
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) issued by American Heart Association
• BLS (Basic Life Support) issued by American Heart Association
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system
• PICC line management
• Experience with Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM)

Patient Population

• Adults and geriatrics with acute leukemia.

Required Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)

Preferred Certifications

• Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Chemotherapy Certification (not required)
• NIH Stroke Scale Certification (NIHSS)

Required Skills and Competencies

• Medical-Surgical and Telemetry nursing experience.
• Telemetry monitoring and interpretation of dysrhythmias.
• Use of Rapid Response Teams.
• Feeding tube care and management.
• IV therapy and phlebotomy.
• Blood product administration.
• Central line blood draws.
• Peripheral line care and management.
• PICC line management.
• Starting IVs.
• Experience with computerized charting systems (EPIC preferred).

Schedule Details

• No fixed or blocked scheduling; self-scheduling requests accepted before finalizing.
• Weekend shifts vary based on unit needs.
• Rotating 12-hour day/night shifts possible.

Background and Compliance Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check required within 90 days of start.
• FBI and BCI fingerprinting required within 1 year of start.
• Education accreditation verification required (accredited nursing program).
• Monthly EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG monitoring.
• 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
  • TB questionnaire
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination or positive titers
  • Hepatitis B titer or vaccine series (declination acceptable)
  • Varicella vaccination or positive titer (medical exemption possible)
  • Seasonal flu vaccine or declination during flu season (mask required if declined)
• Annual background check required by agency.
• Annual review and acknowledgment of dress code, hand hygiene, ethics, and compliance policies.
• Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training certificate required prior to start and annually.

Competency Exams

• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam required prior to start.
• Unit-specific competency exams.
• Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam required within 1 year of start and updated annually (minimum passing score 76%).

References and Documentation

• Two professional references required; at least one must be from a manager or formal leadership.
• Employment application required including education verification.
• Skills checklist required.

Additional Notes

• No chemotherapy certification required for this position.
• Heavy focus on infection prevention protocols and patient safety.
• Candidates must be graduates of accredited nursing programs (CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA).
• Fingerprinting and background checks are time-sensitive and must be completed as per guidelines.
• Candidates must comply with all health and safety documentation requirements prior to start.

This position is ideal for experienced RNs with a strong background in telemetry and hematology/oncology nursing who are flexible with scheduling and committed to patient safety and infection control.