PCU Float Registered Nurse
Cartersville, Georgia
Cartersville Medical Center

Job Opportunity: PCU Float Registered Nurse

Location: Cartersville, Georgia
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Shift: Night (3 shifts per week, 12 hours each; 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM)
Contract Length: 12 weeks

Unit & Role Details

• Float pool position covering Post-Surgical, Medical, PCU stepdown inpatient units, and Emergency Department hold patients.
• Nurses will float throughout the hospital, including the Emergency Department, within their scope of practice.
• Weekend schedule: Every other weekend.
• No on-call required.

Required Experience

• Minimum 2 years of nursing experience.
• First-time travel nurses are not accepted for this unit.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license valid in Georgia.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (AHA or ARC accepted).
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification required for PCU and related specialties.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) required if working in ER or pediatric-accepting areas of PACU/Pre-op/Endo/CSU.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification if applicable per specialty.
• Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) course required within a few months of hire if applicable.

Competency Requirements

• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam (required by agency, not client).
• Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam required for Telemetry, PCU, ER, and related units; candidates have up to 3 attempts to pass.
• Color Blind Testing required; alternative assessment available for blood collection tasks if needed.
• General competency exam required by agency, not client.

Health & Immunization Requirements

• Physical exam within 12 months prior to start (required by agency).
• Negative TB test (PPD, QGold, or TSpot) or chest x-ray within 12 months; TB questionnaire required annually.
• Immunizations or proof of immunity required for:

  • Measles (Rubeola) – 2 MMR vaccines or positive titer.
  • Mumps – 2 MMR vaccines or positive titer.
  • Rubella – 2 MMR vaccines or positive titer.
  • Varicella – 2 vaccines or positive titer.
  • Hepatitis B surface antibody titer or signed declination.
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap vaccine highly recommended but not mandatory.
• Seasonal flu vaccination or declination required during flu season (Nov 1 – Mar 31).

Background & Documentation

• Background check required within 30 days of start, including national and county criminal searches, sex offender registry, and education verification.
• Education verification required; official transcripts/diploma or verified license acceptable if pending.
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start; instant drug screen acceptable.
• Two clinical references required (agency requirement).
• Verification of most recent employer required; can be pending at start with proof of processing.
• Skills checklist updated within the last 12 months required.

Scheduling & Holidays

• Orientation scheduled bi-weekly; full compliance with onboarding required to start on time.
• If a major holiday falls during the assignment, the traveler is expected to work it:

  • Must work 1 holiday if 1 falls during assignment.
  • Must work both if 2 holidays fall during assignment.
  • Must work 2 of 3 holidays if 3 fall during assignment.
• Major holidays include Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving/Black Friday, Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Eve/Day.

Additional Notes

• Locals are accepted at the same rate as travelers.
• Non-billable orientation hours depend on contract length (e.g., 8 hours for 8-week assignment).
• Candidates must review and sign facility-specific policies such as Code of Conduct and Dress/Professional Appearance prior to start.
• Prior travel experience is required; first-time travelers are not accepted for this role.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Georgia.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in the Progressive Care Unit (PCU), with at least some experience within the last year.
• Completion of at least one travel nursing assignment.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
• Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

This position is ideal for experienced RNs comfortable with floating across multiple inpatient units and the Emergency Department during night shifts.