PCU Registered Nurse
Asheville, North Carolina
Mission Hospital - Memorial Campus

Registered Nurse (PCU) - Travel Assignment

Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Hours per Week: 36

Unit Overview

• Unit Type: Step-Down/Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
• Number of Beds: 40
• Patient Ratios:

  • Step-Down: 1:5
  • MedSurg: 1:6
  • Combined Step-Down/MedSurg: 1:5 (day and night)
• Staffing: Typically 1-2 CNAs based on volume (day and night)
• Equipment: Baxter IV pumps
• Documentation System: Cerner
• Scheduling: Every other weekend, no call, assist with holidays
• Floating: Expected to float to other units within skill set
• Dress Code: Navy blue and white scrubs (no t-shirts), navy or white jacket/sweater if needed

Job Description

• Focus on ED decompression and enhanced patient throughput
• Clinical Decision/Direct Admit Unit receiving admitted patients from the ED
• Responsibilities include Admission Assessment, Medication Reconciliation, and initiating acute care orders
• Minimal bedside procedures due to unit environment
• Patient population includes a wide variety of diagnoses requiring a well-rounded nursing background
• Advanced skills such as Charge Nurse experience or willingness to consider are appreciated

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in North Carolina
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) / Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Minimum 2 years of recent experience in Progressive Care Unit (PCU), including PCU experience within the last year
• Experience in MedSurg and Telemetry nursing
• Experience in Charge Nurse roles
• Certifications:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
  • NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification

Additional Information

• Most travel nurses on this unit request contract extensions; some have worked here for several years
• Opportunities to float to:

  • CMU Telemetry Unit (oversees telemetry patients, ensures timely placement and monitoring)
  • ED Transport Nurse role (assists with moving higher acuity patients from ED to inpatient units, supporting ED throughput)
• Emphasis on patient safety and care as top priorities

This position is ideal for experienced RNs seeking a dynamic, fast-paced travel assignment with opportunities for growth and involvement in multiple specialized roles within the hospital.