PCU Registered Nurse
Washington, District of Columbia
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

Registered Nurse – PCU (Travel/Contract)

Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Shift: Nights, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 PM – 7:30 AM)
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Provide care for admitted patients boarding in the Emergency Department awaiting inpatient bed placement.
• Patient ratio approximately 1:4-5.
• Required to float within units of equivalent or lower acuity.
• Weekend requirement: every other weekend.
• Orientation available on July 13 or July 27.
• Must be willing and able to accept assignments including COVID-19 patients.

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in District of Columbia
• Minimum 2 years of PCU (Progressive Care Unit) experience, including experience within the last year
• Completion of at least one prior travel assignment
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Certifications:

  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
  • BLS (Basic Life Support) issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
  • NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale)
• Skills and competencies:

  • Interpretation and management of dysrhythmias
  • IV insulin protocols and titration of insulin drips
  • Pre/Post hemodialysis management
  • Heparin protocols
  • PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia)
  • Experience with Cerner electronic charting system

Additional Requirements

• Must provide two positive supervisory references supporting at least 2 years of experience within the last 3 years.
• Complete 7 years of work history with no gaps, including education, employment, license, and contact information.
• Background check within 90 days required, including criminal, education verification, and other standard screenings.
• Drug screen within 90 days of start (excluding marijuana).
• Annual physical exam confirming ability to perform work without accommodations and free from communicable disease.
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year; annual TB questionnaire required.
• Immunization documentation required for:

  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – 2 vaccines or positive titer
  • Varicella – 2 vaccines or positive titer
  • Hepatitis B titer, series, or signed declination
  • Tdap vaccine within last 10 years preferred
• Annual flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required during flu season.
• N95 fit test within 9 months of start and updated annually (client may complete onsite if needed).
• Must complete facility-specific orientation modules prior to start.
• Must acknowledge annual orientation safety manual.

Work Environment & Systems

• Unit size: approximately 40 rooms, 140 patient visits per day.
• Medication system: Pyxis.
• Scrubs: Any color allowed.
• Parking: Available but at a cost.

Summary

This travel RN position requires a minimum of 2 years of experience, current DC RN licensure, and prior travel assignment experience. The role involves caring for ED boarders in a PCU setting with a night shift schedule. Candidates must demonstrate competency in EKG rhythm interpretation and hold required certifications. Flexibility to float and work every other weekend is mandatory. Compliance with comprehensive health, background, and immunization requirements is essential.