Travel RN – PCU/Oncology Float Pool
San Diego, California
UC San Diego Float Pool

Registered Nurse Travel/Contract Job - San Diego, California

Job Details

• Specialty: Registered Nurse (RN)
• Location: San Diego, California
• Employment Type: Travel/Contract
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Start Date: January 12th starts only
• Facility: Float Pool (multiple locations)
• Hospital System: UCSD Health

Job Description

• Unit: Float Pool covering multiple locations (Thornton, Jacobs, Hillcrest, East Campus)
• Floating: RN must be willing to float to 4 different locations during the contract, including Emergency Department Inpatient Overflow (EDIP).
• Patient Care Units: PCU (Progressive Care Unit), IMU (Intermediate Care Unit), general medicine, surgical, neuro, oncology, cardiac, orthopedic.
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratios: IMU 1:3; Telemetry 1:4; Medical-Surgical 1:5.
• Documentation Systems: EPIC, Pyxis.
• Schedule: 4-week schedule provided 2 weeks in advance; no self-scheduling or blocked shifts. RN will be notified 2 hours before each shift of the assigned facility.

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 2 years of PCU experience.
• Experience with IV starts, telemetry, phlebotomy, and arterial lines (A-line).
• Ability to float to all PCU units and medical-surgical units as census permits.
• Certifications: ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), NIH Stroke Certification.
• Unit accepts first-time travelers.

Certifications Required

• ACLS (required for PCU, IMU, Telemetry, ED, ICU, Oncology floors, etc.)
• BLS (Basic Life Support) required for all RNs.
• NIH Stroke Certification (valid for 2 years; required for ICU, PCU, Tele units).
• Other certifications may be required depending on unit assignment (e.g., PALS, NRP, CNOR, EFM).
• Verification of state nursing license required.

Background and Compliance Requirements

• Background checks must be current within 6 months and include:

  • Criminal checks (all aliases must be included).
  • SSN trace.
  • County, sexual offender, national criminal databases.
  • DMV check if driving is required (no DUI in last 5 years).
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start and monthly thereafter.
• California Medi-Cal search required within 30 days of start and monthly thereafter.
• Transcript/diploma verification may be required depending on specialty.
• References: 2 leadership references within the past 2 years preferred, including at least one manager or supervisor.

Health and Immunization Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year of start.
• Fit mask test (N95 or equivalent) required and must be updated annually.
• Immunizations and titers required:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years or titer + declination).
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 3 months of start.
  • Annual TB questionnaire.
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella: positive titer or 2 vaccines.
  • Hepatitis B: proof of vaccination and/or titer or signed declination.
  • Varicella: positive titer or 2 vaccines.
  • Seasonal flu vaccine strongly preferred during flu season (Nov 1 - Mar 31).
  • COVID-19 seasonal vaccination or declination required as of 3/13/2025.
• 9-panel drug screen within 30 days of start; must be re-run if break in service >30 days.

Competency Requirements

• Medication test/pharmacology competency exam (passing score 80%+).
• Clinical competency exam (passing score 80%+).
• Color blind testing (online acceptable).

Additional Notes

• No self-scheduling; shift location assigned 2 hours before shift.
• RN must be flexible to float across multiple units and locations.
• Documentation and training modules (including orientation) must be completed as assigned.
• Per diem candidates have additional badge and training requirements.
• Compliance with UCSD Health policies and procedures is mandatory.

This position is ideal for experienced RNs comfortable with floating across multiple units in a large health system, with strong PCU experience and required certifications.