Progressive Care Unit RN
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana University Health University Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract)

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Overview

• Travel/Contract role; locals not accepted
• First-time travelers accepted
• Expected to work every other weekend; consecutive weekends may be required based on operational needs
• May be required to float to different levels of care (Med-Surg, PCU, ICU)
• Refusal to float may result in contract termination
• Possible charge nurse responsibilities with training and resources provided
• Teaching facility: travel nurses must be willing to precept or have students shadow them

Unit Information

• Surgical PCU with near ICU-level acuity
• Patient types include ENT (neck dissections, mandibulectomy), thoracic (esophagectomy, lobectomy, pneumonectomy), general surgery (pancreatic, bowel/liver resections), urology (urinary diversions, cystectomies, RPLND), and medical overflow
• Staffing ratios: 1 nurse to 3-4 patients

Experience & Skills Required

• Minimum 2 years of nursing experience (specialty years of experience required: 2 years)
• Proficient in:

  • Cardiac monitoring (on-unit monitoring)
  • Management of chest tubes
  • Fresh tracheostomies
  • Feeding tube care and management
  • Post-operative patient care
  • Epidurals
  • Management of non-titratable cardiac drips
  • IV insulin protocols and titration of insulin drips
  • External BiPAP/CPAP
  • Total laryngectomy care
  • Doppler flap checks

Certification Requirements

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - AHA or RQI accepted
• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA or RQI accepted
• Other certifications may be required depending on unit (e.g., PALS, NRP, CHEMO, TNCC, EFM, NIH Stroke Certification)

Licensure

• Valid Indiana RN license required (online verification within 30 days of start)
• Effective 11/30/2024, Indiana RNs are generally not allowed to work at this facility except for Periop/OR, Allied, and Ambulatory RN travelers (including ENDO, IR RN, PACU, Cath Lab RN, SDS)

Additional Requirements

• Valid Driver’s License or Passport (clear copy)
• Background checks including 7 years of residence/work history, criminal, sex offender, FACIS Level III, education verification
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 12 months
• Physical exam within 12 months of start
• Fit mask test within 12 months (specific approved respirators required)
• Immunizations and titers:

  • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella: Positive titer or 2 vaccines required; no declinations accepted
  • Varicella: Positive titer or 2 vaccines required; no declinations accepted
  • Hepatitis B series, titer, or signed declination required
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap: Preferred but not required
  • Flu vaccination/documentation required during flu season (9/30 - 3/31); no declinations accepted
• TB testing: Negative TB test (PPD, QuantiFERON, or T-SPOT) within 1 year; if positive, chest x-ray and documentation required
• Competency exams: Medication/pharmacology test, unit competency exam, color blind testing (Ishihara or equivalent)
• References: Minimum 2 references from recent employment with supervisory titles, verified within 2 years
• Employment application with full work history and explanations for gaps of 30+ days
• Skills checklist within 12 months, completed annually

Work Expectations

• Call-ins for contracted shifts must be made up during the pay period or added to the end of the contract depending on FTE status
• Must agree to facility-specific policies including confidentiality agreements and orientation requirements
• Completion of mandatory facility-specific training modules prior to orientation may be required (especially for RRTs)

Prior Travel Experience

• No explicit requirement for prior travel experience mentioned; first-time travelers accepted

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for experienced Registered Nurses comfortable with high-acuity surgical PCU care in a teaching hospital environment.