Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurse
Kansas City, Missouri
Saint Luke's Hospital

Registered Nurse - PCU

Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Unit: Progressive Care Unit (PCU), 24-bed intermediate care unit
• Patient Types: Intermediate medical patients and surgery overflow (e.g., TURPS, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, appendectomy, hernia repair, eye surgery, oral surgery, diabetic teaching, wound care)
• Fast-paced environment supporting throughput from Emergency Department and Operating Room
• Nurse-to-patient ratio typically 1:5; may flex to 1:6 occasionally
• Floating between departments, units, and facilities may be required
• Weekend Requirement: 8 weekend shifts in a 6-week schedule period (Friday/Saturday/Sunday combination)
• Holiday shifts and Charge RN assignments as needed
• Locals accepted; no pending licenses accepted
• No on-call required
• Guaranteed minimum of 3 shifts per 13 weeks

Required Experience & Skills

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Missouri
• Minimum 1 year of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience within the last year
• Telemetry monitoring experience on the unit
• Management of dysrhythmias
• Use of Rapid Response Teams
• IV insulin protocol management
• Phlebotomy
• Central line and PICC line care and management
• Heparin protocols
• Continuous Bladder Irrigation (CBI) management
• Stroke (CVA) related neurological care
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Certifications Required

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Certification
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) may be required depending on unit specifics (verify with unit)

Licensure

• Must hold an active Registered Nurse (RN) license valid in Missouri
• Primary source verification required (NURSYS for Missouri licenses)
• Pending licenses not accepted

Compliance & Background Requirements

• Criminal background check within 6 months of start, including statewide and nationwide searches
• Education verification of highest nursing degree required
• Drug testing within 1 year of start, must include standard panels (amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, etc.)
• Physical exam within 1 year of start
• Fit mask (N95) testing required and must be renewed annually
• Immunizations and health screenings required:

  • Tdap vaccine or declination
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella immunity or vaccination/declination as applicable
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption during flu season
• Additional facility-specific compliance documents and trainings required prior to start (e.g., HIPAA acknowledgement, hand hygiene, dress code, confidentiality, regulatory compliance education)

Work Environment & Additional Information

• Facility is a tertiary care hospital with Magnet recognition and Level 1 Trauma designation
• Charting system: Epic
• Scrub color: Navy
• Free parking available
• Floating between units and departments expected as needed
• No block scheduling accommodations

Summary

This is a travel Registered Nurse position in a fast-paced Progressive Care Unit requiring at least 2 years of telemetry experience and prior travel experience. The role demands strong cardiac monitoring skills, IV therapy expertise, and the ability to manage a variety of intermediate care patients including post-surgical and medical cases. Weekend and holiday shifts are required, and floating within the facility is expected. Compliance with extensive background checks, certifications, and health requirements is mandatory.