Progressive Care Unit RN
Winston Salem, North Carolina
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center

Registered Nurse - PCU (North Carolina, Winston Salem)

Job Type

• Travel/Contract assignment
• Contract length: 13 weeks
• Shift: Night, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (18:45 - 7:15)
• Hours per week: 36
• No block scheduling allowed
• Float to sister ICCU unit as needed
• Weekend requirement: Every other weekend

Unit & Patient Details

• Unit functions like an ICU with stepdown/PCU/Telemetry level care
• Patient census approx. 18 with 20 beds
• Patient population: adolescent, adult, geriatric
• Common diagnoses: post rapid response, respiratory distress, unstable hemodynamics, withdrawal, GI bleeds, post-op (GYN, GU, GI, thoracotomies, neuro, ortho surgeries), complicated OB (pre/post with Pitocin)
• Only one pressor drip per patient allowed on unit; more than one requires transfer to ICU
• Drips used: Cardizem, Nitro, Precedex, Cardene, Levophed, Dopamine, Dobutamine, Neo

Required Skills & Experience

• Valid RN license in North Carolina
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Minimum 1 year of recent PCU (Progressive Care Unit) experience
• Experience with arterial lines and titrating vasoactive drips
• Use of Rapid Response Teams
• IV insulin protocols experience
• Blood product administration experience
• Central line, peripheral line, and PICC line care/management experience
• Experience with conscious sedation
• Non-invasive airway management experience
• Tracheostomy management experience
• ACLS issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• BLS issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification or experience

Certifications & Licenses

• Current RN license for North Carolina
• ACLS (AHA or American Red Cross)
• BCLS (Basic Life Support)
• NIH Stroke Certification
• Must pass EKG/Dysrhythmia competency testing prior to start (score 82%+ required)
• Hospital orientation attendance mandatory during first week
• Additional certifications may be required based on unit specifics (e.g., medication safety, confidentiality agreement)

Equipment & Systems

• Bedside telemetry monitors with remote backup
• Use of Pyxis medication dispensing system
• Epic electronic health record system

Scheduling & Work Environment

• Nurse manager creates schedule; no block scheduling allowed
• Target nurse-to-patient ratio: 3:1 or 4:1
• 12-hour night shifts
• Floating to sister ICCU unit as needed
• Strict policy on call-offs and return-to-office (RTO) after booking; RTO not allowed onsite and may lead to cancellation

Health & Compliance Requirements

• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year (or proof of past positive TB with appropriate documentation)
• Required immunizations or titers: Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required during flu season
• Drug screening within 6 months of start (9-panel acceptable)
• Physical exam and other health documents per travel agency standards
• N95 fit testing may be required depending on unit assignment

Orientation & Onboarding

• Hospital orientation week one with mandatory daily classes
• Must submit a passport-style photo on white background for badge creation immediately after signing contract
• Completion of facility-specific education modules and compliance training required prior to or during assignment
• Must complete Non-Novant Health Worker Orientation (for North Carolina travel candidates)
• Must complete annual compliance and facility-specific mandatory education as applicable

This position is ideal for RNs with strong ICU/stepdown experience who are comfortable managing complex patients on telemetry with vasoactive drips and advanced monitoring. First-time travel nurses are welcome. Night shift availability and flexibility to float to an ICCU unit are required.