Progressive Care Unit RN
Lexington, Kentucky
University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - PCU

Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 14 weeks
Weekly Hours: 36 or 48 hours/week

Job Description

• Requires 2 years recent ICU experience.
• Must have 1 year of Level 1 trauma experience in a high acuity Progressive Care Unit (PCU).
• Will float between ICU and other PCU units.
• No first-time travelers accepted.
• Must have strong critical thinking skills and be able to work with patients who may require rapid response.
• Experience in PCU, Med/Surg, and Telemetry required.
• Orientation provided for other transitional units.

Required Qualifications

Licensure

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Kentucky.

Education

• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

Experience

• Minimum 2 years recent ICU experience.
• Minimum 1 year Level 1 trauma experience in a high acuity Progressive Care Unit (PCU).
• At least 1 year of PCU experience within the last year.
• Experience working with Level 1 trauma patients.
• Experience in Med/Surg and Telemetry.
• Prior completion of at least one travel assignment.

Certifications

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) issued by the American Heart Association.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) issued by the American Heart Association.
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) issued by the American Heart Association.
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC).
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Certification.

Background and Health Requirements

Background Checks

• County Criminal Background Search (last 7 years).
• National Criminal and Sex Offender Search.
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks.
• Education Verification or signed official transcript.
• Other facility-specific background checks as required.

Health Documents

• Physical exam within 1 year, signed by MD, NP, or PA.
• Fit mask test within 1 year, updated annually.
• Immunizations and titers: Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap, Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella.
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray with annual questionnaire.
• Drug testing within 1 year.
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption.
• COVID vaccination series or approved exemption; booster preferred but not required.

Competency and Skills Verification

• Medication Test/Pharmacology Competency Exam (passing score 80%+).
• Color Blind Testing.
• Unit-specific competency exams (updated annually).
• Conscious Sedation Competency Exam (if applicable).
• RN Math Ability Competency Exam (annual).
• Skills Checklists (updated annually).
• Acknowledgement of Pass/Fail Testing for ICU, PCU, Telemetry, and other units.

Additional Requirements

• Two supervisor references verified within 6 months of start.
• Employment verification for the last 7 years.
• Explanation required for any employment gaps longer than 30 days.
• Must pass facility-specific EKG exam with a minimum score of 80%.
• Must comply with facility policies including confidentiality, acceptable use, electronic communications, and password policies.

Notes

• Local travelers within 100 miles are not accepted.
• Orientation and training provided for transitional units.
• Renewal plans must be in place for any certifications or licenses expiring during the contract.

This position is ideal for experienced ICU RNs with trauma and PCU expertise who have prior travel contract experience and meet the comprehensive certification and health requirements.