PICU Registered Nurse
Charleston, South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina - Children's Hospital

Job Opportunity: PICU Registered Nurse

Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Overview

• Unit: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
• Shift: Rotating 3x12 hour shifts (50/50 days and nights) in 4-week block rotations

  • Day shift: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Night shift: 7:00 PM – 7:30 AM
• Weekend Requirement: 4 weekend shifts per 4-week schedule
• Patient Ratios: 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 (mixed ICU and Stepdown patients)
• Floating: Floating within scope to meet unit needs is required
• Unit Size: 28 beds
• Patient Population: Children ages 0-18 with medical and surgical diagnoses including respiratory compromise, trauma, post-op surgical care, neurology/neurosurgery
• Special Therapies: ECMO, CRRT, renal/peritoneal dialysis, ventilatory and cardiac support
• Support Services: Respiratory Therapy, Pediatric Dietitians, Pediatric Pharmacist, Pediatric Palliative Care available

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in South Carolina
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Minimum 2 years of PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care) experience, including experience within the last year
• BLS (American Heart Association)
• PALS (American Heart Association)
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)
• TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course)
• EFM (Electronic Fetal Monitoring)
• Orientation Safety Manual Acknowledgement

Additional Requirements & Information

• Schedule Flexibility: Block schedule accommodations require manager approval and depend on unit needs
• Guaranteed Hours: Facility may call off 1 shift per 2 weeks
• Local Candidates: Accepted on a case-by-case basis within 60 miles radius
• Hurricane Season: Travelers may be assigned to emergency response teams during June-November (peak in August-September)

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Proof of work eligibility (I-9) and valid driver’s license/state ID
• Background checks including 7 years of history, criminal, sex offender, and national registries
• Education verification (diploma/transcripts preferred)
• NURSYS license verification (active, unencumbered)
• Drug screening: 10-panel within 90 days of start
• Physical exam: Initial and annual updates required
• Fit test: N95 mask fit test within 90 days, renewed annually
• Immunizations and Titers:

  • Tdap within 10 years or declination form
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (positive titer or vaccination series)
  • Varicella (positive titer or vaccination series)
  • Hepatitis B (titer, vaccine series, or declination)
  • Annual flu vaccine or medical/religious exemption (no declinations accepted)
• COVID-19 vaccination highly preferred; declination form required if not vaccinated
• TB testing: T-spot or Q-Gold within 90 days, with follow-up as needed
• Competency exams and medication/pharmacology testing as applicable
• Color blindness testing required prior to start
• Clear, passport-style photo for badge required before start

Orientation & Onboarding

• Completion of facility-specific orientation modules prior to start (approx. 2 hours)
• Upload vaccination records and required documents into facility system
• Badge photo submission deadline: Wednesday before start week

Unit Highlights

• Level I Trauma Center, Teaching Facility, Magnet Hospital
• Electronic charting system in use
• Parking permit required with a registration fee

This position offers an opportunity to work in a high-acuity pediatric critical care environment with a multidisciplinary team and advanced therapies. Ideal candidates will have strong PICU experience, required certifications, and flexibility for rotating shifts and weekend coverage.