Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurse
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - PCU

Location: Winston Salem, North Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• This position functions similarly to an ICU setting with a focus on Progressive Care Unit (PCU) / Stepdown care.
• Strong experience with vasoactive drip management is essential.
• No block scheduling allowed.
• Float to sister ICCU unit as needed.
• Weekend work required every other weekend.
• Shift: 12-hour nights.
• Patient population includes adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Patient diagnoses include post-rapid response patients, respiratory distress, unstable hemodynamics, withdrawal, GI bleeds, post-op surgeries (GYN, GU, GI, thoracotomies, neuro, ortho), and complicated pre/post OB cases.
• Unit has 20 beds with an average daily census of 18.
• Only one pressor drip per patient allowed on the unit; more than one requires transfer to ICU.
• Common drips: Cardizem, Nitro, Precedex, Cardene, Levophed, Dopamine, Dobutamine, Neo.
• Equipment includes bedside telemetry monitors with remote backup, arterial lines, BIPAP, chest tubes, tracheostomy care; no ventilators on unit.
• Nurses must be able to recognize and manage dysrhythmias and use rapid response teams.
• Unit systems: Pyxis and Epic.

Required Skills and Experience

• Valid RN license in North Carolina
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Minimum 2 years of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience, including experience within the last year
• Telemetry experience
• Experience with arterial lines and titrating vasoactive drips
• Ability to interpret and manage dysrhythmias
• Experience with rapid response teams
• Proficient in IV insulin protocols, blood product administration, central and peripheral line care, PICC line management, and heparin protocols
• Familiarity with NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
• Experience with blood product administration and heparin protocols

Required Certifications

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• BLS (Basic Life Support) issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• NIH Stroke Certification (NIHSS)

Additional Information

• No Return to Office (RTO) after booking allowed; call-offs or additional RTO may lead to cancellation.
• Hospital orientation required during the first week; attendance at daily classes mandatory.
• Must pass EKG competency testing prior to start.
• Target nurse-to-patient ratios: 3:1 or 4:1.
• Scrubs colors allowed: Navy, White, or a combination.
• Floating to sister ICCU unit required as needed.

Patient Care Environment

• ICU stepdown level care.
• Patients with complex medical and surgical needs.
• Use of advanced monitoring and specialized equipment.
• Emphasis on critical thinking and rapid response.

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

• Background checks within 6 months required.
• Drug screening within 6 months required.
• Immunizations and health screenings including TB test, flu vaccination or exemption, and other standard vaccines required.
• Various competency exams including dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam required.
• Completion of facility-specific orientation and education modules required.
• Photo for badge and confidentiality agreement required.
• Must complete medication safety training and other facility-mandated compliance trainings.

This role is ideal for a Registered Nurse with PCU/stepdown experience who is comfortable managing complex patients requiring vasoactive drips and telemetry monitoring in a fast-paced, ICU-like environment. First-time travel nurses are welcome to apply.