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

• Unit functions similarly to an ICU with a focus on stepdown care (PCU/DOU/IMC/Stepdown).
• Strong experience with vasoactive drips and arterial lines is required.
• No block scheduling allowed.
• Float to sister ICCU unit as needed.
• Weekend requirement: every other weekend.
• Shift: 12-hour night shifts (36 or 48 hours offered).
• Patient population includes adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients with diagnoses such as respiratory distress, unstable hemodynamics, GI bleeds, post-op surgeries (GYN, GU, GI, thoracotomies, neuro, ortho), and complicated OB cases.
• Average daily census: 18 patients on a 20-bed ICU stepdown unit.
• 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, arterial lines, BIPAP, chest tubes, tracheostomy care; no ventilators on unit.
• Unit uses Pyxis and Epic systems.
• Hospital orientation required during week one with daily classes.
• Must pass EKG competency testing prior to start.

Required Qualifications

• Specialty: Registered Nurse (PCU)
• Minimum Years of Experience: 2 years (accepts first-time travelers)
• Prior Travel Experience: Not required
• Required Skills:

  • Experience with arterial lines and titrating vasoactive drips
  • PCU/DOU/IMC/Stepdown nursing
  • Telemetry monitoring and dysrhythmia interpretation/management
  • Use of Rapid Response Teams
  • IV insulin protocols
  • Blood product administration
  • Central line, peripheral line, and PICC line care/management
  • Heparin protocols
  • Care for patients with CVA, chest tubes, external CPAP/BIPAP, high flow nasal cannula, nasal cannula, non-invasive airway management, tracheostomy management, and isolation precautions
  • IV start and conscious sedation experience
• Certifications:

  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
  • BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support)
  • NIH Stroke Certification
• Must pass Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam (minimum 82% score required) within 72 hours of start.

Scheduling & Work Environment

• No block scheduling allowed.
• Float to sister ICCU unit as needed.
• Weekend shifts every other weekend.
• 12-hour night shifts.
• Target nurse-to-patient ratio: 3:1 or 4:1.

Patient Population & Diagnoses

• ICU stepdown patients including:

  • Post rapid response patients
  • Respiratory distress
  • Unstable hemodynamics
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • GI bleeds
  • Post-operative care (GYN, GU, GI, thoracotomies, neuro, ortho surgeries)
  • Pre/post OB with complications (e.g., Pitocin)
• Patient ages range from adolescent to geriatric.

Orientation & Testing

• Mandatory hospital orientation week one with daily classes.
• Must pass EKG competency testing prior to start.

Additional Requirements

• Drug testing within 6 months of start (9-panel or instant acceptable).
• Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year of start (or documentation of past positive with appropriate follow-up).
• Required immunizations and titers: Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella.
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption required during flu season.
• Background checks and education verifications as per standard travel requirements.
• Photo ID and badge photo required prior to start.
• Completion of hospital-specific mandatory education and compliance training.
• Must complete Non-Novant Health Worker Orientation modules (approx. 8 hours).
• Must complete medication safety training and other facility-specific policies.

Summary

This is a 13-week travel contract for a Registered Nurse with PCU specialty in Winston Salem, NC. The role requires at least 2 years of nursing experience with strong ICU stepdown skills, especially in managing vasoactive drips and telemetry. First-time travelers are accepted. The position involves 12-hour night shifts with every other weekend work and floating to an ICCU unit as needed. Orientation and competency testing are mandatory before starting.

This summary excludes any contact information, pay details, or facility names as per instructions.