Correctional PCU/Med-Surg RN
Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital

Registered Nurse Travel/Contract Opportunity

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Contract Length: 16 weeks

Job Overview

• Work in a corrections health unit serving Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections inmates.
• Float between Oncology Medical-Surgical (MS) units and Progressive Care Unit (PCU) as needed.
• Ensure staff safety in a secure, locked corrections environment with controlled access by Corrections Officers.
• Nurse to patient ratio: 1:3 in PCU, 1:4-5 in MS.
• Some shifts assigned to MS, others to PCU.
• Weekend shifts vary based on unit needs.
• Rotating 12-hour day/night shifts possible, with schedule reviewed every 4 weeks but subject to change based on staffing priorities.

Experience & Skills

• Specialty: Registered Nurse
• Required Years of Experience: Not explicitly stated; oncology experience preferred but not required.
• Prior Travel Experience: Not required.
• EPIC charting experience required.
• Medical-Surgical/Telemetry skills needed.

Clinical Skills & Competencies

• Cardiac monitoring and dysrhythmia interpretation/management.
• Unit-based telemetry monitoring.
• IV insulin protocols.
• Feeding tube care and management.
• Pre/Post hemodialysis and renal failure management.
• IV therapy/phlebotomy including blood product administration, central/peripheral line and PICC line care, and starting IVs.
• Medication management including heparin protocols, cardiac drips (no titration), and PCA.
• Respiratory care including CPAP/BIPAP, High Flow Nasal Cannula, ABG interpretation, oxygen delivery devices, non-invasive airway management, and tracheostomy care.

Certifications Required

• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA only (Instructor/Provider and RQI acceptable).
• Other certifications may be required depending on unit (e.g., ACLS for some units), but BLS is mandatory for this role.

Systems Utilized

• Medication System: Pyxis
• Documentation System: EPIC

Patient Population

• Patients with active oncology diagnoses/treatments (solid tumors, hematology) and oncology workup admissions.
• Patients with history of cancer admitted for other reasons (surgical procedures, COPD, sepsis, abnormal labs, pneumonia).
• Non-oncology diagnoses as well.

Work Environment

• Locked corrections unit with Corrections Officers maintaining a 1:2 officer-to-inmate ratio.
• Safety protocols in place for working in a secure environment.

Compliance & Background Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check within 90 days of start, including FBI and BCI fingerprinting.
• Education accreditation verification required (accredited nursing program).
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 3 months of start (no pending tests allowed).
• Physical exam within 1 year of start confirming good health and free of contagious disease.
• Immunizations and health documents required: Tdap, TB test or chest x-ray, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Hepatitis B, Varicella, flu vaccination or declination during flu season.
• Annual background and compliance monitoring (EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG).
• Fingerprinting must be completed using specific Ohio codes and within 1 year of start date.
• Required to complete competency exams including medication test/pharmacology and dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam within 1 year of start.

Additional Requirements

• Two professional references required, including at least one from a manager or formal leadership.
• Employment application and skills checklist required.
• Orientation safety manual acknowledgement required annually.
• Fraud, waste, and abuse training certificate required prior to start and updated annually.
• Dress code and hand hygiene policy must be reviewed and signed.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a secure corrections healthcare environment with a diverse patient population, requiring strong clinical skills, adaptability, and experience with EPIC documentation.