PCU Registered Nurse
Lexington, Kentucky
University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (PCU) - Lexington, Kentucky

Position Details

• Specialty: Registered Nurse (RN)
• Location: Lexington, Kentucky
• Employment Type: Travel/Contract
• Contract Length: 14 weeks
• Unit: Combined PCU (Progressive Care Unit) and MS (Medical-Surgical) unit
• Patient Focus: Emphasis on neuro patients with overflow from other patient types
• Floating: Expected to float between PCU and MS units
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:3-5 depending on acuity

Required Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA only, RQI accepted
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - AHA only, RQI accepted
• NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) Certification
• Must be trained on EMU (Epilepsy Monitoring Unit) for monitoring and interviewing epilepsy patients

Experience Requirements

• Years of Specialty Experience: Not explicitly stated; assume minimum RN experience required for PCU level nursing (typically 1-2 years)
• Prior Travel Experience: Not specified as required

Background and Compliance Requirements

• Background checks including:

  • County Criminal Background Search (last 7 years)
  • National Criminal and Sex Offender Search
  • Education Verification (official transcript or diploma acceptable)
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks (updated annually)
• Drug testing within 1 year of start, updated annually
• Physical exam within 1 year of start, updated annually
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray (updated annually)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) immunity or boosters
  • Hepatitis B immunity or declination (updated annually)
  • Varicella immunity or booster
  • COVID vaccination or medical/religious exemption (booster preferred but not required)
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or exemption (updated annually)
• Fit mask testing within 1 year, updated annually

Competency and Testing Requirements

• Medication Test/Pharmacology Competency Exam (passing score 80%+, valid within 1 year)
• Unit-specific Competency Exams (updated annually)
• Color Blind Testing (within 1 year)
• RN Math Ability Competency Exam (annual, passing score 80%+)
• Pass/Fail Testing (EKG/Medication) required for ICU, PCU, Step Down, ER, and other critical care units; two attempts allowed, failure results in cancellation
• Acknowledgement of Pass/Fail Testing required for ICU, Endo/GI Lab, ER, PACU, Tele/PCU, Step Down, MICU

Additional Requirements

• Skills Checklists (updated annually, specific to unit)
• References: Two professional references verified within 6 months of start (manager or supervisor preferred)
• Employment verification for last 7 years, with explanations for any gaps over 30 days
• Must comply with facility-specific policies including confidentiality, acceptable use, electronic communications, and password policies

This position is not open to local travelers within 100 miles.

Note: Candidates must have renewal plans in place for any certifications or documents expiring during the contract to maintain clearance to start or continue working.