RN – Oncology Observation Unit (Med/Surg Telemetry)
Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital

Registered Nurse – MS/Telemetry/Oncology Observation Unit

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Work in an Observation Unit managing patients with anticipated short stays (up to two midnights) before disposition decisions.
• Patient population includes those boarded from the ED and ICC, stable and unlikely to require higher level care.
• Patient diagnoses include dehydration, electrolyte abnormalities, nausea/vomiting, chemotherapy/radiation symptom management, acute kidney injury, palliative/pain control, urinary tract infections, syncope, post-procedure overnight stays, hospice transition, PEG tube/line placement, and fever of unknown origin.
• Occasional floating to Emergency Department to assist with inpatient Med/Surg telemetry patients awaiting transfer. Orientation provided.
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:4 with a charge nurse in assignment. Additional support from RNs, PCAs, and UCAs.

Shift Details

• 12-hour shifts, either Night (7:00 PM – 7:30 AM) or Day (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM)
• 36 hours per week (3 shifts)

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Ohio
• Minimum 2 years of Med Surg / Telemetry experience, with experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Experience in Medical-Surgical Telemetry (MS/TELE)
• Proficient in PICC line management

Compliance & Background Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check within 90 days of start, including SS trace, counties lived/worked, nationwide check, sex offender registry, and motor vehicle record if driving is required. FBI and BCI fingerprinting required with specific Ohio codes.
• Education verification: Graduate of an accredited nursing program (CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA).
• Monthly monitoring for EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG exclusions.
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 3 months of start (includes amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, cocaine, methadone, methaqualone, opiates, PCP, propoxyphene).
• Physical exam within 1 year of start confirming good health and free of contagious disease.
• Immunizations and health documentation required:

  • Tdap (adult dose after age 11/12)
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year
  • TB questionnaire
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) – 2 vaccines or positive titer with boosters if needed
  • Hepatitis B titer or 3-vaccine series (declination acceptable)
  • Varicella – 2 vaccines or positive titer (medical exemption requires documentation)
  • Seasonal flu vaccine or declination during flu season (10/1 – 3/31) with mask requirement if declined
• Annual review and acknowledgment of dress code, hand hygiene, ethics, compliance, and fraud/waste/abuse policies.
• Competency exams required prior to start:

  • Medication/pharmacology competency exam
  • Unit-specific competency exam
  • Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam (required within 1 year of start and updated annually; minimum passing score 76%)

Additional Information

• Scrubs are not provided; dress code colors are navy blue and white.
• Orientation to the unit and floating areas will be provided.
• Two professional references required, including at least one from a manager or formal leadership.
• Employment application and skills checklist required.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a specialized oncology observation unit with a focus on telemetry and medical-surgical nursing, supporting patients with complex needs in a fast-paced environment.