PCU/Oncology Float Pool RN
San Diego, California
UC San Diego Float Pool

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - PCU/Oncology Float Pool

Location: San Diego, California
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Work as a Registered Nurse floating across multiple PCU (Progressive Care Unit) and Oncology units at four different hospital locations.
• May also float to Emergency Department Inpatient Overflow (EDIP) in the ER and Medical-Surgical (MS) units as census permits.
• Units include general medicine, surgical, neuro, oncology, cardiac, and orthopedic specialties.
• Patient ratios: IMU 1:3, Telemetry 1:4, Medical-Surgical 1:5.
• Documentation systems used: EPIC and Pyxis.
• Schedule: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 AM to 7:00 PM).
• Shift assignments communicated 2 hours before shift start; no self-scheduling or blocked scheduling.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in California.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in PCU (Progressive Care Unit), with PCU experience within the last year.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• IV start experience.
• Phlebotomy experience.
• Arterial Line (A-line) experience.

Licensure

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license for California required.

Certifications & Competencies

• ACLS: Must be from AHA, AHA/RQI, Military Training Network, or equivalent.
• BLS: Required for all RNs.
• NIH Stroke Certification: Valid for 2 years.
• Medication/Pharmacology Competency Exam: Passing score of 80% or higher required.
• Color Blind Testing: Required (online acceptable).
• Additional certifications such as PALS, NRP, CNOR, IV Certification, or Management of Assaultive Behavior may be required depending on unit assignment (verify with unit description).

Health & Safety Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year of start, completed by MD, DO, PA, or NP.
• Fit mask test (N95 or equivalent) required and must be updated annually. Float Pool RNs must have fit test completed prior to start.
• Immunizations and titers required:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years or titer with declination).
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella: Positive titer or 2 vaccines required.
  • Hepatitis B: Proof of vaccination and/or titer or signed declination.
  • Varicella: Positive titer or 2 vaccines required.
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 3 months of start. TB questionnaire required annually.
• 9 Panel Drug Screen within 30 days of start. Must be re-run if break in service exceeds 30 days.
• Seasonal flu vaccine strongly preferred during flu season (Nov 1 – Mar 31); declination requires forms and masking policy compliance.
• COVID vaccine (current, including bivalent) or signed declination required.

Background & Screening

• Comprehensive background check within 6 months of start, including:

  • SSN trace with all aliases.
  • County, national criminal, sexual offender, and DMV checks (if driving is required).
  • International background checks if applicable.
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start and monthly thereafter.
• California Medi-Cal search required within 30 days of start and monthly thereafter.
• License verification and review of any license restrictions or probation status.
• References: Two professional references from leadership within the last 2 years required (e.g., manager, supervisor, director, or charge RN). No pending references allowed.

Additional Information

• Must be able to work a float pool schedule covering multiple units and locations.
• No self-scheduling; shift location assigned shortly before shift start.
• Orientation and training modules will be provided prior to start.
• Compliance with all facility-specific policies and documentation requirements is mandatory.

This position is ideal for RNs with PCU experience who are flexible, enjoy varied clinical environments, and are comfortable floating across multiple units and locations.