PCU Registered Nurse
Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital

Registered Nurse - PCU (Columbus, Ohio)

Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 16 weeks

Unit & Patient Care Information

• Medical Oncology with progressive care beds; includes some pediatric patients (rare, pediatric experience not required).
• High acuity Progressive Care Unit (PCU) with some med-surg patients.
• 36-bed Oncology Telemetry unit, with over 24 beds dedicated to PCU level of care.
• Patient diagnoses include Solid Tumor, Orthopedic Oncology, Thoracic Oncology.
• Staffing ratios:

  • Med Surg Telemetry: 1:4-5
  • PCU: 1:3
• Required to float within units of equivalent or lower acuity.

Schedule & Orientation

• Self-scheduling requests accepted; final schedule balanced by department.
• Orientation:

  • Week 1: Monday to Friday, dayshift orientation.
  • Week 2: 36 hours on-unit orientation with a preceptor.
• Shift: 12-hour day/night rotating shifts; may be scheduled for days, nights, or combination based on staffing needs. Shift assignments reviewed every 4 weeks but not guaranteed to change.

Required Qualifications

• License: Registered Nurse (RN) license valid in Ohio.
• Experience:

  • 2 years oncology experience preferred but NOT required.
  • High acuity PCU patient experience required.
• Certifications:

  • Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • NIH Stroke Certification
• Skills:

  • Interpretation of dysrhythmias and ABGs
  • Use of rapid response teams
  • Feeding tube care and management
  • Accessing ports and blood product administration
  • Central line, peripheral line, and PICC line care/management
  • Starting IVs and managing heparin protocols
  • Managing cardiac drips (no titration) and titrating cardiac drips
  • PCA pumps
  • Chest tubes (Emerson/Pleur-evac)
  • External CPAP/BIPAP and High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)
  • Nasal cannula and tracheostomy management
• Additional Preferred Skills:

  • Management of dysrhythmias
  • IV insulin protocols and titration of insulin drips
  • Phlebotomy
  • Chemotherapy administration and monitoring
  • Wound care and wound vac
  • Arterial line management
  • Surgical drains
  • Non-invasive airway management

Prior Travel Experience

• Previous travel experience preferred but not required.

Background & Compliance Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check within 90 days of start, including FBI and BCI fingerprinting.
• Education verification from accredited nursing programs required.
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 3 months of start (no pending tests allowed).
• Various health documents required including:

  • Physical exam within 1 year of start
  • Immunizations and titers (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap)
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year
  • Flu vaccination or declination during flu season
• Annual competency exams including dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam required.
• State license verification and NURSYS verification required.
• References: 2 professional references required, at least one from a manager or formal leadership.

Benefits & Additional Information

• Competitive salary (details withheld).
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Flexible scheduling with self-schedule requests.
• Comprehensive benefits package.

Note: This position involves working in a high-acuity oncology telemetry unit with a focus on infection prevention and patient safety.