Progressive Care Unit (Step-Down) Registered Nurse
Saint Louis, Missouri
Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Job Opportunity: Step Down Registered Nurse

Location: Saint Louis, Missouri
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Details

• Unit: Progressive Care Unit (PCU) / Step Down
• Shift: Day shift, 4 shifts of 12 hours each (7:00 AM - 7:30 PM)
• Weekly Hours: 48 hours (can sign for 36 or 48 hours per week)
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:2-3 for all shifts
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend
• Floating: Yes, within service line including Medical-Surgical units
• Local Candidates: Not accepted (home address must be at least 75 miles from facility)
• Pending License: Accepted
• Return to Office Restrictions: No more than 7 days
• Guaranteed Hours: 3 shifts per 13 weeks (cancelled shifts must be regular shift length)

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Missouri
• Minimum 1 year of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience within the last year
• BLS (Basic Life Support) issued by American Heart Association
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) issued by American Heart Association
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) certification
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) / Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Experience in interpretation and management of dysrhythmias
• IV start experience

Clinical Skills & Experience

• Experience with:

  • Ventilator management (including long-term vent, weaning)
  • IV starts
  • Telemetry monitoring
  • Pulmonary rehab
  • Trach care and management
• Procedures/Unit Details:

  • Phlebotomy
  • Vent management alongside Respiratory Therapists
  • Preferred ABG draws
  • Port access and central line care

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Background Checks:

  • Criminal background check within 6 months (7-year search including statewide and nationwide)
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG quarterly checks
  • State-specific searches and registries as applicable
• Education Verification: Highest nursing education must be verified before start
• Drug Testing: Within 1 year of start, must include full panel (amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methadone, opiates, oxycodone, PCP)
• Physical Exam: Required within 1 year of start
• Immunizations & Health:

  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray (2 negative PPDs or T-Spot/Q-Gold within 1 year)
  • Tdap vaccine or declination (expires every 10 years)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella immunity or vaccination/declination as per unit requirements
  • Flu vaccination or medical/religious exemption required during flu season (Sept-April)
• Fit Mask Testing: Annual N95 fit test required; must be able to shave facial hair if needed
• Facility-Specific Documents:

  • HIPAA Acknowledgement
  • Latex Allergy Questionnaire
  • Confidentiality Form
  • Regulatory Compliance Education (annual quiz with 80% passing score)
  • TB Questionnaire (annual)
  • Hand Hygiene, Fingernail, and Dress Code Policies acknowledgment
  • Orientation Modules (approx. 16 hours via online platform; required for all RNs)
  • Badge Photo (head and shoulders, white background, no obstructions, taken within 6 months)

Additional Requirements

• Skills Checklist: Unit-specific skills checklist required within 1 year of start
• Medication/Pharmacology Competency Exam: Required and must meet passing score
• Dysrhythmia/EKG Competency Exam: Required annually; must be completed within 1 year of start
• References: Two professional references required (supervisors preferred)
• Employment Application: Must be completed and uploaded prior to start

Notes

• No on-call required
• Block scheduling not accommodated
• Parking: Monthly parking passes available for day shifts; no charge for straight night shifts parking in employee lots
• Scrub color: Navy

This position offers an opportunity to work in a large, short-term acute care teaching hospital with a trauma level designation, using EPIC charting system. The role requires strong PCU nursing skills, critical care competencies, and the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.