Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Nurse
Charleston, South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina - Children's Hospital

Registered Nurse (PICU) - Charleston, South Carolina

Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Details

• Unit: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
• Shift: 3x12 hour night shifts (7 PM - 7:30 AM)
• Weekend Requirement: Up to 5 weekend shifts per schedule (including Friday, Saturday, Sunday)
• On-call: Not required
• Patient Ratios: 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 (mixed ICU and Stepdown patients)
• Floating: Yes, within scope to meet facility needs
• Unit Size: 28 beds
• Patient Population: Children ages 0-18 with medical and surgical diagnoses including respiratory compromise, trauma, post-op surgical care, neurology/neurosurgery
• Special Therapies: ECMO, CRRT, renal/peritoneal dialysis, ventilatory and cardiac support, pediatric palliative care available
• Staffing Mix: RNs, Patient Care Technicians, Unit Secretaries, Respiratory Therapy, Pediatric Dietitians, Pediatric Pharmacists

Experience & Licensure Requirements

• Specialty: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
• Years of Experience Required: Minimum 2 years PICU experience
• First Time Travelers: Accepted
• Preferred Experience: ECMO, CRRT
• Licensure: South Carolina RN license or Multi-State/Compact RN license
• Certifications Required:

  • BLS (American Heart Association only)
  • PALS (American Heart Association only)

Scheduling & Other Requirements

• Block Scheduling: Possible with manager approval, dependent on unit needs
• Local Radius: 60 miles (locals accepted case-by-case)
• Guaranteed Hours: Facility may call off 1 shift per 2 weeks
• Hurricane Season: Travelers may be assigned to emergency response teams during June-November (peak in August-September)

Facility Highlights

• Level I Trauma Center
• Teaching Facility
• Magnet Hospital
• Total Staffed Beds: 820
• Charting System: EPIC

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Background Checks:

  • Annual background check covering all locations lived/worked in past 7 years
  • SSN Trace, Statewide, National Criminal, Sex Offender Registry, FACIS 3
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks within 30 days of start and updated for renewals
• Education Verification: Required (diploma/transcripts accepted as placeholder)
• Licensure Verification: Primary source verification required; SC RN license or compact license mandatory
• NURSYS Verification: Required for all RNs
• References: Proof of 2 clinical references or hospital evaluations
• Employment History: Last 3 clinical employers verified
• Competency Exams: Medication/Pharmacology and general competency exams required
• Color Blind Testing: Required prior to start
• Photo for Badge: Passport-style photo with solid light background, frontal view, business casual attire
• Orientation Modules: Must be completed prior to start (approx. 2 hours)
• Facility Specific Documents: First Day Instructions and OurDay modules must be completed before orientation

Health & Safety Requirements

• Physical Exam: Initial and annual physical exam attesting ability to meet job demands
• Fit Mask Test: N95 fit test within 90 days prior to start, renewed annually (specific mask models required)
• Immunizations & Titers:

  • Tdap within 10 years or declination form
  • Negative TB test (T-spot or Q-Gold) within 90 days or proof of prior positive with chest x-ray
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella: Positive titer or vaccination series required; boosters if low titer
  • Hepatitis B: Titer, vaccine series, or declination required
  • Flu Vaccine: Required during flu season (Aug 1 - Apr 30); medical/religious exemptions accepted but no declinations
• Drug Testing: 10-panel drug screen within 90 days of start (no instant tests)
• COVID-19 Vaccination: Not required but highly preferred; vaccination records must be uploaded or declination form completed

Certifications Summary

• BLS: American Heart Association (AHA) only
• PALS: AHA only, required for all pediatric units
• ACLS: Not required for pediatric units
• NRP: Required (AHA/AAP only)
• TNCC: Required except for ER RNs
• EFM: Not required for PICU
• Other: Additional certifications may be required depending on unit specifics

Additional Notes

• Prior travel experience is not required for this position.
• The facility allows floating within scope to meet unit needs.
• Travelers should be prepared for potential emergency response duties during hurricane season.
• Locals may be considered but at a reduced rate and on a case-by-case basis.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a high-acuity pediatric ICU within a Level I Trauma and Magnet-designated teaching hospital, providing advanced care including ECMO and CRRT therapies.