Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurse
Plattsburgh, New York
The University of Vermont Health Network Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (IMC)

Location: Plattsburgh, New York
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 16 weeks

Unit & Facility Information

• Unit: Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
• Facility Beds: 341
• Unit Beds: Not specified
• Teaching Facility: Yes
• Trauma Level: 2
• Nurse to Patient Ratio: 3:1
• Ancillary Assistance: CNA/PCT available
• Unit Clerk/Secretary available
• Telemetry tech available
• Advanced Practice Providers on unit: Not specified
• Documentation System: EPIC
• Medication System: MAK
• Dress Code: Scrubs (navy blue or white), closed toe nonskid shoes, minimal jewelry, groomed professional hair, no artificial nail polish
• Floating: Required; nurses will float first to appropriate units as part of the Resource Float team

Schedule & Work Details

• Shift Hours: 7 AM to 7 PM (exact schedule to be posted)
• Rotation Schedule: If posted
• Self-Scheduling: No
• Weekend Requirements: Usually every other weekend
• Call Requirements: No
• Holiday Requirements: Yes, if needed
• Orientation: 1-2 days
• Start Date: ASAP (backfill need)

Patient Population & Care Modalities

• Acute inpatient progressive care
• Diagnoses include:

  • Acute Coronary Syndrome
  • Bipap/CPAP with compromised gas exchange
  • Cardiac diagnoses requiring close monitoring
  • Post PTCA/stent care
  • Drug toxicity requiring advanced monitoring
  • Alcohol withdrawal with airway compromise risk
  • Thrombolytic therapy for ACS or vascular patency
  • Major vascular surgery or leg bypass with comorbidities
  • Hemodynamic instability/hypotension
  • Insulin drip therapy
  • Heart failure
  • Carotid surgery
  • Electrical cardioversion
  • Active rewarming for temperature regulation

Required Experience & Certifications

• Minimum 1 year clinical experience in specialty (Progressive Care/Telemetry)
• Minimum 1 year tele experience required
• Prior travel experience: Not required
• Certifications required:

  • AHA BLS
  • AHA ACLS
  • NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification required prior to start
• Epic experience within past 2 years is required and non-negotiable
• NY nursing license or proof of application required at time of submission (note: NY license processing takes 6-8 weeks)

Clinical Skills & Unit-Specific Procedures

• Insulin drips
• Cardiac drips
• Starting IVs
• Post cardiac catheterization care
• Telemetry monitoring
• ACLS trained required

Equipment & Support

• Respiratory support available 24/7
• Anesthesia support not available 24/7
• Ventilator management: Only home ventilators on unit

Additional Requirements & Notes

• Floating required as part of resource team
• No block schedules allowed
• Bi-weekly orientations on Mondays
• Employment gaps over 90 days must be explained
• Complete work history including bed count, EMR, and facility type required for submission
• Reliable personal transportation strongly recommended (public transportation not accessible)
• Vehicles should have all-season or snow tires November through April

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Background check within 30 days covering all locations lived/worked/schooled in past 7 years
• Education verification as required
• Certifications verification (BLS, ACLS, NIHSS, etc.)
• State license verification (NY)
• Drug testing within 12 months (required for NY facilities)
• Physical exam within 12 months (required for VT facilities; recommended for NY)
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Tdap within 10 years
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray if positive TB
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination or positive titer
  • Hepatitis B series or signed declination
  • Varicella vaccination or positive titer
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or declination (required during flu season)
  • COVID-19 vaccination or declination
  • Pneumonia vaccination or declination (required for NY facilities)
• N95 Fit Test required prior to assignment and updated annually
• Completion of EPIC and Cornerstone modules prior to start
• Photo for badge required two weeks prior to start
• Auto insurance required if using personal vehicle for work-related travel
• Various facility-specific forms and attestations required (e.g., abuse registry consent, emergency contact, COVID questionnaire)

References & Verification

• Two professional references from assignments within past 3 years
• Employment application required
• Skills checklist within past 12 months
• Work history verification for past 2 years

This position is ideal for a Registered Nurse with progressive care/telemetry experience who is comfortable working in a fast-paced acute care environment, has recent Epic experience, and meets all certification and licensing requirements.