Travel Emergency Department Registered Nurse
Ketchikan, Alaska
PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center

Registered Nurse (Emergency Department) - Travel/Contract

Location: Ketchikan, Alaska
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

Provide professional nursing care in the Emergency Department (ED) in compliance with professional practice and unit standards. Promote a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach with patients, families, and care team members.

Position Details

• Start Date: Approximately 4 weeks from offer; may be delayed if Alaska RN license is pending (start date adjusted for license processing, typically 10-12 weeks out).
• Shift: 3x12 hour shifts, primarily nights; occasional days/evenings as needed.
• Guaranteed Hours: 36 hours per week.
• Ratios: 1:4 nurse-to-patient ratio.
• Employment Type: Travel/Contract (No locals accepted).
• Floating: No floating outside ED; 100% staffed RN department.
• Block Scheduling: Not allowed (union state restrictions).
• On-call: Not required.
• Weekend Requirement: To be determined.

Experience & Skills

• Preferred 2-3 years RN experience; minimum 1 year preferred.
• ER experience preferred but not required; candidates with paramedic, EMS, or other emergency clinical experience considered.
• Must demonstrate independent management of cardiac, critical care, complex med/surg, psychiatric, and multiple trauma patients across all age groups.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume, high-risk environment required.
• IV skills for all ages required.
• Telemetry experience required.
• Computer charting experience required; Epic experience preferred (1 year preferred).
• ABG experience preferred.
• First-time travelers accepted, but travel experience preferred.

Certifications Required / Preferred

• Alaska RN license (preferred; pending license accepted with delayed start).
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - required.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) - required.
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) - preferred.
• TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) - preferred.
• ENPC (Emergency Nursing Pediatric Course) - preferred.

Facility Information

• Type: Critical Access Hospital
• Trauma Level: Level IV Trauma Center
• Beds: 54 staffed beds
• Charting System: Epic
• Parking: Free
• Environment: Regional referral center serving Southeast Alaska and surrounding islands with limited healthcare access. High volume during tourist season (April-September).
• Scrub Color: Any color allowed.

Compliance & Requirements

• Background checks required within 60 days of start (7-year search including SSN trace, counties/states lived/worked, federal and national criminal checks).
• Social Security verification required.
• Fingerprinting required (2 FBI fingerprint cards) with specific Alaska DHSS process.
• Drug testing required within 30 days of start (specific panels including amphetamines, cocaine, opiates, marijuana for AK candidates, etc.).
• Physical exam required within 1 year of start.
• Fit mask test required within 1 year and updated annually for onsite workers.
• Immunizations and health documentation required:

  • Tdap (or declination)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year
  • MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B immunity or declination as per facility policy
  • Flu vaccine or approved declination during flu season (Nov 1 - Mar 31)
• Orientation modules and quizzes must be completed prior to start with 100% score.
• Must review facility policies including dress code, masking, personnel restrictions, and daily responsibilities prior to start.

Additional Notes

• No floating outside the ED.
• No block scheduling due to union rules.
• Start date may be delayed if Alaska RN license is pending.
• Weekend requirements TBD.
• First-time travelers accepted but travel experience preferred.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a unique, scenic Alaskan environment with a strong community focus and a busy emergency department.