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

Registered Nurse - Acute Leukemia and Hematology

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 16 weeks

Job Overview

• Care primarily for newly diagnosed acute leukemia patients in an adult and geriatric population.
• Staffing ratios goal: 1:4 (may be 1:5).
• Schedule: 12-hour day/night or 12-hour night shifts; rotating shifts possible.
• Self-scheduling requests accepted before final schedule is set.
• Orientation: First week Monday-Friday dayshift; second week includes 36 hours of on-unit orientation with a preceptor.
• Focus on infection prevention protocols and patient falls prevention.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid RN license in Ohio
• Minimum 2 years of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience, with at least some experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• BLS (Basic Life Support) issued by the American Heart Association
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) issued by the American Heart Association

Required Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)

Preferred Certifications

• Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Chemotherapy Certification (not required)
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)

Required Skills and Competencies

• Medical-Surgical and Telemetry experience
• Telemetry monitoring and interpretation of dysrhythmias
• Use of Rapid Response Teams
• Feeding tube care and management
• IV therapy and phlebotomy
• Blood product administration
• Central line blood draws
• Peripheral line care and management
• PICC line management
• Starting IVs
• Computerized charting experience (EPIC)

Patient Population

• Adults and geriatrics with acute leukemia and hematology diagnoses.

Schedule Details

• No set or blocked scheduling; shift assignments reviewed every 4 weeks.
• May be scheduled for days, nights, or a combination depending on unit needs.
• Weekends variable based on unit needs.

Background and Compliance Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check within 90 days of start, including FBI and state fingerprinting.
• Education accreditation verification required (accredited nursing program).
• Ohio BCI & FBI fingerprinting required within 1 year of start.
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 3 months of start.
• Physical exam within 1 year of start confirming good health and free of contagious disease.
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Tdap vaccine (adult dose)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year
  • TB questionnaire
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination or positive titers
  • Hepatitis B titer or vaccine series (declination acceptable)
  • Varicella vaccination or positive titer (medical exemption allowed)
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or declination during flu season (mask required if declined)
• Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training certificate required prior to start and updated annually.
• Annual review and acknowledgment of dress code, hand hygiene, ethics, and compliance policies.

Competency Exams

• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam required prior to start.
• Unit-specific competency exams required.
• Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam required within 1 year of start and updated annually (minimum passing score 76%).

References and Documentation

• Two professional references required; at least one must be from a manager or formal leadership.
• Employment application required including education verification.
• Skills checklist required.

Additional Notes

• No chemotherapy certification required for this position.
• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required.
• Orientation includes both classroom and on-unit preceptorship.
• Emphasis on infection control and patient safety protocols.

This position is ideal for experienced registered nurses with a strong background in telemetry and hematology/oncology nursing who are comfortable with flexible scheduling and rotating shifts.