Oncology PCU Telemetry RN
Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital

Registered Nurse Travel/Contract Opportunity

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Specialty: Registered Nurse (RN)
Contract Length: 16 weeks

Unit & Patient Care Information

• Unit: Medical Oncology with progressive care beds and some pediatric patients (rare pediatric cases, pediatric experience NOT required)
• High acuity Progressive Care Unit (PCU) with some med-surg patients
• 36-bed Oncology Telemetry unit, with over 24 beds dedicated to PCU level of care
• Patient Diagnoses: Solid Tumor, Orthopedic Oncology, Thoracic Oncology
• Focus on infection prevention protocols and patient falls
• Staffing Ratios:

  • Med Surg Telemetry: 1:4-5
  • PCU: 1:3
• Required to float within units of equivalent or lower acuity level

Schedule & Orientation

• Self-scheduling requests accepted before final schedule posting
• Orientation:

  • Week 1: Monday to Friday, dayshift orientation
  • Week 2: 36 hours of on-unit orientation with a preceptor

Experience & Requirements

• Required Specialty Experience: High acuity PCU patient experience
• Preferred Experience: 2 years oncology experience preferred but NOT required
• Prior Travel Experience: Previous travel experience preferred (not strictly required)
• Certifications required:

  • Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • NIH Stroke Certification
• Must be able to interpret dysrhythmias and use rapid response teams
• Must be skilled in various clinical procedures and equipment use (see Skills section)

Skills Required

• Interpretation of dysrhythmias
• Use of rapid response teams
• Feeding tube care and management
• Accessing Ports
• Blood product administration
• Central line and peripheral line care/management
• PICC line management
• Starting IVs
• Heparin protocols
• Managing cardiac drips (no titration)
• PCA pumps and titrating cardiac drips
• Chest tubes (Emerson/Pleur-evac)
• External CPAP/BIPAP
• High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)
• Interpretation of ABGs
• Nasal cannula use
• Tracheostomy management

Skills Preferred

• Management of dysrhythmias
• IV insulin protocols and titration of insulin drips
• Phlebotomy
• Chemotherapy administration and monitoring
• Wound care and wound vac
• Arterial line management
• Surgical drains
• Non-invasive airway management

Equipment Used

• B450 monitors with GE telemetry system
• Bladder scanner
• Alaris pumps
• Stryker beds
• Continuous bladder irrigation
• PCA pumps

Certifications & Competencies

• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA approved
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - AHA approved
• NIH Stroke Certification (required for most PCU units)
• Dysrhythmia/EKG Competency Exam required within 1 year of start and updated annually
• Unit-specific competency exams required
• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam required prior to start

Health & Background Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check within 90 days of start, including FBI and BCI fingerprinting (Ohio-specific)
• Education accreditation verification from an accredited nursing program
• Physical exam within 1 year of start, documenting good health and free of contagious disease
• Immunizations and health screenings required:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (adult dose after age 11/12)
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year
  • TB questionnaire
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) - 2 vaccines or positive titer
  • Hepatitis B titer or 3-vaccine series (declination acceptable)
  • Varicella - 2 vaccines or positive titer (medical exemption possible)
  • Seasonal flu vaccine or declination during flu season (10/1 - 3/31)
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 3 months of start (no pending drug screens allowed)
• COVID vaccination not required but strongly recommended

Additional Requirements

• 2 professional references required (at least 1 from a manager or formal leadership)
• Employment application and skills checklist required
• Must review and sign dress code and hand hygiene policy
• Annual acknowledgment of orientation safety manual, ethics, and compliance policies
• Fraud, waste, and abuse training certificate required prior to start and updated annually

Summary

This is a high-acuity oncology telemetry travel RN position in Columbus, Ohio, requiring strong PCU experience and a broad skill set in telemetry, oncology, and critical care nursing. The role offers flexible self-scheduling, a structured orientation, and requires current certifications and health clearances. Prior travel experience is preferred but not mandatory.