PICU Registered Nurse
Charleston, South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina - Children's Hospital

Job Opportunity: PICU Registered Nurse

Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Overview

• Unit: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
• Unit Size: 28 beds
• Patient Population: Children ages 0-18 with medical and surgical diagnoses including respiratory compromise, trauma, post-operative care, neurology/neurosurgery
• Care Provided: Intensive and intermediate care, ventilatory and cardiac support, ECMO, CRRT, renal/peritoneal dialysis, complex supportive therapies, pediatric palliative care
• Staffing: Registered Nurses, Patient Care Technicians, Unit Secretaries, with support from Respiratory Therapy, Pediatric Dietitians, and Pediatric Pharmacists

Work Schedule

• Shift: Rotating 3x12 hour shifts (50/50 days and nights) in 4-week block rotations
• Shift Times: 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM / 7:00 PM - 7:30 AM
• Weekend Requirement: 4 weekend shifts per 4-week schedule
• On-call: Not required
• Patient Ratios: 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 (varies with ICU and Stepdown patients)
• Floating: Yes, within scope to meet unit needs

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in South Carolina
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Minimum 2 years of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) experience, with at least some experience within the last year
• BLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• PALS certification issued by American Heart Association
• NRP certification

Additional Requirements & Information

• Local Radius: 60 miles; local candidates considered on a case-by-case basis
• Guaranteed Hours: Facility may call off 1 shift per 2 weeks
• Block Schedule Accommodation: Possible with manager approval, dependent on unit needs
• Emergency Response: During hurricane season (June-November), all staff may be assigned to emergency response teams

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Proof of work eligibility and completed I-9 form
• Copy of Driver’s License/State ID
• Social Security Card or SSN verification
• Annual background check including multiple searches (SSN trace, state, national, sex offender registry, etc.)
• Education verification or diploma/transcripts as placeholder
• NURSYS license verification (RN)
• Fit test for N95 mask within 90 days prior to start, renewed annually
• Drug screening (10-panel) within 90 days prior to start
• Physical exam updated annually, attesting ability to meet job demands
• Immunizations and titers: Tdap, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella, Hepatitis B, TB test or chest X-ray, flu vaccine or medical/religious exemption (flu vaccine required during flu season)
• COVID-19 vaccination highly preferred; declination form required if not vaccinated
• Competency exams and medication/pharmacology tests as applicable
• Clear, passport-style photo for badge
• Completion of orientation modules prior to start

Unit Highlights

• Level I Trauma Center, Teaching Facility, Magnet Hospital
• Charting system: EPIC

Notes for Candidates

• Certifications must be current and not expiring within 30 days of start date
• Radiation badge may be required for certain roles but not for PICU RN
• Travelers must complete all required modules and upload documentation before orientation; failure to do so may result in being sent home
• Facility parking requires a permit with a registration fee

This position offers an opportunity to work in a high-acuity pediatric critical care environment with a diverse patient population and advanced therapies. Ideal candidates will have strong PICU experience, required certifications, and flexibility for rotating shifts and weekend coverage.