Emergency Department Registered Nurse (Telemetry)
Ketchikan, Alaska
PeaceHealth Ketchikan Medical Center

Registered Nurse - Emergency Department

Location: Ketchikan, Alaska
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
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.

Start Date

• Approximately 4 weeks from offer.
• If Alaska license is pending, start date will accommodate remaining processing time (typically 10-12 weeks out).

Shift Details

• 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (primarily nights).
• Occasional day/evening shifts as needed.
• Guaranteed 36 hours per week.
• No blocked scheduling allowed (union state restrictions).
• Weekend requirements: To be determined.
• No on-call required.
• No floating outside ED (100% staffed RN department).

Experience & Skills Required

• Preferred: 2-3 years RN experience; minimum 1 year preferred.
• ER setting experience preferred but not mandatory.
• Consideration given to new grads with emergency-type experience (paramedic, EMS, etc.).
• Must demonstrate independent management of:

  • Cardiac, critical care, complex med/surg, psychiatric, and multiple trauma patients of all ages.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high volume, high-risk environment.
• IV skills for all ages required.
• Telemetry experience required.
• Computer charting required (Epic preferred, 1 year Epic experience preferred).
• ABG experience preferred.
• First-time travelers accepted, but travel experience preferred.
• Alaska RN license required or pending with adjusted start date.
• Locals not accepted.

Certifications Required / Preferred

• Alaska RN license (or pending).
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support).
• BLS (Basic Life Support).
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support).
• 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
• Serves as a regional referral center for Southeast Alaska, including isolated islands accessible by boat or aircraft.
• High tourist volume April through September due to cruise ship traffic.

Additional Requirements & Notes

• Must sign Social Security verification release.
• Background checks required within 60 days of start (7-year search including SSN trace, counties/states lived/worked, federal and national criminal checks).
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required 15 days prior to start and every 45 days after.
• Fingerprinting required via Alaska DHSS process (2 FBI fingerprint cards).
• Physical exam within 1 year of start required.
• Fit mask test within 1 year required for onsite candidates; N95 fit testing done onsite if needed.
• Immunizations/vaccinations required or declinations accepted for:

  • Tdap, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Flu (seasonal vaccine or approved exemption), COVID-19 (with religious exemption options).
• Drug testing required within 30 days of start.
• Orientation modules and quizzes must be completed prior to start with 100% score (delivered via WorkRamp).
• Must review facility policies including dress code, masking, personnel restrictions due to illness, and daily responsibilities prior to start.
• Two positive references required.

Summary

This is a travel RN position in a critical access, Level IV trauma center ED in Ketchikan, Alaska. The role requires strong emergency nursing skills, ability to manage complex and critical patients independently, and flexibility with shifts primarily at night. The facility serves a unique patient population including remote island communities and seasonal tourist influx. Certification and licensure requirements are strict, with a comprehensive onboarding and compliance process. This opportunity is suited for RNs seeking adventure and experience in a remote, high-acuity environment.