Progressive Care Unit (PCU) Registered Nurse
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana University Health Methodist Hospital

Registered Nurse - PCU (Indianapolis, Indiana)

Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Work in a progressive care unit focused on cardiovascular patient care, including congestive heart failure, post-myocardial infarction, pulmonary hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, COPD, congenital heart defects, infective endocarditis, post-cath lab procedures, pre-LVAD placements, heart/lung transplants, and pre-valve replacement.
• Staffing ratio: 1 nurse to 4 patients.
• Shift: Day shift, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 AM - 7:30 PM).
• Weekend Requirement: Must be flexible and able to work 50% of weekends during the contract.
• Floating: May be required to float to Med-Surg, PCU, or ICU units as needed.
• Charge Nurse: May be asked to cover charge nurse duties with training and resources provided.
• Precepting: Must be willing to precept and/or have students shadow during assignment (teaching facility requirement).
• Locals are not accepted for this position.
• First-time travelers are accepted.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Indiana.
• Minimum 2 years of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience, with at least some experience within the last year.
• Experience working with Level 1 Trauma patients.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

Requirements & Compliance

• Background checks including 7-year work/living history, SSN trace, county/state/national checks, and education verification.
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 12 months.
• Health documents:

  • Physical exam within 12 months.
  • Fit mask test within 12 months (N95 or approved respirators).
  • Immunizations/vaccinations:

    • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella: Positive titer or 2 vaccines required; no declinations accepted.
    • Varicella: Positive titer or 2 vaccines required; no declinations accepted.
    • Hepatitis B series, titer, or signed declination required.
    • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap preferred but not required.
    • Flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required for flu season (9/30 - 3/31). Declinations not accepted.
  • TB test (PPD, QuantiFERON-TB Gold, or T-SPOT) within 1 year; if positive, chest x-ray and documentation required.
• Competency exams: Medication/pharmacology test and unit competency exam required.
• References: Minimum 2 references from recent employment verified within 2 years; must be from charge, manager, supervisor, or above.
• Employment application: Must be current with full work history and explanations for gaps over 30 days.
• Skills checklist: Must be completed within 12 months and annually thereafter.

Additional Notes

• Call-in shifts must be made up during the pay period or added to the end of the contract depending on FTE status.
• Refusal to float may result in contract termination.
• On-site PAPR respirators are automatically approved at this facility.
• Facility-specific orientation and compliance forms must be completed as a priority before start.
• This is a teaching hospital environment with expectations for professional development and student interaction.

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for experienced cardiac PCU nurses comfortable with a fast-paced, teaching hospital setting and flexible scheduling.