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

Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract) - Columbus, Ohio

Unit & Patient Care Information

• Unit: Medical Oncology with progressive care beds and some pediatric patients (rare, pediatric experience not required).
• Patient Population: Oncology patients including solid tumor, orthopedic oncology, thoracic oncology.
• Unit Details: 36-bed Oncology Telemetry unit; over 24 beds dedicated to Progressive Care Unit (PCU) level of care.
• Acuity: High acuity PCU with some med-surg; heavy focus on infection prevention and patient fall protocols.
• Staffing Ratios:

  • Med Surg Telemetry: 1:4-5
  • PCU: 1:3
• Float Requirement: Must float within units of equivalent or lower acuity.

Schedule & Orientation

• Shift: Nights preferred; day/night shift option available.
• Scheduling: Self-schedule 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 & Certification Requirements

• Experience:

  • Oncology experience preferred but not required.
  • Required: High acuity PCU patient experience.
  • Previous travel experience preferred.

• Certifications:

  • Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS)
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
  • NIH Stroke Certification

• Skills Required:

  • Dysrhythmia interpretation
  • Use of rapid response teams
  • Feeding tube care/management
  • Accessing ports
  • Blood product administration
  • Central and peripheral line care/management
  • PICC line management
  • IV starts
  • Heparin protocols
  • Cardiac drip management (no titration)
  • PCA pumps
  • Cardiac drip titration
  • Chest tubes (Emerson/Pleur-evac)
  • External CPAP/BIPAP
  • High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)
  • ABG interpretation
  • Nasal cannula
  • Tracheostomy management

• Preferred Skills:

  • Dysrhythmia management
  • IV insulin protocols and insulin drip titration
  • Phlebotomy
  • Chemotherapy administration and monitoring
  • Wound care/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

Contract Length

• 16 weeks

Background & Compliance Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check within 90 days of start (including FBI and BCI fingerprinting).
• Monthly EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks.
• Education verification from accredited nursing programs.
• Ohio BCI & FBI fingerprinting required with specific code (3701.881).
• Pending background check attestation allowed if fingerprint results are pending.
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 3 months of start (no pending drug screens allowed).
• Required health documents including physical exam, immunizations (Tdap, MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B), TB testing or questionnaire, flu vaccination or declination during flu season.
• Annual review and acknowledgment of dress code, hand hygiene, ethics, and compliance policies.
• Fraud, Waste, and Abuse training certificate required prior to start and updated annually.

Competency & Testing

• Medication test/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%, max 3 attempts).
• Orientation safety manual acknowledgment required annually.

References & Documentation

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

This position offers flexible scheduling, professional growth opportunities, and comprehensive benefits. It is ideal for RNs with PCU experience seeking a high-acuity oncology telemetry role on a travel contract basis.