PCU Registered Nurse
Athens, Georgia
Piedmont Athens Regional

Job Opportunity: PCU Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract)

Location: Athens, Georgia
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Shift: Night (3 shifts per week, 12 hours each; 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM)
Contract Length: 12 weeks

Patient Population & Unit Details

• Patient population: Adults to Geriatrics
• Unit admits patients from CICU, MSICU, acute care floors, and Emergency Department
• Common patient conditions: Post-op CABG, thoracic and vascular surgeries, respiratory failure (non-invasive ventilation), cardiac arrhythmias, DKA, GI bleed, trauma, CVA, seizures, CIWA, metabolic and renal disorders, hypertensive emergencies, sepsis, neurological disorders
• Unit size: 32 beds with an average daily census of 21
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:3-4
• Unit systems used: Epic, Pyxis, SBAR, AirVo, BiPap, CPAP
• Scrub color: Navy Blue

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Georgia
• Minimum 2 years of experience in Progressive Care Unit (PCU), with PCU experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• BLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• ACLS certification

Schedule & Work Expectations

• Shift: Night shift, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each
• Weekend requirement: Every other weekend
• Floating: Yes, within facility and scope of practice as needed
• Call: None
• Holidays: If 1 major holiday falls during assignment, expected to work it; if 2 holidays, expected to work both; if 3 holidays, expected to work 2
• Major holidays include Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving/Black Friday, Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Eve/Day
• Return to Orientation (RTO): Maximum 7 days from offer acceptance to start
• Locals accepted at same rate

Compliance & Onboarding Requirements

• Full compliance required to start on time; delays in compliance may push start date by 2 weeks due to bi-weekly orientation schedule
• Number of non-billable orientation hours depends on contract length (e.g., 8 hours for 8-week assignment)

Background & Documentation Requirements

• Photo ID (Driver’s License or State ID) required
• Background check required within 30 days of start; must include:

  • Perm and non-perm county criminal searches
  • National sex offender registry
  • Nationwide criminal search
  • FACIS 3
  • Education verification (degree related to specialty)
• Education verification required; can be pending at start with proof it is in process (due within 30 days post start)
• Work history verification of most recent employer required; can be pending at start with proof it is in process (due within 30 days post start)
• Two clinical references required

Health & Immunization Requirements

• Physical exam within 12 months of start (agency requirement)
• Negative TB test (PPD, QGold, or TSpot) within 12 months or negative chest x-ray if prior positive; TB questionnaire required annually
• Immunizations or proof of immunity required for:

  • Measles (2 MMR vaccines or positive titer)
  • Mumps (2 MMR vaccines or positive titer)
  • Rubella (2 MMR vaccines or positive titer)
  • Varicella (2 vaccines or positive titer)
  • Hepatitis B surface antibody titer or signed declination
• Flu vaccine or declination required during flu season (Nov 1 – Mar 31)
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap highly recommended but not required
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start; instant drug screen acceptable; candidates cannot start with results pending

  • Panels include Amphetamines, Methamphetamines, Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Cocaine, Opiates, Methadone, Phencyclidine, Propoxyphene, THC

Policies & Additional Requirements

• Candidate must review and sign Code of Conduct and Dress/Professional Appearance Policy prior to start
• Facility requires online Electronic Fetal Monitoring course within a few months of hire (if applicable)
• Competency exams and skills checklist must be current (within 12 months) and updated annually
• Clinical remediation is not allowed for competency exams, but work-based remediation is permitted; failure after 3 attempts results in cancellation

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to care for complex adult and geriatric patients in a progressive care unit setting with a supportive team and advanced technology.