Correctional Med-Surg/PCU Registered Nurse
Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (Correctional)

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 16 weeks

Job Summary

• Work in a secure corrections health unit serving inmates.
• Float between Oncology Medical-Surgical (MS) units and Progressive Care Unit (PCU) as needed.
• Ensure staff safety in a locked corrections environment with controlled access.
• Oncology experience preferred but not required.
• EPIC charting experience is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care in a corrections unit with a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:3 (PCU) and 1:4-5 (MS).
• Float to various Oncology MS units as needed.
• Manage patient care including oncology and non-oncology diagnoses (solid tumors, hematology, COPD, sepsis, pneumonia, etc.).
• Perform cardiac monitoring, dysrhythmia interpretation, telemetry monitoring.
• Administer IV insulin protocols, feeding tube care, pre/post hemodialysis care.
• Manage IV therapy including blood products, central/peripheral lines, PICC lines, and starting IVs.
• Administer medications including heparin protocols, cardiac drips (no titration), and PCA.
• Provide respiratory care including CPAP/BIPAP, high flow nasal cannula, ABG interpretation, tracheostomy management.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams: pharmacy, physical therapy, radiology, respiratory services, social services, rapid response teams, and transportation.

Required Qualifications

• License: Registered Nurse (RN) license valid in Ohio.
• Certifications:

  • BLS (Basic Life Support) required.
• Experience:

  • Oncology experience preferred but not required.
  • EPIC charting experience required.
• Prior Travel Experience: Not explicitly required.

Work Environment

• Secure corrections unit with access controlled by Corrections Officers (CO).
• CO to inmate ratio: 1:2.
• Some shifts assigned to MS units, others to PCU.
• Weekend shifts vary based on unit needs.

Systems and Tools

• Medication system: Pyxis
• Documentation system: EPIC

Required Background and Compliance

• 7-year criminal background check including FBI and BCI fingerprinting required prior to start.
• Education verification from accredited nursing programs required.
• Ohio BCI & FBI fingerprinting must be completed within 1 year of start.
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 3 months of start, no pending results allowed.
• Various health documents required including:

  • Physical exam within 1 year of start
  • Immunizations and titers (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap)
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year
  • Flu vaccination or declination during flu season
• Annual compliance training including fraud, waste, and abuse training.
• Competency exams including medication test, unit-specific competency, and dysrhythmia/EKG exam required within 1 year of start and updated annually.

Additional Requirements

• 2 professional references required (at least one from a manager or formal leadership).
• Employment application and skills checklist required.
• Adherence to dress code and hand hygiene policies.

This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a secure corrections healthcare environment with a focus on medical-surgical and oncology patient care, requiring strong clinical skills and adaptability.