Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurse
Omaha, Nebraska
CHI Health Lakeside

Job Opportunity: PCU Registered Nurse (RN)

Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit & Patient Population

• Department: Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
• Beds: 28
• Patient Types: Adults, mixed medical/surgical, cardiac, and stroke patients, often arriving through the ER
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:4
• Nurse Aide/Patient Care Tech Ratio: 1:14
• Common Diagnoses: Cardiac, stroke, medical/surgical conditions
• Frequent admissions, transfers, and discharges (high flow unit)

Shift & Scheduling

• Shifts: 06:30-19:00 and 18:30-07:00 (12-hour shifts)
• Scheduling: 6-week rotation, managed by unit schedulers
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend
• Holiday Requirement: Rotates with permanent staff

Orientation & Training

• Orientation: 1 week classroom, followed by 2 twelve-hour shifts on the unit
• RN Skills Exam: Pass/fail exam during orientation; open book with resources provided; 90% required to pass or contract termination

Clinical Responsibilities & Skills

• Drip Titration: Required (Heparin, octreotide, insulin, maintenance IV meds)
• Telemetry: RNs must be able to read and interpret telemetry monitors
• Floating: May float to Med/Surg, ICU, ED depending on abilities and patient care needs
• Specialty Equipment: Code carts, LUCAS machines, hoyer lift, sit and stand devices
• Charge Nurse: Present on each shift and takes patient assignments
• Unit Secretary and Stocking Clerk support available part-time

Required Certifications & Licenses

• RN license appropriate for Nebraska
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
• NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) certification
• Valid driver’s license required at submission (used to verify candidate is within 50 miles radius)

Additional Requirements & Policies

• Radius Rule: Candidates must live within 50 miles and may not be currently employed full-time, part-time, or PRN with any facility associated with CommonSpirit (including CHI and Dignity)
• Fingernail Policy: Artificial nails prohibited in all patient care areas; refusal to comply results in contract termination
• Return to Orientation (RTO): Must be completed within 7 days of contract start; no extensions allowed
• Dress Code: Navy blue scrubs

Required Experience

• Specialty: PCU RN
• Years of Experience: Not explicitly stated; assume minimum 2 years in specialty or higher if known from other sources
• Prior Travel Experience: Not required

Summary

This is a fast-paced PCU nursing role requiring strong clinical skills in telemetry, drip titration, and the ability to float to other critical care areas. Candidates must be team players, adaptable, and meet strict certification and policy requirements. The position offers 12-hour shifts with a structured orientation and ongoing support.