Surgical PCU Registered Nurse
Roanoke, Virginia
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital

Registered Nurse – Surgical PCU (Ventilator Experience Required)

Location: Roanoke, Virginia
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: Up to 26 weeks

Schedule & Shift Details

• Night shift: 4 shifts of 12 hours each (6:45 PM – 7:15 AM)
• Weekend requirement: Every other weekend or 6 weekend shifts within a 6-week block
• Must work one holiday per 13-week contract
• Facility may call off 1 shift per 2 weeks
• Floating within skillset required
• Locals accepted within radius rules
• First-time travelers accepted

Required Certifications

• ACLS (American Heart Association only)
• BLS (American Heart Association only)
• NIH Stroke Certification

Required Clinical Skills

• Cardiac monitoring, emergency response, dysrhythmia interpretation/management
• IV therapy, phlebotomy, blood product administration, central/peripheral line care
• Ventilator care for chronic tracheostomy patients (non-ICU level)
• Medication administration including cardiac drips (no titration)
• Respiratory support: nasal cannula, oxygen, CPAP, BiPAP
• Rapid Response and Code team activation
• Isolation precautions and telemetry settings in PCU, DOU, IMC, and stepdown units

Unit Details

• Nurse-to-patient ratio typically 1:5; staffing goal 1:4
• Stepdown unit from General Surgical ICU with bariatric specialty and trauma backup
• Equipment used: ortho equipment, chest tubes, surgical drains, trach, endo tool, PICC line, MML
• IV drips managed include Cardizem, Heparin, Insulin, low-dose dopamine/dobutamine, Amiodarone, Nitro, Bumex, Lasix, Lidocaine, Ketamine
• Remote telemetry monitors remain on unit; tele-sitting used to increase Patient Care Tech coverage

Required Licenses & Experience

• Valid RN license in Virginia
• Minimum 1 year of recent experience in Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Dysrhythmia interpretation and management experience
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system
• ACLS certification issued by American Heart Association
• BLS certification issued by American Heart Association
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification

Health & Background Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year confirming freedom from communicable diseases
• Negative TB test (PPD, QGold, or TSpot) within 1 year or clear chest X-ray if previously positive
• Fit mask test within 1 year, updated annually (acceptable masks: 1860S, 1860, 1870+, 1804S)
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 30 days of start
• Immunizations or positive titers required for: Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella
• Flu vaccination or mask and declination form during flu season
• Background check covering 7 years of residence/employment, education verification, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG checks required
• Two clinical references required
• Employment application and updated skills checklist required

Documentation & Compliance

• Driver’s license/state ID with address within 100 miles of facility required within 48 hours of signing
• E-Verify or attestation required
• Primary source verification of state license within 30 days of start
• NURSYS verification required for RN license within 30 days of start
• Photo for badge required (professional, plain background, no selfies or filters)
• Completion of facility-specific compliance and confidentiality agreements within 48 hours of signing
• Review of contract staff orientation manual prior to start (not required for inpatient RNs)
• TB questionnaire required for all candidates

Additional Notes

• Charting experience with EPIC required
• Orientation includes safety manual acknowledgement and competency exams as applicable
• Candidate must be prepared to float within their skillset
• Staffing goal and unit acuity indicate a moderately complex surgical stepdown environment with ventilator-dependent patients

This position offers a challenging opportunity for RNs with ventilator experience seeking a travel contract in a high-acuity surgical progressive care unit.