Progressive Care Unit (PCU) Registered Nurse
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital

Travel RN PCU Position - Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Unit and Patient Information

• Unit Capacity: 36 beds
• Population Served: Stepdown/Progressive Care Unit (PCU) patients including:

  • Continuous BiPAP
  • Low-dose vasopressors
  • Trauma patients
  • Lumbar drains
  • CIWA patients on higher doses of Ativan
  • Hyponatremia
  • Emergency dialysis patients
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Antifreeze ingestions
  • Home ventilator patients (tracheostomies)
  • Sheath removal
  • Carotid endarterectomy (CEA)
  • Rhabdomyolysis
  • Precedex infusions
  • Stroke patients with Q2 neuro checks
  • Stable craniotomies
  • Fentanyl drips
• Patient Age Range: Young Adult through Late Adult (18 - 60+)
• Nurse to Patient Ratio: 3:1

Staffing Model

• Variable staffing grid including:

  • Registered Nurses (RNs)
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
  • Patient Care Technicians (PCTs)
  • Nurse Interns (NIs)
• Each RN assumes full responsibility for patients on their team.

Contract Length

• 12 weeks

Required Certifications and Licenses

• Basic Life Support (BLS) - Must be American Heart Association (AHA) certified
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) - Must be AHA certified
• National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Certification
• Successful completion of a rhythm test
• Current nursing license with Nursys verification within 30 days prior to start
• License/Certificate primary source verification within 30 days prior to start

Onboarding and Compliance Requirements

• Ascension Color Vision test (completed prior to start, updated every 3 years)
• Ascension Core Competencies (HIPAA, Joint Commission NPSG, OSHA topics; completed within a year of start, updated yearly, minimum 80% score)
• NIH Certification (updated yearly or every 2 years depending on group)
• Ascension EKG Exam (passing score of at least 80%, two attempts allowed)
• Ascension Onboarding Requirements Education Attestation
• Ascension Nursing Contract Worker Onboarding (done onsite)
• Ascension Nova StatStrip training (pre-hire modules)
• Ascension Cerner Test-Out (clinical documentation system test)
• Ascension Skills Checklist (clinical skills, completed within one year of start, updated annually)
• Ascension 12 Panel Drug Screen (within 30 days prior to start, updated annually)
• Ascension Education Verification (verification of clinical education within 90 days of start)
• Ascension Confirmation of Assignment (documentation of assignment dates)
• Ascension Employment Verification (7-year employment history verification)
• Criminal Background Check (including Social Security Trace, OIG Search, National Sex Offender, etc., completed within 30 days of first assignment)
• EPLS (Exclusionary Party List System) check within 90 days of start
• Health Statement or physical exam prior to first assignment, updated annually
• Fit Test (respirator fit test, preferred prior to start, can be completed onsite)
• Vaccination and Immunization Requirements:

  • MMR: documented proof of two vaccines or positive IGG titer (no declinations accepted)
  • Hepatitis B: vaccination series completion or signed declination
  • Influenza Vaccine: required during flu season (exemptions accepted with mask requirement)
  • Varicella: proof of immunity or two vaccines (no declinations accepted)
  • Tdap: valid within 10 years (no declinations accepted)
  • Positive PPD with negative chest X-ray and annual TB questionnaire (optional but recommended)
  • 2 Step PPD or IGRA test within required timeframes
• Driver’s License/State ID (must be current and match address requirements)

Additional Notes

• Resume/Profile and at least two professional references required prior to first assignment.
• Some optional checklists and evaluations may be requested but are not mandatory for onboarding.
• All documentation must be current and compliant with Ascension Health policies.

This position is ideal for experienced RNs comfortable with a diverse PCU patient population requiring advanced monitoring and interventions in a travel assignment setting.