Corrections PCU/Oncology Med-Surg RN
Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - PCU

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

Job Summary

• Work primarily in a corrections health unit with a focus on Progressive Care Unit (PCU) and Oncology Medical-Surgical (MS) units.
• Float between Oncology MS units and PCU as needed.
• Provide nursing care in a secure corrections environment with controlled access.
• Shifts may include days, nights, or rotating 12-hour shifts, with schedules reviewed every 4 weeks.
• Oncology experience preferred but not required.
• EPIC charting experience is required.

Patient Population & Care

• Patients include those with active oncology diagnoses (solid tumors, hematology), oncology workup admissions, history of cancer admitted for other reasons, and non-oncology diagnoses.
• Nurse to patient ratio: 1:3 in PCU, 1:4-5 in MS.
• Corrections Officer to inmate ratio: 1:2.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure staff safety in a secure corrections unit.
• Provide care including:

  • Medical-Surgical and telemetry monitoring.
  • Cardiac monitoring and dysrhythmia management.
  • IV insulin protocols.
  • Feeding tube care.
  • Pre/Post hemodialysis and renal failure management.
  • IV therapy including blood product administration, central/peripheral line and PICC line care.
  • Medication management including heparin protocols, cardiac drips (no titration), and PCA.
  • Respiratory care including CPAP/BIPAP, High Flow Nasal Cannula, ABG interpretation, tracheostomy management.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including pharmacy, physical therapy, radiology, respiratory services, social services, and rapid response teams.

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Ohio
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Electronic Fetal Monitoring (EFM) certification
• Experience with EPIC charting system

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid RN license in Ohio
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Minimum of 1 year of recent Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience within the last year
• Proficient in interpretation and management of cardiac dysrhythmias
• Experience with pre/post hemodialysis and renal failure management
• Skilled in central line and peripheral line care/management
• Competent in PICC line management
• Knowledgeable in management of cardiac drips (no titration)
• Experienced in Patient-Controlled Analgesia (PCA) administration
• Proficient in respiratory care including High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC), non-invasive airway management, and tracheostomy management
• Experience with EPIC charting system

Background & Compliance Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check within 90 days of start, including FBI and BCI fingerprinting.
• Monthly monitoring through workforce monitoring systems.
• Education verification from accredited nursing programs (CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA).
• Ohio BCI & FBI fingerprinting required with specific code for healthcare.
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 3 months of start.
• Physical exam within 1 year of start confirming good health and free of contagious disease.
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Tdap vaccine (adult dose after age 11/12).
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year.
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccination or positive titer.
  • Hepatitis B titer or vaccine series.
  • Varicella vaccination or positive titer.
  • Seasonal flu vaccine or declination during flu season.
• Annual review and acknowledgment of dress code, hand hygiene, ethics, and compliance policies.
• Competency exams including medication/pharmacology and dysrhythmia/EKG exam required within 1 year of start and updated annually.

Additional Information

• Must be able to work in a locked corrections environment with controlled access.
• Shift assignments may vary and are based on staffing needs.
• Weekend shifts vary by unit requirements.
• Must complete unit-specific competency exams.
• Two professional references required, including at least one from a manager or formal leadership.

This position offers a unique opportunity to provide nursing care in a secure corrections healthcare setting with a focus on progressive care and oncology patient populations. Candidates should be comfortable working in a corrections environment and have strong clinical skills in telemetry, IV therapy, respiratory care, and medication management.