Progressive Care Unit RN
Charleston, South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina - University Hospital

Job Opportunity: PCU Registered Nurse (RN)

Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Details

• Specialty: Registered Nurse (PCU)
• Shift: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 AM - 7:30 PM)
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend and holiday rotation
• Patient Ratio: Night shift ratio varies between 1:3 or 1:4 depending on staffing
• Floating: Clinician may float within scope to meet facility needs
• Unit Description:

  • 22-bed intermediate PCU/medical-surgical unit
  • Patient population includes pre- and post-operative transplant (liver, kidney, kidney/pancreas), nephrology, and urology patients
  • Central monitoring system for step-down and telemetry rooms; bedside monitors for transplant patients

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in South Carolina
• Minimum 1 year of recent Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience within the last year
• Experience in Stepdown, Intermediate Care, Surgical ICU Stepdown, and Direct Observation Unit (DOU)
• ACLS certification issued by the American Heart Association
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Experience working with Pediatric, Neonate, Maternal-Fetal, and Level 1 Trauma patients

Schedule & Work Conditions

• Open to block scheduling with manager approval, dependent on unit needs
• Local candidates accepted on a case-by-case basis
• Facility may call off 1 shift per 2 weeks
• Hurricane season (June-November) may require assignment to emergency response teams

Facility Highlights

• Level I Trauma Center, Teaching Facility, Magnet Hospital
• 820 staffed beds
• Charting system: EPIC
• Scrub color: Solid Royal Blue or White top with Royal Blue bottoms

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Background Checks:

  • Annual background check covering all locations lived/worked in past 7 years
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks within 30 days of start and updated for renewals
• Education Verification: Required (diploma or transcripts accepted as placeholder)
• Licensure Verification: Primary source verification required; SC RN license processing times vary
• NURSYS Verification: Required for all RNs
• Drug Testing: 10-panel drug screen within 90 days of start (no instant tests)
• References: Proof of 2 clinical references or hospital evaluations
• Employment History: Verification of last 3 clinical employers required
• Photo for Badge: Clear, passport-style photo with solid light background, frontal view, business casual attire

Health & Safety Requirements

• Physical Exam: Initial and annual physical exam attesting ability to meet job demands
• Fit Mask Test: N95 fit test within 90 days prior to start, renewed annually (specific mask models required)
• Immunizations & Titers:

  • Tdap within 10 years or declination form
  • Negative TB test (T-spot or Q-Gold) within 90 days or appropriate follow-up for positives
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella: Positive titers or vaccination series with boosters as needed
  • Hepatitis B: Titer, vaccine series, or declination required
  • Flu Vaccine: Required during flu season (Aug 1 - Apr 30), medical/religious exemptions accepted but no declinations
• COVID-19: Vaccines highly preferred; if declined, must complete MUSC Vaccination Declination form
• Additional Testing: CBC and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel required for Sterile Processing Techs only

Competency Requirements

• Medication/Pharmacology Competency Exam
• Competency Exam relevant to unit
• Color Blind Testing prior to start

Additional Notes

• Orientation modules and facility-specific training must be completed prior to start
• All certifications must be current and not expiring within 30 days of start date
• Radiation badge required for certain specialties (not applicable for this RN PCU role)
• Travelers should be prepared for possible emergency response duties during hurricane season

This position is suitable for RNs with at least 1 year of recent PCU experience, holding a valid SC RN license, current ACLS and BLS certifications, and experience with diverse patient populations including pediatric, neonate, maternal-fetal, and Level 1 trauma patients. First-time travel nurses are welcome to apply.