PICU Registered Nurse
Charleston, South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina - Children's Hospital

Job Opportunity: PICU Registered Nurse

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

Position Details

• Unit: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
• Unit Size: 28 beds
• Patient Population: Children ages 0-18 with medical and surgical diagnoses including respiratory compromise, trauma, post-operative care, neurology/neurosurgery
• Care Provided: Intensive and intermediate care, ventilatory and cardiac support, ECMO, CRRT, renal/peritoneal dialysis, pediatric palliative care
• Staffing: Registered Nurses, Patient Care Technicians, Unit Secretaries, with support from Respiratory Therapy, Pediatric Dietitians, and Pediatric Pharmacists

Schedule & Work Conditions

• Shift: Rotating 3x12 hour shifts (50/50 days and nights) in 4-week block rotations
• Shift Times: 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM / 7:00 PM - 7:30 AM
• Weekend Requirement: 4 weekend shifts per 4-week schedule
• On-call: Not required
• Patient Ratios: 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 (varies with ICU and Stepdown patients)
• Floating: Yes, within scope to meet unit needs
• Guaranteed Hours: Facility may call off 1 shift per 2 weeks

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in South Carolina
• Minimum 2 years of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) experience, including experience within the last year
• BLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• PALS certification issued by American Heart Association
• TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) certification
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Additional Requirements & Information

• Local Radius: 60 miles; local candidates considered on a case-by-case basis
• Block Schedule Accommodation: Possible with manager approval, dependent on unit needs
• Hurricane Season: Travelers may be assigned to emergency response teams during June-November (peak in August-September)
• Documentation & Compliance:

  • Background checks including 7 years of history, criminal, sex offender, and federal/state exclusions
  • Education verification and licensure primary source verification required
  • Drug screening (10-panel) within 90 days of start
  • Fit testing for N95 masks required annually
  • Immunizations and titers required: Tdap, TB test, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B
  • Flu vaccination or medical/religious exemption required during flu season
  • COVID vaccination highly preferred; declination form required if not vaccinated
  • Competency exams and medication/pharmacology testing as applicable
  • Clear, passport-style photo required for badge
  • Physical exam attesting ability to meet job demands required annually

Orientation & Onboarding

• Completion of facility-specific orientation modules (approx. 2 hours) required before start
• Upload vaccination records and complete all required documentation prior to orientation
• Failure to complete required modules or documentation may result in being sent home

Notes for Candidates

• This is a Level I Trauma Center and teaching hospital with Magnet designation
• Electronic charting system used: EPIC
• Parking permit required with a registration fee (details provided upon hire)

This position offers an opportunity to work in a high-acuity pediatric critical care environment with a supportive interdisciplinary team. Candidates should be prepared for rotating shifts, weekend work, and compliance with comprehensive credentialing and health requirements.