PCU Registered Nurse
Potsdam, New York
Canton-Potsdam Hospital

Job Opportunity: PCU Registered Nurse

Location: Potsdam, New York
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit & Patient Care Details

• Mixed acuity unit including Progressive Care Unit (PCU), Medical-Surgical Telemetry (MS Tele), and Medical-Surgical patients
• Patient diagnoses include PCU and MS Tele, surgical pre/post-op (ENT, general surgery, trauma surgery, ortho surgery), and overflow medical patients
• Rare pediatric patients; travelers assigned only if experienced
• Ratios:

  • Days and weekends: 1 nurse to 3-5 patients
  • Nights: 1 nurse to 3-6 patients
• Float requirement: Yes, may float to sister units (West 2, West 3, Observation unit)
• Weekend requirement: Every other weekend
• Orientation: 12 hours

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Valid RN license in New York
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Minimum 3 years of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience, including experience within the last year
• Required certifications:

  • ACLS
  • BLS issued by American Heart Association
  • NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
• Skills required include:

  • Interpretation of dysrhythmias
  • Post-myocardial infarction care
  • IV insulin protocols and titration of insulin drips
  • Feeding tube care and management
  • Continuous bladder irrigation
  • Central line care/management
  • Phlebotomy
  • PICC line management
  • Management of cardiac drips (no titration)
  • Ortho trauma
  • Total joint replacements

Shift Details

• Night shift: 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM (3 shifts per week)
• 12 hours per shift, 36 hours per week

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Government-issued photo ID (Driver’s License or State ID)
• 7-year criminal background check including all aliases and multiple registry checks, completed within 30 days of start
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks within 30 days of start
• Education verification for nursing degree (official verification required, transcripts/diplomas not accepted)
• State nursing license verification (New York) within 30 days of start
• NURSYS verification for RN license within 30 days of start
• Harassment prevention training certificate (New York, annual requirement)
• Medication/pharmacology competency exam as required by specialty
• Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam required for all candidates
• Photo for badge (passport-style with solid background)
• Review of patient confidentiality, sexual harassment prevention, patient experience training, and compliance attestations prior to start
• Completion of required online modules before start date

Health & Safety Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year of start, updated annually
• Fit mask test within 1 year of start, updated annually (specific mask types required; PAPR exemption available if fit test failed)
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap vaccination within 10 years (TD not accepted)
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year of start; annual TB questionnaire if applicable
• Immunizations or positive titers required for:

  • Rubeola (Measles)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Hepatitis B (positive titer, completed series, or declination)
  • Varicella
• Drug screening required within 30 days of start (specific panels required; instant drug screens not accepted)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or signed declination required during flu season (documentation deadline December 3)
• Snellen eye exam within 1 year of start

Additional Notes

• Scrubs: Any solid color
• Must complete health-related requirements and lab work within 5 days of signing contract (if booked within 30 days of start)
• Facility uses EPIC for medication, documentation, and communication; Pyxis for medication dispensing; SBAR for communication
• Special procedures: TCAR preferred

This position offers a challenging and diverse clinical environment suitable for nurses with PCU/IMC experience seeking a travel contract in New York.