PCU Registered Nurse
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana University Health University Hospital

Registered Nurse - PCU (Night Shift) - Indianapolis, Indiana

Job Type

• Travel/Contract assignment
• Contract length: 13 weeks

Work Schedule

• Night shift: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 PM to 7:30 AM)
• Expected to work every other weekend; consecutive weekends may be required based on operational needs

Unit & Patient Acuity

• Surgical Progressive Care Unit (PCU) with near ICU-level acuity
• Patient types include ENT (neck dissections, mandibulectomy), thoracic surgery (esophagectomy, lobectomy, pneumonectomy), general surgery (pancreatic, bowel/liver resections), urology (urinary diversions, cystectomies, RPLND), and medical overflow
• Staffing ratios typically 1 nurse to 3-4 patients

Floating & Charge Nurse Responsibilities

• Floating to different levels of care (Med-Surg, PCU, ICU) may be required; resources and training provided
• Refusal to float may result in contract termination
• May be required to cover charge nurse duties with provided training

Experience & Skill Requirements

• Valid RN license in Indiana
• Minimum 2 years of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) nursing experience, with at least some experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Current ACLS certification
• Current BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Proficient in management of fresh tracheostomies
• Skilled in epidural management
• Experienced in management of non-titratable cardiac drips
• Knowledgeable in IV insulin protocols and titration of insulin drips
• Competent in use of external BiPAP/CPAP devices
• Experienced in total laryngectomy care
• Skilled in performing Doppler flap checks

Certifications & Licenses

• Registered Nurse license valid in Indiana (note: effective 11/30/2024, Indiana RN licenses are generally not accepted except for Perioperative/OR, Allied, and Ambulatory RN travelers)
• Other certifications may be required depending on unit assignment (e.g., PALS, NRP, CHEMO, TNCC, EFM) but are not specified as mandatory here

Additional Requirements

• First-time travel nurses accepted; local candidates not accepted
• Must agree to precepting and/or having students shadow during assignment (teaching facility requirement)
• Valid Driver’s License or Passport (clear copy required)
• Background checks including 7-year work/life history, criminal, sex offender, and education verification
• Physical exam within 12 months of start date
• Fit mask test within 12 months (N95 or approved respirators)
• Immunizations and health screenings required:

  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year
  • Rubeola (measles), Mumps, Rubella: positive titer or 2 vaccines required; no declinations accepted
  • Varicella: positive titer or 2 vaccines required; no declinations accepted
  • Hepatitis B series, titer, or signed declination required
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap strongly recommended
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required during flu season
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 12 months
• Color blind exam (Ishihara or equivalent) with 100% minimum score
• Skills checklist and competency exams required annually
• Minimum of 2 professional references from recent employment verified within 2 years
• Employment application with full work history and explanations for gaps over 30 days

Important Notes

• Call-in shifts must be made up during the pay period or added to the end of the contract depending on FTE status
• This is a teaching hospital environment; candidates must be comfortable with educational responsibilities
• IU Health University and Methodist Hospitals are teaching facilities with specific orientation and compliance requirements
• Refusal to float or comply with operational needs may result in contract termination

This summary includes all relevant details for healthcare recruiters and nurses considering this travel nursing position.