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

Job Opportunity: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) Registered Nurse

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

Position Details

• Unit: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
• Shift: 3x12 hour shifts, rotating schedule

  • Primarily nights (2 months nights: 7p-7:30a)
  • 1 month days (7a-7:30p)
• Weekend Requirement:

  • Up to 5 weekend shifts per schedule for nights (including Fri/Sat/Sun)
  • 4 weekend shifts per schedule for days (including Sat/Sun)
• On-call: Not required
• Patient Ratios: 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 (mixed ICU and Stepdown patients)
• Floating: Yes, within scope to meet facility needs

Experience & Licensure Requirements

• Specialty: Registered Nurse - Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
• Years of Experience Required: Minimum 2 years PICU experience
• Prior Travel Experience: Not required (1st time travelers accepted)
• Preferred Experience: ECMO, CRRT
• Licenses:

  • South Carolina RN license or Multi-State/Compact RN license required
• Certifications Required:

  • BLS (American Heart Association only)
  • PALS (American Heart Association only)

Unit Overview

• 28-bed unit providing intensive and intermediate care for children ages 0-18
• Patient population includes medical and surgical diagnoses such as respiratory compromise, trauma, post-operative surgical patients, neurology/neurosurgery
• Advanced therapies provided: ECMO, CRRT, renal or peritoneal dialysis
• Pediatric palliative care available as needed
• Staffing includes RNs, Patient Care Technicians, Unit Secretaries, with support from Respiratory Therapy, Pediatric Dietitians, and Pediatric Pharmacists

Facility Highlights

• Level I Trauma Center
• Teaching Facility
• Magnet Hospital
• Total Staffed Beds: 820
• Electronic Health Record: EPIC

Scheduling & Other Requirements

• Block scheduling possible with manager approval, dependent on unit needs
• Local candidates accepted on a case-by-case basis
• Guaranteed hours: Facility may call off 1 shift per 2 weeks
• Holiday shifts required if contract overlaps holiday periods
• Travel nurses may be assigned to emergency response teams during hurricane season (June-November, peak in August-September)

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Proof of work eligibility (I-9)
• Copy of Driver’s License/State ID
• Social Security Card or SSN verification
• Background checks including:

  • SSN Trace
  • County and state criminal checks (7 years)
  • Sex Offender Registry
  • National Criminal and FACIS 3
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks within 30 days of start and updated for renewals
• Education verification (diploma/transcripts)
• NURSYS verification for RN license
• Primary source verification of active, unencumbered SC RN license or compact license
• References: 2 clinical references or hospital evaluations
• Employment history verification: last 3 clinical employers verified

Certifications & Competencies

• BLS (AHA only)
• PALS (AHA only)
• ACLS not required for pediatric units
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) recommended
• Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) not required for ER RNs
• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam required
• Color Blind Testing required prior to start
• Competency exam required

Health & Safety Requirements

• Physical exam attesting ability to meet job demands, updated annually
• Fit test for N95 mask within 90 days prior to start, renewed annually
• Immunizations/vaccinations required or proof of immunity:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years or declination form)
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella: positive titer or vaccination series with boosters if needed
  • Hepatitis B: titer, vaccine series, or declination
  • Varicella: positive titer or vaccination series with boosters if needed
• Negative TB test (T-spot or Q-Gold) within 90 days of start or proof of prior positive with chest x-ray
• Annual TB questionnaire
• 10-panel drug screen within 90 days of start (no instant tests)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or medical/religious exemption required during flu season (Aug-April)
• COVID-19 vaccination highly preferred; declination form required if not vaccinated
• Upload vaccination records and flu documentation into facility system prior to start

Orientation & Facility Specifics

• Completion of orientation modules (approx. 2 hours) required before starting
• First Day Instructions (FDI) and OurDay platform access provided after clearance
• Passport-style badge photo required prior to start
• Compliance with facility-specific policies and procedures mandatory

Additional Notes

• Facility may accommodate block scheduling with approval
• Facility allows floating within scope to meet patient care needs
• Travel nurses should be aware of potential hurricane season emergency assignments

This position offers an opportunity to work in a high-acuity pediatric critical care environment at a Level I Trauma and Magnet-designated teaching hospital. Candidates must meet all licensure, certification, and health requirements prior to start.