Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurse
Columbus, Ohio
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital

Travel/Contract Registered Nurse (PCU)

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Specialty: Registered Nurse
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 16 weeks

Job Overview

• Work in a corrections health unit serving Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections inmates.
• Float between Oncology Medical-Surgical (MS) units and Progressive Care Unit (PCU) as needed.
• Ensure staff safety in a secure, locked corrections environment with controlled access by Corrections Officers.
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:3 in PCU, 1:4-5 in MS.
• Shifts may include days, nights, or rotating 12-hour shifts; weekend shifts vary by unit needs.
• Use EPIC for documentation and Pyxis for medication management.

Patient Population & Care

• Patients include those with active oncology diagnoses/treatments (solid tumors, hematology), oncology workup admissions, history of cancer admitted for other reasons, and non-oncology diagnoses such as COPD, sepsis, pneumonia, etc.
• Care involves Medical-Surgical and Telemetry skills.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Cardiac monitoring and dysrhythmia interpretation/management
• Unit-based telemetry monitoring
• IV insulin protocols
• Feeding tube care and management
• Pre/Post hemodialysis and renal failure management
• IV therapy including blood product administration, central/peripheral line and PICC line care, and starting IVs
• Medication management including heparin protocols, cardiac drips (no titration), and PCA
• Respiratory care including CPAP/BIPAP, High Flow Nasal Cannula, ABG interpretation, oxygen delivery devices, non-invasive airway management, and tracheostomy care
• Collaboration with interdisciplinary teams including pharmacy, physical therapy, radiology, respiratory services, social services, and rapid response teams

Required Certifications & Licenses

• License: Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license for Ohio
• Certifications:

  • BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA provider or instructor level required
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) may be required depending on unit (check unit-specific requirements)
  • Other certifications such as PALS, NRP, EFM, NIH Stroke Certification may be required based on unit assignment
• Competency exams including medication/pharmacology, unit-specific competency, and dysrhythmia/EKG exam required within 1 year of start and updated annually

Experience Requirements

• Oncology experience preferred but not required
• Medical-Surgical and telemetry experience expected
• Required years of specialty experience: Not explicitly stated; assume minimum 2 years RN experience (default to higher if conflicting info)
• Prior travel experience is NOT required

Background & Compliance Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check including FBI and BCI fingerprinting required prior to start
• Monthly EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG monitoring
• Education accreditation verification from an accredited nursing program (CCNE, ACEN, or NLN CNEA) required
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 3 months of start (no pending tests allowed)
• Physical exam within 1 year of start confirming good health and free of contagious disease
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Tdap (adult dose)
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year
  • TB questionnaire
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) - 2 vaccines or positive titer
  • Varicella - 2 vaccines or positive titer (medical exemptions reviewed)
  • Hepatitis B titer or 3-vaccine series (declination acceptable)
  • Seasonal flu vaccine or declination during flu season (10/1 - 3/31)
• Annual acknowledgment of dress code, hand hygiene, ethics, compliance, and fraud/waste/abuse policies required

Additional Information

• Must be able to work in a secure corrections environment with controlled access and close supervision by corrections officers
• Shift assignments reviewed every 4 weeks but may change based on staffing needs
• Must complete required competency exams and certifications prior to or shortly after start
• Two professional references required, including at least one from a manager or formal leadership role

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Ohio
• Minimum of 1 year of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience within the last year
• Medical-Surgical and telemetry experience
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system

This position offers a unique opportunity to provide nursing care in a secure corrections health setting with a focus on oncology and medical-surgical patients, utilizing advanced clinical skills and working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.