PCU/Step Down Registered Nurse
Saint Louis, Missouri
Barnes-Jewish Hospital

Travel Registered Nurse – Step Down Unit

Location: Saint Louis, Missouri
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Details

• Start Date: July 6, 2026
• Unit: Progressive Care Unit (PCU) / Step Down
• Shift: Night shift, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 PM – 7:30 AM)
• Patient Ratios: 1 nurse to 2-3 patients on all shifts
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend
• Floating: May float within service line, including to Medical-Surgical units
• Block Scheduling: Not accommodated
• Local Candidates: Not accepted (home must be at least 75 miles from facility)
• On-call: Not required
• Guaranteed Hours: Minimum 3 shifts per 13 weeks
• Relias EKG Exam: Must pass; includes interpretation and management of dysrhythmias

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 1 year of PCU experience required
• Experience with ventilators, IV starts, telemetry, long-term vent management, weaning, pulmonary rehab, and tracheostomy care
• Skills in phlebotomy, vent management alongside respiratory therapists, arterial blood gas (ABG) draws preferred, port access, and central line care

Required Certifications & Licenses

• License: Active Registered Nurse (RN) license for Missouri accepted; pending license accepted
• Certifications:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) – AHA only
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) – AHA only, required for this unit
• Competency Exams:

  • Relias Basic Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam (must be completed within 1 year of start and updated annually)
• Education: BSN preferred but not required

Compliance & Background Requirements

• Government-issued ID required (e.g., driver’s license or state ID)
• Criminal background check within 6 months, including statewide and nationwide searches
• Quarterly EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks
• Education verification of highest nursing degree required before start
• Missouri Family Care Safety Registry (FCSR) and Highway Patrol checks as applicable
• Drug testing within 1 year of start, including a comprehensive panel (amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methadone, opiates, oxycodone, PCP)
• Physical exam within 1 year of start
• Fit mask testing (N95 respirators) required and must be renewed annually
• Immunizations and health screenings:

  • Tdap vaccine or declination (expires every 10 years)
  • Two negative TB tests or acceptable alternatives within 1 year of start
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella immunity or vaccination/declination as applicable
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption required during flu season (Sept 30 – Apr 1)

Facility-Specific Requirements

• Must complete facility orientation modules (approximately 16 hours) via online platform before start
• Required to review and sign facility policies including HIPAA, latex allergy, confidentiality, hand hygiene, fingernail, and dress code policies prior to start
• Badge photo required (head and shoulders, white background, no obstructions, taken within 6 months of start)
• Vehicle registration form required for day shift workers (not applicable for this night shift role)
• Must complete regulatory compliance education annually with a passing score of 80% or higher
• Skills checklist specific to unit required within 1 year of start

References & Documentation

• Two professional references required (supervisors preferred within last year)
• Employment application must be submitted and uploaded for facility review
• Unit-specific skills checklist required within 1 year of start

Additional Notes

• No more than 7 days off allowed between shifts (Return to Work restrictions)
• Candidates must be able to float within the service line as needed
• First-time travelers accepted for this position

This position offers an opportunity to work in a large, short-term acute care teaching hospital with a trauma designation, using EPIC for charting. The role requires strong critical care nursing skills in a progressive care/step down environment with a focus on ventilator and telemetry patient management.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Missouri
• Minimum 1 year of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience within the last year
• Telemetry experience
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)