PCU Registered Nurse
Anchorage, Alaska
Providence Alaska Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - PCU

Location

• Anchorage, Alaska

Employment Type

• Travel/Contract

Contract Length

• 13 weeks

Start Date

• ASAP

Shift Details

• Night shift options: 3x12 or 4x12 hours (traveler's choice)
• Hours per week: 48 (typically 12 hours per shift)

Unit Information

• Stepdown unit from ICU with diverse patient populations across multiple disciplines
• Patient ratios: 1 RN to 4 patients, 1 CNA to 6 patients
• Utilizes a Co-Care/Virtual Nursing Model: bedside RN supported by a virtual RN and CNA
• Patient mix includes:

  • Cardiac patients (CHF, MI, post-TAVR/MVR, pacemakers, arrhythmias, ACS)
  • Respiratory patients (COVID, flu, COPD, asthma exacerbations, trach >24h, chronic home ventilators)
  • Neuro and renal overflow patients
  • Complex medical-surgical cases requiring higher monitoring (e.g., alcohol withdrawal, GI bleeds)
• Floating within scope to lower acuity units, renal care, neuro, and medical-surgical units may be required
• Weekend coverage may be more frequent than every other weekend, based on staffing needs
• No on-call required
• Block scheduling not accommodated
• Candidates must live at least 50 miles from the facility (no locals accepted)

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in Alaska
• Minimum 1 year of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• ACLS certification issued by the American Heart Association
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association or Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification

Facility Information

• Acute hospital setting
• Magnet designated facility
• Level II Trauma center
• Recognized as a top hospital in Alaska
• Total staffed beds: 407
• Electronic health record system: Epic
• Scrubs provided
• Free parking available

Scheduling and Hours

• Guaranteed 60 hours per 2 weeks
• May be called off for one 12-hour shift per 2 weeks
• Time off requests approved individually and must be included with submission

Health and Safety Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year of start, signed by MD, NP, PA, or DO, confirming ability to work
• Fit mask testing required for travel candidates (updated annually)
• Immunizations/vaccinations required or declination forms accepted:

  • TDAP (Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis) within 10 years
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (2 MMR vaccines or positive titer)
  • Varicella (2 vaccines or positive titer)
  • Hepatitis B (vaccination series or signed declination; positive titer plus vaccine series required for Alaska placements)
  • Seasonal flu vaccine during flu season (declination accepted)
  • COVID vaccination record preferred; declination accepted
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 12 months, updated annually
• Respiratory safety clearance required annually for respirator use

Background and Compliance

• Background check within 90 days covering all locations lived/worked in past 7 years; must be updated annually
• Education verification required for nursing degree
• Drug screening: 9-panel drug screen within 12 months (instant acceptable)
• Employment application covering at least last 5 years of employment
• Minimum of 2 professional references covering 1 year of employment in a comparable specialty/setting within last 3 years
• Skills checklist required annually for applicable units

Additional Requirements

• Float policy acknowledgement required; may be required to float to other nearby facilities
• Various annual regulatory and specialty-specific training modules required via LMS
• Badge photo required for identification

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work in a high-acuity stepdown unit with a diverse patient population in a well-regarded acute care hospital in Alaska. The role requires flexibility, strong clinical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within a virtual nursing model.