Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurse
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana University Health University Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (PCU) - Travel/Contract

Location: Indianapolis, Indiana

Position Overview

• Specialty: Registered Nurse
• Unit: Progressive Care Unit (PCU) - Surgical PCU with near ICU level acuity
• Employment Type: Travel/Contract
• Contract Length: 13 weeks

Experience & Skills Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of nursing experience required
• Proficient in:

  • Cardiac monitoring (on-unit monitoring)
  • Management of chest tubes
  • Fresh tracheostomies
  • Feeding tube care and management
  • Post-operative patient care
  • Epidurals
  • Management of non-titratable cardiac drips
  • IV insulin protocols and titration of insulin drips
  • External BiPAP/CPAP
  • Total laryngectomy care
  • Doppler flap checks

Certifications Required

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• Other certifications may be required depending on unit assignment (e.g., PALS, NRP, CHEMO, TNCC, EFM)

Work Expectations

• First Time Travelers Accepted
• Locals are not accepted
• Call-in shifts must be made up during the pay period or added to the end of the contract depending on FTE status
• Weekend shifts: expected to work every other weekend; consecutive weekends may be required based on operational needs
• May be required to float to different levels of care (Med-Surg, PCU, ICU)
• Refusal to float may result in contract termination
• Possible charge nurse responsibilities with training and resources provided
• Teaching facility: travel nurses must agree to precepting and/or having students shadow them

Patient Acuity & Staffing Ratios

• Staffing ratio: 1 nurse to 3-4 patients
• Patient types include ENT surgeries (neck dissections, mandibulectomy), thoracic surgeries (esophagectomy, lobectomy, pneumonectomy), general surgery (pancreatic, bowel/liver resections), urology (urinary diversions, cystectomies, RPLND), and medical overflow

Important Notes

• Effective 11/30/2024, Indiana RNs are generally not allowed to work at this facility except for Perioperative/OR, Allied, and Ambulatory RN travelers (including ENDO, IR RN, PACU, Cath Lab RN, SDS) who are exempt from this rule

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Valid Driver’s License or Passport (clear copy)
• Background checks including 7-year history, criminal, sex offender, FACIS Level III, education verification
• State license verification (within 30 days of start)
• Physical exam within 12 months of start
• Fit mask test within 12 months (specific respirators approved)
• Immunizations and titers:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (strongly recommended)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year
  • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella: positive titer or 2 vaccines required, no declinations accepted
  • Hepatitis B series, titer, or signed declination required
  • Varicella: positive titer or 2 vaccines required, no declinations accepted
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 12 months
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required during flu season (9/30 - 3/31)
• Competency exams including medication/pharmacology and unit competency exam
• References: Minimum 2 references from recent employment with supervisory titles
• Skills checklist within 12 months, completed annually
• Completion of facility-specific orientation and compliance documents prior to start

Prior Travel Experience

• Not required; first-time travelers are accepted

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work in a high-acuity PCU setting with a variety of surgical and medical patients in a teaching hospital environment. Candidates must be flexible, willing to float, and comfortable with precepting students.