Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurse
Augusta, Georgia
University Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (PCU)

Location: Augusta, Georgia
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 12 weeks

Job Summary

• Patient Population: Adults to Geriatrics
• Unit Type: Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
• Patient Acuity: Intermediate level monitoring (interventions no more frequent than 1 hour)
• Diagnoses include dysrhythmias, CHF, acute onset stroke (non-TPA), Acute Coronary Syndrome, Myocardial Ischemia, and medical-surgical patients
• Fast-paced environment focused on patient throughput and patient-centered care
• All patients are on hardwire telemetry and self-monitored by the RN
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:4
• Unit census: 12 beds
• Systems used: Epic, Pyxis
• Scrub color: Navy Blue
• Floating: Yes, within facility/scope of practice as needed
• Weekend schedule: Every other weekend
• Holiday work: Required to work major holidays if they fall during assignment (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving/Black Friday, Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Eve/Day)
• Return to Orientation (RTO): Maximum 7 days, with blackout dates during Spring Break (April 4th-12th)

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 2 years in specialty (Registered Nurse)
• Prior Travel Experience: Not required (1st timers accepted)
• Licensure: Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license for Georgia
• Certifications:

  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• Competencies:

  • Medication Test/Pharmacology Competency Exam (required by agency)
  • Dysrhythmia/EKG Competency Exam (required for Telemetry/PCU)
  • Color Blind Testing (required)
  • Competency Exam (required by agency)

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

• Background check completed within 30 days prior to start, including education verification
• State license verification within 30 days prior to start
• Annual NURSYS verification within 30 days prior to start
• Physical exam within 12 months prior to start
• Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 12 months prior to start
• TB questionnaire updated annually
• Immunizations/vaccinations required or documentation of immunity:

  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) - 2 vaccines or positive titer
  • Varicella - 2 vaccines or positive titer
  • Hepatitis B surface antibody titer or signed declination
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (Tdap highly recommended)
  • Seasonal Flu vaccination or declination (required during flu season)
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days prior to start
• Skills checklist within 12 months, updated annually
• Work history verification of most recent employer (can be pending at start with proof running)
• Two clinical references required

Additional Information

• Orientation hours vary based on contract length (e.g., 12 weeks = 12 hours orientation)
• Full compliance with all requirements is mandatory to start on time; delays in compliance may result in assignment pushback
• Locals accepted at the same rate
• Candidate must review and sign facility-specific policies including Code of Conduct and Dress/Professional Appearance Policy

This position offers a dynamic work environment with a supportive team and opportunities to care for a diverse adult to geriatric patient population in a progressive care setting.