PICU Registered Nurse
Charleston, South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina - Children's Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (PICU) - Charleston, South Carolina

Position Details

• Specialty: Registered Nurse (PICU)
• Location: Charleston, South Carolina
• Employment Type: Travel/Contract
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Shift: 3x12 hour shifts, rotating primarily days (2 months days 7a-7:30p, 1 month nights 7p-7:30a)
• Weekend Requirement:

  • Days: 4 weekend shifts per schedule (including Saturdays and Sundays)
  • Nights: Up to 5 weekend shifts per schedule (including Fri/Sat/Sun)
• On-call: Not required
• Patient Ratios: 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 (mixed ICU and Stepdown patients)
• Floating: Yes, within scope to meet facility needs

Unit Description

• 28-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
• Provides intensive and intermediate care for children ages 0-18
• Patient diagnoses include respiratory compromise, trauma, post-op surgical care, neurology/neurosurgery
• Advanced therapies offered: ECMO, CRRT, renal/peritoneal dialysis, ventilatory and cardiac support
• Pediatric palliative care available as needed
• Multidisciplinary team includes RNs, Patient Care Technicians, Unit Secretaries, Respiratory Therapy, Pediatric Dietitians, and Pediatric Pharmacists

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 2 years of PICU experience (highest required)
• Travel Experience: First-time travelers accepted (no prior travel experience required)
• Licensure: South Carolina RN license or Multi-State/Compact RN license
• Certifications:

  • BLS (American Heart Association only)
  • PALS (American Heart Association only)
• Preferred Experience: ECMO, CRRT

Scheduling & Other Requirements

• Block scheduling possible with manager approval, dependent on unit needs
• Local candidates accepted on a case-by-case basis
• Guaranteed hours: Facility may call off 1 shift per 2 weeks
• Local radius: 60 miles

Facility Highlights

• Level I Trauma Center
• Teaching facility
• Magnet hospital
• Total staffed beds: 820
• Electronic charting system: EPIC

Important Notes

• During hurricane season (June-November, peak in August and September), all employees and contractors may be assigned to emergency response teams. Travelers should consider this before accepting assignments during this period.

Required Documentation & Compliance

Licensure & Verification

• South Carolina RN license or compact license primary source verification required
• NURSYS verification required for all RNs
• Licenses must be active, unencumbered, and no pending actions
• Temporary "walk-through" licensure process available for SC license (24-48 business hours ETA)

Certifications

• BLS (AHA only, no expiring within 30 days of start)
• PALS (AHA only, no expiring within 30 days of start)
• ACLS not required for pediatric units
• Other certifications as applicable (e.g., NRP, TNCC, EFM) depending on unit specifics

Background Checks

• Annual background check covering all locations lived/worked in past 7 years
• Includes SSN trace, state and national criminal checks, sex offender registry, FACIS 3, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG
• Education verification required; diploma/transcripts accepted as placeholders if needed

Health & Immunization Requirements

• Physical exam updated annually, attesting ability to meet physical demands
• Fit test for N95 mask within 90 days prior to start, renewed annually
• Immunizations/vaccinations required or proof of immunity for:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years or declination form)
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (positive titer or vaccines)
  • Varicella (positive titer or vaccines)
  • Hepatitis B (titer, vaccine series, or declination)
  • Flu vaccine required during flu season (Aug 1 - Apr 30), medical/religious exemptions accepted but no declinations
• Negative TB test (T-spot or Q-Gold) within 90 days of start or proof of prior positive with chest x-ray
• Drug screen: 10-panel urine drug screen within 90 days of start (no instant tests)

Competency Exams

• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam required
• Competency exam required for applicable units

Facility Specific Requirements

• Completion of orientation modules prior to start (approx. 2 hours)
• Upload COVID vaccination records or complete vaccination declination form
• Passport-style photo for badge required before start
• Proof of 2 clinical references
• Employment application including all PTO, contract assignments, agency names, and no unaccounted gaps

Summary

This is a 13-week travel contract for a Registered Nurse with at least 2 years of PICU experience in Charleston, SC. The position requires BLS and PALS certifications, SC or compact RN licensure, and offers rotating 12-hour shifts with weekend requirements. First-time travelers are welcome. The PICU is a 28-bed unit providing advanced pediatric critical care including ECMO and CRRT. Compliance with extensive background checks, health screenings, immunizations, and facility-specific onboarding is mandatory.