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

PICU Registered Nurse Travel/Contract Position

Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Details

• Unit: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), 28-bed unit caring for children ages 0-18 with medical and surgical diagnoses including respiratory compromise, trauma, post-op surgical care, neurology/neurosurgery.
• Shift: Night shift, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 PM – 7:30 AM)
• Weekend Requirement: 4 weekend shifts per 4-week schedule
• Patient Ratios: Mixed ICU and Stepdown patients; ratios vary between 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3
• Floating: Floating within scope to meet unit needs is required
• Guaranteed Hours: Facility may call off 1 shift every 2 weeks
• Local Radius: 60 miles; local candidates considered case-by-case

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in South Carolina
• Minimum 1 year of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Certifications & Competencies

• Additional Certifications:

  • ACLS not required for pediatric units
  • Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) recommended
  • Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) not required for ER RNs
• Competency Exams: Required as applicable
• Color Blind Testing: Required prior to start

Health & Safety Requirements

• Physical Exam: Initial and annual physical exam attesting ability to meet job demands
• Fit Test: N95 fit test within 90 days prior to start, renewed annually (specific mask models required)
• Immunizations & Titers:

  • Tdap within 10 years or declination form
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella: Positive titer or vaccination series required; boosters if low titer
  • Varicella: Positive titer or vaccination series required; boosters if low titer
  • Hepatitis B: Titer, vaccine series, or declination required
• TB Testing: Negative T-spot or Q-Gold within 90 days of start; annual TB questionnaire required
• Drug Screening: 10-panel drug screen within 90 days of start; no instant tests accepted
• COVID-19: Vaccines highly preferred but not required; vaccination records must be uploaded or declination form completed
• Flu Vaccine: Required during flu season (Aug 1 – Mar 31); medical/religious exemptions accepted but no declinations

Background & Verification

• Background Check: Annual background check covering all locations lived/worked in past 7 years, including SSN trace, criminal, sex offender, and national registries
• Employment Verification: Last 3 clinical employers verified; attestation letters accepted if verification not possible
• Education Verification: Required; diploma or transcripts accepted as placeholder if verification pending
• License Verification: Primary source verification required; must be active and unencumbered
• NURSYS Verification: Required for all RNs
• References: Proof of 2 clinical references or hospital evaluations

Documentation & Onboarding

• Photo for Badge: Clear, passport-style photo with solid light background, frontal view, shoulders up, business casual attire
• Facility Specific Modules: Must complete orientation modules prior to start (approx. 2 hours)
• First Day Instructions: Provided after clearance; all required modules must be completed before orientation or traveler will be sent home
• Radiation Badge: Not required for PICU RN

Additional Notes

• Hurricane Season: Travelers may be assigned to emergency response teams during June-November; peak activity in August and September
• Schedule Flexibility: Block scheduling possible with manager approval, dependent on unit needs
• Local Candidates: Accepted on a case-by-case basis

This position offers an opportunity to work in a Level I Trauma Center and Magnet-designated teaching hospital with advanced pediatric critical care services.