PCU Registered Nurse
Potsdam, New York
Canton-Potsdam Hospital

Job Opportunity: PCU Registered Nurse

Location: Potsdam, New York
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Work on a mixed acuity unit including Progressive Care Unit (PCU), Medical-Surgical Telemetry (MS Tele), and Medical-Surgical patients.
• Patient diagnoses include PCU and MS Tele, surgical pre/post-op (ENT, general surgery, trauma surgery, ortho surgery), overflow medical diagnoses, and rare pediatric patients (travelers assigned only if experienced).
• Ratios: 1:3-5 (days and weekends), 1:3-6 (nights).
• Shift: Night shift, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 PM - 7:00 AM).
• Float requirement: Yes, may float to sister units (West 2, West 3, Observation unit).
• Weekend requirement: Every other weekend.
• Return to Office (RTO): Maximum 7 days.
• Unit systems: EPIC (electronic health record), Pyxis (medication dispensing), SBAR (communication tool).
• Unit orientation: 12 hours.

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in New York.
• Minimum 3 years of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience, including experience within the last year.
• ACLS certification.
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• NIHSS certification.
• PALS certification.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

Required Skills

• Telemetry and PCU/DOU/IMC/Stepdown nursing skills.
• Interpretation and management of dysrhythmias.
• Post-myocardial infarction care.
• IV insulin protocols and titration of insulin drips.
• Feeding tube care and management.
• Continuous bladder irrigation.
• Renal failure management.
• Accessing ports and blood product administration.
• Central line, peripheral line, and PICC line care/management.
• Phlebotomy and starting IVs.
• Heparin protocols.
• Management of cardiac drips (including titration).
• PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) management.
• Thrombolytic agents administration.
• Care for CVA (stroke), seizure disorders, substance withdrawal.
• Ortho trauma care including peripheral nerve block catheters, total joint replacements, traction, mastectomy.
• Chest tube management (Emerson/Pleur-evac).
• Use of external CPAP/BIPAP and high flow nasal cannula (HFNC).
• Interpretation of arterial blood gases (ABGs).
• Oxygen delivery via nasal cannula and face masks.
• Non-invasive airway management and tracheostomy care.
• Isolation precautions.
• Wound care including wound vac management.

Health and Compliance Requirements

• Government-issued photo ID required.
• Background checks including 7-year criminal history, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG within 30 days of start.
• Education verification for nursing degree.
• Drug testing within 30 days of start (specific panels required).
• Physical exam within 1 year of start, updated annually.
• Fit mask test within 1 year of start, updated annually (specific mask types accepted).
• Immunizations and titers required:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years, TD not accepted).
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year.
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (positive titers or vaccinations required; age exemptions apply).
  • Hepatitis B (positive titer, completed series, or declination).
  • Varicella (positive titer, vaccination, or documented history).
• Seasonal flu vaccination or signed declination required during flu season.
• Eye exam (Snellen) within 1 year of start.
• Harassment prevention training certificate (New York requirement, annual).
• Medication/pharmacology competency exams and dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam required.
• Orientation safety manual acknowledgement required.
• NURSYS verification for RN license within 30 days of start.

Additional Information

• Scrubs: Any solid color.
• Photo for badge: Clear, passport-style with solid background required.
• References: Two professional references required (per agency).
• Employment application and skills checklist required (updated annually).
• 7-year work history verification required (attestation letter accepted as last resort).
• Modules and patient confidentiality, sexual harassment, patient experience, and compliance policies must be reviewed prior to start.
• Candidates must complete all health-related requirements and lab work within 5 days of signing the contract (if booked within 30 days of start).

This position offers a challenging and diverse clinical environment suitable for nurses with PCU/IMC experience seeking a travel contract in New York.