Neuro PCU RN
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Bronson Methodist Hospital

Registered Nurse: Stepdown Neuro

Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan Employment Type: Travel/Contract Contract Length: 13 weeks (up to 26 weeks offered; please indicate preference) Hours: 36 or 48 hour weeks (please indicate preference) Shift: Day, 3x12 hours (7:00 to 19:30), 36 hours per week Schedule Notes: Works every other weekend. No holiday requests. Holiday dates may be discussed with the manager to determine whether the unit can accommodate them.

Unit Overview

• 40-bed medical surgical unit specializing in neurological disorders, including stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and other inflammatory disorders of the brain and spinal cord
• Large spinal surgery population, including post-operative neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, laminectomy, and spinal fusion patients
• Six step-down/telemetry beds and six bariatric beds
• Four-bed Neuro Monitoring Unit that admits seizure patients starting at age 5
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:4 or 1:5
• May be asked to float to other Med/Surg units, ICU units, and ED waiting rooms

Requirements

• Valid RN license in Michigan
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Neuro PCU (Progressive Care Unit) experience of 1 year, completed within the last year
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA)
• NIHSS certification, or willingness to complete it before start
• Medication test/pharmacology competency exam completed within 1 year before the assignment start, with a score of at least 80%
• Competency exam completed in specialty within 1 year before the assignment start, with a score of at least 80%
• Orientation safety manual acknowledgment

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 to 2 years of step-down experience

Pre-Start Requirements

Background and Screening

• Criminal background check within 45 days of start, with a lifetime search back to age 18 and annual renewal required
• Education verification required
• 10-panel drug test including marijuana, completed within 30 days of start (instant/rapid screens are acceptable if they meet this panel)
• Physical exam within 1 year of start

Health and Immunizations

• TB screening: 1 negative PPD or QuantiFERON/T-SPOT within 30 days of start, plus a TB questionnaire updated annually
• Measles (rubeola), mumps, rubella, and varicella: 2 vaccines or positive titer (historical immunizations accepted from a state database or physician's office; exemptions not accepted)
• Hepatitis B: titer, series, or facility declination required
• Tdap: proof of 1 prior dose
• Influenza: candidates starting after 11/1 must be vaccinated or have an approved exemption on file by 12/1; medical and spiritual exemptions only, submitted within 48 hours of contract signing
• Fit test must be completed onsite

Documentation

• Government-issued photo ID
• Proof of name change, if documents show a different name
• Employment application or resume covering a full 7-year work history with no gaps, dated MM/YYYY
• Skills checklist for the applicable unit, updated annually
• Facility code of conduct and appearance standards reviewed before start
• Acknowledgment of the code of conduct

References and History

• One professional reference from a supervisor or manager is required. Charge nurse references are acceptable if they directly supervised the candidate.