PCU Registered Nurse
Lexington, Kentucky
University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital

Registered Nurse - PCU (Night Shift) - Travel/Contract

Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Contract Length: 14 weeks
Shift: Night (3 shifts per week, 12 hours each, 7:00 PM - 7:30 AM)
Hours per Week: 36

Unit Description

• Primarily a trauma/surgical unit with emphasis on orthopedic trauma and fragility fracture/geriatric trauma.
• Experience required in all surgical subspecialties.
• Level 1 Trauma experience required.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Kentucky.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a Progressive Care Unit (PCU), with PCU experience within the last year.
• Experience working with Level 1 Trauma patients.
• Experience in all surgical subspecialties.
• Mobility with Durable Medical Equipment (DME) experience.
• Acknowledgement of Pass/Fail Testing including EKG and Medication competency exams.

Background and Compliance Requirements

• Background checks including county and national criminal, sex offender, FACIS III, education verification, and EPLS/GSA/SAM/OIG checks must be current and updated annually.
• Education verification or signed official transcript required.
• Employment and work history verification covering 7 years required.
• Two supervisor references verified within 6 months of start required.
• Employment application must explain any gaps longer than 30 days.

Health and Immunization Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year of start, signed by MD, NP, or PA confirming good health and ability to perform job duties.
• Fit mask test within 1 year, updated annually (acceptable masks include Halyard Regular/small, 3M N95 models).
• Immunizations or positive titers required for:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years)
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (MMR vaccines or positive titers)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Hepatitis B (positive titer, series, or declination)
• Negative TB test (PPD or equivalent) within 1 year, renewed annually; chest x-ray required if history of positive TB.
• Drug testing within 1 year of start, updated annually (comprehensive panel required).
• Seasonal flu vaccination/documentation required annually (medical/religious exemptions accepted).
• COVID vaccination initial series required or medical/religious exemption; booster preferred but not required.

Competency and Skills Testing

• Unit-specific competency exams via Relias within 1 year of start, renewed annually (80% passing score required).
• Medication test/pharmacology competency exam required.
• Color blindness test required.
• RN Math Ability Competency Exam required annually.
• Pass/Fail EKG/Dysrhythmia exam required for ICU, Telemetry, Stepdown, ER, PACU, Cath Lab, and other specified units; two attempts allowed before cancellation.
• Skills checklists must be current and renewed annually.

Additional Notes

• Local travelers within 100 miles are not accepted for this assignment.
• Candidates must have a renewal plan in place for any certifications or documents expiring during the contract.
• Facility-specific policies including confidentiality, acceptable use, electronic communications, and password policies must be signed prior to start.
• Candidates must complete all required documentation and testing within specified timeframes to maintain clearance.

This position offers an opportunity to work in a high-acuity trauma and surgical progressive care unit with a focus on orthopedic and geriatric trauma patients during night shifts. Candidates must be prepared to meet rigorous certification, health, and compliance standards.