PCU Float RN
San Diego, California
UC San Diego Float Pool

Job Opportunity: PCU Float Registered Nurse

Location: San Diego, California
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Work as a Registered Nurse floating across multiple PCU (Progressive Care Unit) locations including general medicine, surgical, neuro, oncology, cardiac, and orthopedic units.
• Must be comfortable working at 4 different locations during the contract and may float to Emergency Department Inpatient Overflow (EDIP) in the ER.
• Float to PCU/IMU (Intermediate Care Unit) and Medical-Surgical (MS) units as census permits.
• Typical nurse-to-patient ratios: IMU 1:3, Telemetry 1:4, MS 1:5.
• Documentation systems used: EPIC and Pyxis.
• Schedule: Night shift, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 PM to 7:00 AM).
• Shift assignments communicated 2 hours prior to shift start; no self-scheduling or blocked scheduling.
• Potential assignment to a new unit requiring cardiology and neuro skills if activated during contract.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in California.
• Minimum 2 years of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience, with at least some experience within the last year.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Experience with IV starts and arterial line (A-line) management.
• Ability to float across multiple units and locations.
• Must be willing to work night shifts.

Certifications & Licenses

• RN License: Must hold an active Registered Nurse license valid in California.
• ACLS: Required for PCU, IMU, Telemetry, and related units.
• BLS (Basic Life Support): Required for all RNs.
• Other certifications may be required depending on unit assignment (e.g., NIH Stroke Certification).

Background & Compliance Requirements

• Background checks must be current within 6 months and include:

  • Criminal history (all aliases must be checked).
  • SSN trace audit.
  • County, sexual offender, national criminal databases.
  • DMV check if driving is required (no DUI in last 5 years allowed for driving roles).
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start and monthly thereafter.
• California Medi-Cal search required within 30 days of start and monthly thereafter.
• Drug screening: 9-panel drug test within 30 days of start; must be re-run if break in service exceeds 30 days.
• Physical exam required within 1 year of start; must be updated if break in service exceeds 30 days.

Health & Immunization Requirements

• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 3 months of start.
• Annual TB questionnaire.
• Required immunizations or proof of immunity:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years).
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (positive titer or 2 vaccines).
  • Hepatitis B (proof of vaccination and/or titer or signed declination).
  • Varicella (chickenpox) immunity.
• Seasonal flu vaccine strongly preferred during flu season (Nov 1 – Mar 31); declination requires forms and masking policy adherence.
• COVID-19 vaccine (current bivalent version) or signed declination required.
• Fit mask test (N95 or equivalent) required and must be updated annually; Float Pool RNs must have fit test completed prior to start.

References & Competencies

• Two professional references required from leadership roles within the last 2 years in the current specialty.
• Medication/pharmacology competency exam required with a passing score of 80% or higher.
• Color blindness testing required (online acceptable).
• Clinical competency exam required with a passing score of 80% or higher.

Additional Notes

• Candidates must be flexible to float across multiple units and locations.
• No self-scheduling; shift assignments are communicated shortly before shifts.
• Documentation and training modules will be provided prior to or during orientation.
• Prior travel experience is not required; first-time travelers are accepted.

This position is ideal for experienced PCU RNs comfortable with floating across multiple units and working night shifts in a dynamic hospital environment.