Registered Nurse - Progressive Care Unit
Winston Salem, North Carolina
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - PCU

Location: Winston Salem, North Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Unit Type: Mixed acuity unit with Progressive Care Unit (PCU) and Med-Surg/Telemetry patients
• Shift: 12-hour nights
• Patient Ratio: Target 1:4-5; may go up to 1:6 in extreme situations
• Float Requirement: Required to float to like units
• Weekend Requirement: 4 weekend shifts in 6 weeks (may require more based on staffing needs)
• Patient Population: COPD exacerbations, pneumonia, respiratory distress, COVID-19, flu, pulmonary embolisms
• Special Procedures/Unit Details:

  • Higher acuity med-surg unit
  • Team lead with 3:1 ratio rounds the unit
  • 2 respiratory therapists and assistant nurse manager on shift including weekends
  • Ventilator patients are chronic trach/vent; nurses care for no more than one vent patient at a time
  • 48-bed unit with CNA ratio 9-10:1
  • Common patient conditions include chest tubes, CPAP, BiPAP, telemetry monitoring, and multiple comorbidities
• Special Equipment: Chest tubes, drips (dopamine, cardizem, heparin), vents, trachs, bipaps/cpaps
• Unit Systems: Pyxis, EPIC, SBAR
• Orientation: 24 hours
• Scheduling: Unit can accommodate block scheduling when needs are met
• Scrubs: Not provided; white or navy blue recommended

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in North Carolina
• Minimum 2 years of experience in Progressive Care Unit (PCU), including experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• ACLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• BLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• Proficient in IV start, ventilator care, telemetry, CPAP/BiPAP
• Skilled in interpretation and management of dysrhythmias

Compliance and Screening Requirements

• Criminal background check within 90 days covering local, federal, national databases, sex offender search, and education verification for highest degree earned
• Drug screening within 30 days of start (10-panel, negative result required)
• Physical exam within 1 year of start (30 days if past positive TB)
• Fit testing for N95 mask or completion of PAPR training (not required for non-clinical)
• Negative TB test or chest x-ray per guidelines
• Required immunizations or titers: Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B (or facility-specific declination)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required during flu season
• Medication safety training and other facility-specific mandatory education modules
• Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam required with a minimum passing score of 82% (must pass within 72 hours of start)

Additional Notes

• RTO (Return to Office) Policy: No RTO after booking; call-offs or additional RTO may lead to cancellation
• References: 2 professional references within 3 years required for travel and acute care positions
• Orientation and Training: Non-facility worker orientation required for travel candidates in North Carolina
• Badge Photo: Passport-style photo on white background required for badge creation
• Float Requirement: Must be willing to float to similar units as needed
• Patient Care: Includes care for COVID-19 positive patients

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work in a high-acuity PCU environment with a supportive team and diverse patient population.