Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
Charleston, South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina - University Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse – Medical Surgical Unit

Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit & Patient Population

• Unit Name: Complex Intervention Unit (2CIU)
• Level of Care: Adult Medical-Surgical / Acute Care
• Unit Focus: 12 beds for patients with co-occurring medical and behavioral health conditions
• Patient Population:

  • 18-bed adult acute care unit divided into:

    • 6-bed Acute Care side (1:3 nurse-to-patient ratio)
    • 12-bed Behavioral Health side (1:4 nurse-to-patient ratio)
  • Nurses may float within scope to meet facility needs
• Shift: 3 shifts of 12 hours (7:00 AM – 7:30 PM) with holiday rotation
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend (EOW)
• On Call: Not required

Experience & Licensure Requirements

• Specialty: Registered Nurse – Medical Surgical
• Years of Experience Required: Minimum 1 year in Medical-Surgical nursing
• Prior Travel Experience: Not required; first-time travelers accepted
• Experience Required: Medical-Surgical experience and Epic electronic health record system experience
• Licensure: South Carolina RN license or Multi-State/Compact RN license
• Certifications Required:

  • BLS (Basic Life Support) – AHA or ARC only
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) – Required for adult critical care units
• Additional Certifications:

  • PALS, TNCC, CHEMO, NIH Stroke, EFM, and others as applicable to specific units (verify with facility)

Staffing Ratios & Work Environment

• Nurse-to-patient ratios:

  • 1:3 on the medical-surgical side
  • 1:4 on the behavioral health side
• Facility allows calling off 1 shift per 2 weeks
• Facility is a Level I Trauma Center, Teaching Facility, and Magnet Hospital
• Charting system: EPIC
• Scrub color: Solid Royal Blue or White top with Royal Blue bottoms

Important Notes

• Hurricane Season: June through November; travelers may be assigned to emergency response teams during this time
• Local Radius: 60 miles; locals may be accepted on a case-by-case basis
• Block Scheduling: Possible with manager approval, dependent on unit needs

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Background Checks:

  • Annual background check covering all locations lived/worked in past 7 years
  • Includes SSN trace, state and national criminal checks, sex offender registry, FACIS 3, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG
• Education Verification: Required; diploma or transcripts may be accepted as placeholders
• Licensure Verification: Primary source verification required; NURSYS verification for RNs
• Drug Testing: 10-panel drug screen within 90 days of start; no instant tests accepted
• Health Documents:

  • Physical exam updated annually
  • Fit test for N95 mask within 90 days prior to start, renewed annually
  • Immunizations and titers: Tdap (within 10 years), Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B (titer, vaccine series, or declination)
  • TB test (T-spot or Q-Gold) within 90 days of start or chest x-ray if positive history
  • Flu vaccine required during flu season or medical/religious exemption accepted (no declinations)
  • COVID vaccination highly preferred; declination form required if not vaccinated
• Competency Exams: Medication/pharmacology competency and other unit-specific competency exams required
• Photo for Badge: Passport-style photo with solid light background, frontal view, business casual attire

Orientation & Facility Specifics

• Completion of orientation modules (OurDay platform) required before start
• Modules typically take 2-6 hours depending on location
• COVID and flu vaccination documentation must be uploaded into the facility system
• Parking permit available with a registration fee

Summary

This is a 13-week travel contract for a Registered Nurse with at least 1 year of Medical-Surgical experience, working in a specialized unit caring for patients with complex medical and behavioral health needs. The position requires South Carolina or compact RN licensure, BLS and ACLS certifications, and experience with Epic. The role offers 12-hour shifts with every other weekend off and requires compliance with extensive background, health, and competency documentation. First-time travelers are welcome.