Registered Nurse (RN) – Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
Location
Des Moines, IA
Schedule / Job Type
Contract | Days | Onsite
Key Responsibilities
Provide direct patient care in a 25-bed Progressive Care Unit with a primary focus on heavy neuro trauma, neurosurgery, craniectomy, and orthopedic patient populations
Manage assigned patient load at a 1:5–1:6 RN-to-patient ratio, ensuring safe and effective care delivery
Administer and monitor drips including Heparin, PCAs, and 3% Sodium (no titration required)
Perform EKG strip reading, measurement, and telemetry monitoring throughout the shift
Operate specialty equipment including telemetry monitors, chest tubes, and Airvo devices
Float across multiple campuses as required to support staffing needs across the health system
Required Qualifications
Minimum 24 months of recent experience in a Medical Surgical, IMCU, Stepdown, or Progressive Care setting within a hospital or medical center
Neurology and/or neurosurgery care experience required
Orthopedic care experience required
Drip experience with Heparin, PCA, and 3% Sodium/Na required
EKG/strip reading and telemetry experience required
Active Iowa RN license or active Compact/Multistate RN license at time of submission required
Active AHA or ARC ACLS certification required
Active AHA or ARC BLS certification required
Proficiency with EPIC EMR required
Must have completed at least one prior travel assignment within the past 12 months (no first-time travelers)
Preferred Experience / Skills
Trauma Level I care experience highly preferred
Experience with specialty equipment including chest tubes and Airvo highly preferred
NIHSS certification preferred (can be obtained during onboarding)
De-escalation certificate preferred (CPI, MOAB, MAB, or SAMA accepted)
Why Join Us
Work in a dynamic, high-acuity Progressive Care environment with exposure to complex neuro, neurosurgery, and orthopedic patient populations
Gain experience across multiple campuses within a well-established regional health system