PCU | Registered Nurse

PCU Registered Nurse (RN) – Travel Nursing Contract in Knoxville, Tennessee

Seeking an experienced PCU Registered Nurse (RN) for a 13-week travel nursing contract in Knoxville, Tennessee. Join a progressive cardiac and cardiothoracic stepdown unit caring for adult and geriatric patients recovering from complex cardiac and thoracic procedures while collaborating with a multidisciplinary clinical team. Knoxville offers outdoor recreation, scenic surroundings, vibrant local culture, and convenient access to the Great Smoky Mountains.

PCU Travel RN Job Details

• Specialty: Progressive Care Unit (PCU) / Cardiac Cardiothoracic Stepdown
• Weekly Estimated Pay: $1,980–$2,080
• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
• Start Date: November 30, 2026
• Assignment Duration: 13 weeks, through March 1, 2027
• Schedule: Three 12-hour night shifts per week
• Shift: 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 a.m.
• Hours: 36 hours per week
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend or two weekends per month
• Patient Population: Adults and geriatrics
• Typical Assignment: 4–6 patients
• Documentation and Medication Systems: Cerner preferred; Omnicell
• Additional Scheduling Information: Floating may be required to areas within the nurse’s competency and skill set, including task nursing assignments.

PCU Registered Nurse Job Requirements

• Active Registered Nurse license in Tennessee or a compact RN license in hand at the time of submission
• At least 2 years of current PCU, cardiac stepdown, ICU, or comparable progressive care experience
• Prior travel nursing experience required
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications
• NIHSS certification, or ability to obtain it after offer
• Recent experience caring for patients with cardiac and cardiothoracic conditions
• Demonstrated proficiency with telemetry, dysrhythmia interpretation and management, central line care, chest tubes, pleuravacs, cardiac drips, and post-procedure monitoring
• Ability to successfully complete a required EKG assessment
• Ability to float within the nurse’s competency and provide safe care in alternate assignments
• Permanent residence must be more than 75 miles from the assignment location for travel eligibility

PCU Travel Nurse Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive nursing care to adult and geriatric patients in a cardiac and cardiothoracic stepdown setting.
• Monitor and manage patients recovering from CABG, TAVR, mitral clip, Watchman, vascular surgery, thoracoscopy, VATS, and other cardiothoracic procedures.
• Care for patients experiencing conditions such as atrial fibrillation, STEMI, pneumothorax, and other complex cardiac or thoracic diagnoses.
• Interpret telemetry and EKG findings, recognize dysrhythmias, and initiate appropriate interventions.
• Manage central lines, chest tubes, pleuravacs, introducers, cardiac drips, and post-cardiac catheterization care.
• Perform ongoing assessments, administer medications, collaborate with providers, and promptly escalate changes in patient condition.
• Support patients who may be postoperative day one following cardiac surgery.
• Maintain accurate documentation using Cerner and safely administer medications through Omnicell.
• Collaborate with respiratory therapy, pharmacy, radiology, IV services, rehabilitation, rapid response, and other interdisciplinary teams.
• Float to other appropriate areas or task assignments as needed while maintaining safe, high-quality patient care.

Apply now for this PCU Registered Nurse travel contract in Knoxville, Tennessee, and join a high-acuity cardiac and cardiothoracic care team.

Benefits

401K with Matching, Healthcare, Dental and Vision

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity across our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.