PCU Registered Nurse Job in Des Moines, IA

Join UnityPoint – Iowa Methodist Medical Center as a Registered Nurse in our Progressive Care Unit (PCU). This is a 91-day travel assignment beginning September 28, 2026, offering $2,421 weekly pay.

Schedule & Expectations

• Work 3x12 night shifts with every 3rd weekend required
• No on-call responsibilities
• 16 guaranteed hours per week; billable overtime applies between 36–40 hours per week
• Navy blue scrubs required
• Must float across all campuses as needed
• Required to work 1–2 of 3 upcoming summer holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day) unless unit is closed

Unit Overview

The PCU consists of 25 beds with a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:5–6. Patient population includes heavy neuro trauma, neurosurgery, craniectomy, and orthopedic cases.

Clinical Skills Required

• Drip experience: Heparin, PCA, and 3% Sodium/Na (no titration)
• Specialty equipment: telemetry, lift equipment, chest tubes, and Airvo
• EKG/strip reading, measuring, and telemetry monitoring
• EPIC EMR experience
• 24 months of Med-Surg, IMCU, Stepdown, or Progressive Care experience in a hospital or medical center setting
• Neurology/neurosurgery care experience required
• Orthopedic care experience required
• Trauma care experience highly preferred
• Trauma Level I experience highly preferred

Experience & Travel Requirements

• Must have completed at least one travel assignment in the previous 12 months (no first-time travelers)
• De-escalation certificate preferred (CPI, MOAB, MAB, or SAMA accepted)
• NIHSS preferred and can be obtained during onboarding

Licensure & Certifications

• Active Iowa license or compact/multistate license required
• BLS (AHA/ARC) required
• ACLS (AHA/ARC) required
• NIHSS required

Residency Requirement

All candidates must reside at least 50 miles from the facility based on driver's license.