Travel PCU Nursing Jobs
A travel progressive care unit (PCU) nurse is someone who helps patients in progressive care units during short-term postings. They work with patients who need close monitoring but not intensive care. Travel PCU nurses are there to offer fast attention if a condition takes a turn for the worse.
Progressive Care Nurses: Duties, Education and Pay
Scope of practice
Travel PCU nurses have a variety of tasks they must perform—all without having facility-specific training. These duties include:
- Preparing medical equipment
- Maintaining supplies at the ready
- Providing continuous patient monitoring and evaluation
- Reporting patient progress
- Assisting doctors with treatments
- Starting IV lines
- Changing dressings
- Administering medications
Travel PCU nurses work in progressive care units in hospitals, specialized treatment and recovery facilities, and long-term care facilities around the country. They operate alongside doctors, other nurses, and specialists.
Required education and training
To become a travel PCU nurse, you must first earn your nursing license. That means getting an associate or bachelor’s degree, which takes between two and four years. You may also pursue a licensed practical nursing (LPN) degree, which can take less time to obtain.
Once you have your degree, you need to pass the NCLEX to get your RN or LPN credentials. You will then have to get certification to work in progressive care, which means earning a PCCN certificate. PCCN certification takes at least two years to complete. Before you can begin working as a travel nurse, however, you must gain about two years of experience working in PCUs.
Travel PCU salary and benefits
The salary of a travel PCU nurse can vary based on where you work, certifications, and experience. The facility you work in and its location are two massive factors in determining pay. As with other travel healthcare careers, you can expect to receive a travel and housing stipend, which is usually tax-free.
Prolink travel nurses receive industry-standard benefits, including:
- Health insurance, including day-one medical coverage
- Life insurance
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- Retirement planning
- Extension and referral bonuses
- CE and certification reimbursement
Find PCU assignments nationwide
Are you ready for a change of scenery? Do you crave adventure and a rewarding career? If so, travel nursing can give you the freedom and opportunities you seek. Working with Prolink lets you explore the country while offering you competitive pay, attractive benefits, and the opportunity to explore new places. Visit a city you’ve never been to before or travel to your favorite destination, all while making a difference in patients' lives and earning great compensation.
Search for Progress Care Unit jobs and get matched with a role that is perfect for your career skills and ambitions. Apply now to be matched with a Prolink recruiter who will find you the latest assignments and stick with you through every adventure.
PCU FAQs
Yes. You have the freedom to decide which job opportunities to take. You will never be required to work in a facility or location you’re not interested in. Additionally, if you have problems at a posting, your agency will take the necessary steps to have any worries addressed promptly. Your Prolink recruiter and our dedicated Clinical Team are always available to support you and address your concerns on assignment.
You typically will earn more as a travel nurse than a local nurse, PCU or otherwise. That’s because you get to choose where you work, meaning you can decide on the highest-paying positions. Travel nurses are also in high demand, and employers are willing to pay significantly for them. Salaries do vary, however, so it’s important that you do your research and rely on a recruiter you trust to find you the highest-paying roles.
Taxes may be slightly more complicated as a travel PCU nurse because you have housing and traveling stipends to account for. As long as you have a home base, these stipends are exempted from taxes, though there may be exceptions to this.
All travel nurses must be able to quickly adjust to new circumstances and know how to communicate effectively. You need empathy to be able to provide the level of care your patients need. Travel PCU nurses must also be ready to work as part of a team, even if they don’t know anyone in that group.
Embark on a rewarding journey as a PCU travel nurse
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When you partner with Prolink, you receive an industry-leading benefits package:
- Day-one health insurance and 401(k)
- Dental and vision coverage
- Short- and long-term disability
- Life insurance
- Exclusive perks and discounts
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