Ohio State University Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital - Comp Cancer Center

noordinarypath
Jul 2
2 min read

The “James” Cancer Hospital – Columbus, OH

Part of OSU Wexner Medical Center – a top-tier,

NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center

Magnet-recognized oncology leader

Beds: ~306 (in the cancer hospital alone)

Type: Academic, government-funded, research-focused

Charting/System Details: Follows OSU Wexner EMR system (likely Epic-based)

Traveler Contracts: Strong demand flagged in Oncology, Med-Surg/Telemetry, PCU, SICU roles

*Note: Chatgpt is an amazing tool that I believe comes in handy for analyzing reviews. This information was gathered by me, Kristin Farnsworth, from travelers I have worked with as well as various social media sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit and then filtered through Chatgpt to put it all in an easy-to-read format.

🌟 Traveler Highlights (Oncology & PCU)

A travel RN reflected:
“My time at the James was nice as a travel RN. I learned a lot about Leukemia and chemotherapy… Most days were challenging with high acuity patients. Most co‑workers were helpful.” cancer.osu.edu +10indeed.com +10indeed.com +10
Indeed reviews rate the hospital overall 4.2/5, with work–life balance at 4.3/5 and pay/benefits 4.2/5 indeed.com +2indeed.com +2indeed.com +2
The James provides a rewarding environment, with many staff passionate about oncology care and supportive interdisciplinary collaboration indeed.com +1reddit.com +1

🏥 Units Overview

🔬 Oncology & Med-Surg/Telemetry:

Excellent for continuous oncology learning (chemo, leukemia, complex cases)
Co-workers are helpful, fostering teamwork
Fast-paced, high-acuity setting that builds critical oncology skills

📦 PCU/Progressive Care Unit (Oncology Focus):

Fly with market demand: multiple active travel RN PCU slots indeed.comlinkedin.com +3vivian.com +3vivian.com +3
Acuity higher than typical stats due to cancer-specific needs—great if you want to stretch your skills
Expect collaboration with ICU-level care on a progressive unit

🛌 SICU/ICU Oncology:

Available through travel contracts—ideal for higher acuity oncology care seekers

🧠 Research/ED:

The James has its own cancer emergency department and deep research integration cancer.osu.edu +14en.wikipedia.org +14indeed.com +14
Great for those interested in translational research and evidence-based practice

✅ Pros & Considerations

Strengths	What to Ask
Magnet status & NCI recognition – strong culture, excellent patient care en.wikipedia.org +1indeed.com +1indeed.com +4fr.wikipedia.org +4en.wikipedia.org +4	Clarify unit-specific acuity & purpose—especially in PCU and higher-level units
High learning potential – especially in leukemia and complex oncology	Expect variation in break coverage, esp. in critical units
Supportive, knowledgeable staff – useful for travelers entering oncology	Confirm staffing ratios, tech coverage, and ICU backup
Employee satisfaction strong – good balance, pay, work environment	Ask about parking and commute—OSU staff mention paid parking and bus pass options

✅ Final Take

The James is a standout travel opportunity for oncology nurses who want immersive, high-acuity experience in a nationally renowned teaching hospital. Travelers consistently appreciate the professional growth, team collaboration, and mission-driven environment. If you thrive in fast-paced, specialized care and wish to deepen oncology expertise, this is a highly desirable assignment—just lock in the right logistics and unit expectations up front.