Cardiac Telemetry Stepdown RN
Parkersburg, WV
GHR Healthcare - PH Division
3x12 hrs

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (RN) – 3N Cardiac Telemetry Unit

Location: Parkersburg, West Virginia
Unit: 3N - Cardiac Telemetry (43 beds; semi-private with some private rooms)
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit Overview

• Patient population includes post heart catheterization, TR Bands, CHF, COPD, post pacers (no external pacers), medical management or awaiting CABG consult, arrhythmias.
• Average nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:5 (can flex up to 1:6).
• Monitor techs present; RNs must be able to read cardiac strips.
• Unit serves as the central monitor station for the entire North Tower.

Required Certifications

• BLS (AHA)
• ACLS (AHA)

Experience & Skills

• Must be able to read cardiac strips confidently.
• Comfortable managing patients with cardiac telemetry diagnoses listed above.
• RNs are required to titrate Heparin drips; Cardizem and Amiodarone are not titrated by RNs.
• Occasionally titrate Lasix or Bumex.
• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required.

Years of experience: Not explicitly stated; assume standard competency in telemetry nursing.

Shift & Scheduling

• 12-hour shifts:

  • Days: 07:00 - 19:30
  • Nights: 19:00 - 07:30
• Self-scheduling allowed; block scheduling accommodated if unit needs are met.
• Weekend requirement for travelers: Every other weekend (EOW).

  • Night weekend shifts: Friday through Monday
  • Day weekend shifts: Saturday and Sunday
• Holiday shifts may be required depending on unit needs.

Additional Work Details

• Charge nurse coverage 24/7; night charge nurse always takes patient assignment. Travelers comfortable with charge duties may be allowed to take charge.
• Patient care technicians (PCTs) assist with ADLs, finger sticks, and EKGs when able; RNs must be able to perform EKGs if PCTs are unavailable.
• Respiratory therapy support includes occasional use of High Flow, BiPAP, and CPAP for supportive therapy only; patients dependent on BiPAP/CPAP are typically transferred to higher acuity units.
• Floating: Travelers participate in float rotation within the hospital, including ICU (rare) and Stepdown units, but only care for patients within their skillset.
• Call or standby is rare but may be included in the contract if census is low.

Orientation & Culture

• Orientation includes 1 day of computer training, 1 day shadowing with a preceptor, then independent on the 3rd day.
• The unit frequently has new grads and is very willing to teach.
• Teamwork is emphasized; fast-paced environment with 8-12 admissions and discharges daily.
• RNs expected to perform their own admissions and discharges but encouraged to ask for help if overwhelmed.
• Dress code: Royal blue scrubs; scrub jackets allowed but must be actual scrub jackets (no hoodies or sweatshirts).

Additional Requirements

• COVID-19 vaccination required (2 Moderna/Pfizer shots or 1 J&J shot) unless approved exemption.
• Must submit an unexpired driver’s license.

This position is ideal for RNs experienced in cardiac telemetry who thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and are comfortable with titrating heparin drips and reading cardiac strips.