Intermediate/Stepdown RN
Rapid City, SD
Thrive Staffing
4x12 hrs, Nights
$2,687/weekOverview
- Start Date11/16/2026
- Shift Breakdown4x12 hrs
- ShiftNights
- Duration13 weeks
- Facility InformationShort Term Acute Care411 beds
Pay
Qualifications
- Registered Nurse (2 years)
- State license license in South Dakota
- Progressive Care Nurse, Definitive Observation Unit Nurse, Intermediate Care Nurse, Stepdown Nurse or Surgical Stepdown Nurse (2 years)
Description
General Information:
We are seeking a dedicated Intermediate/Stepdown Registered Nurse (RN) to join our clinical team. This unit features 64 beds spread across two floors.
Experience Requirements:
- Minimum of 1 year of nursing experience required.
- First-time travelers are welcome, provided they have more than 1 year of experience.
- First-time travelers must possess EPIC experience.
Patient Care Types:
This is a mixed acuity unit, handling Intermediate Care, Telemetry, and MedSurg cases. Key patient types include:
- Surgical: Urology procedures, general abdominal surgeries (e.g., cholecystectomy, appendectomy).
- Orthopedic: Total joints (knees, hips, shoulders), trauma cases.
- Neuro/Spine: Care for post-operative patients, including those who have undergone coiling, clipping, and potentially thrombectomy.
- General Medical: Treatment of conditions such as cellulitis, pneumonia, CHF, and gastrointestinal disorders.
Patient Ratios:
- RN: 1:4 in Intermediate Care, adjustable to 3:1 based on acuity.
- CNA: 1:8
Required Certifications:
- BLS
- ACLS
- NIHSS
Education Requirements:
Completion of an approved nursing education program is required, alongside licensure as a Registered Nurse in South Dakota.
Skills Required:
- Comfort with MedSurg assignments.
- EPIC experience.
- Ability to read and interpret cardiac strips.
- Experience with chest tubes, trach care, NGT placement, and line management.
- Competence in wound care and medication administration (including TPN and blood product transfusions).
- Experience in drip titration for medications such as Heparin and Insulin.
Unit Support:
The unit is organized into pods, consisting of 8 patients per pod, staffed with 2 RNs and 1 Nurse Aide. Additional support includes:
- Two charge nurses who do not take a patient load.
- A flex nurse available daily.
- Access to nursing clinical support, RT, phlebotomy, and an IV/VAT team 24/7.
Charting System:
- EMR: Epic (required)
- IV Pumps: Baxter
- Med Dispensing: Omnicell
Floating:
Staff may be required to float to any adult inpatient unit within scope of practice, including Med Surg, Ortho/Neuro/Surgical, and others, and will rotate with other travelers.
Orientation:
New staff will complete a 2-day orientation covering unit-specific policies and protocols, followed by 2 shifts with a preceptor on the unit.
Scheduling:
- 6-week schedules are utilized.
- Weekend rotation may require travel nurses to work up to 4 out of 6 weekends.
- No mandatory on-call shifts required.
- Holiday requests must be made prior to offer. Blackout dates apply during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.
Employee Expectations:
Travelers are encouraged to be open to working every weekend (WOW) and should indicate any preferences for block scheduling.
Additional Notes:
- Travelers may be expected to precept students.
- Uniforms required: Navy Blue scrubs.
- Complimentary parking available for all staff.
Facility
Rapid City Regional Hospital
4 nurses recommend working with Rapid City Regional Hospital
Pros
Traveller Friendly staff are easy to work with. Patient ratios pretty good. More to do in Rapid City and around the area.
Cons
Ok to request sched but mostly based on the unit need.

- Short Term Acute Care
- 411 beds
Employer
Thrive Staffing
At the heart of Thrive Staffing is our mission to support healthcare professionals in their career journey. We strive to build strong, personal relationships with our candidates, fostering work environments for the common good that values individual autonomy, encourages personal expression, and removes career obstacles. We're not just looking for employees—we're looking for partners in our mission to transform healthcare staffing. Our ideal candidate is someone who shares our vision of improving lives and impacting the world in a positive way. If you're a healthcare professional looking to take the next step in your career, we're here to help you thrive through health care staffing that understands you and puts prominence on enabling your professional potential.
About Rapid City, SD
As a Travel Progressive Care Nurse in Rapid City, SD here's what you should know:- Rapid City's cost of living is slightly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
- Wages generally match up with the lower cost of living.
- The average high in summer is around 85°F, while the average low in winter is around 16°F, so be prepared for a wide range of temperatures throughout the year.
- Short-term rentals are relatively easy to find in Rapid City, with options ranging from apartments to fully furnished homes, especially in the downtown area.
- Rapid City is car-friendly, with well-maintained roads and plenty of parking.
- Public transportation options are limited, so having a car is essential for getting around.
- Rapid City has a diverse population with a wide age range.
- Common health issues include seasonal allergies and cold-related illnesses.
- There is a growing population of travel nurses due to the city's healthcare facilities.
- Rapid City offers a variety of activities, including numerous restaurants offering local and international cuisine, art galleries, live music venues, sports events, and plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring nearby national parks.
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