MedSurg Telemetry Nurse
Shreveport, LA
Host Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

Job Opportunity: MedSurg Tele RN/LPN

Location: Shreveport, Louisiana
Facility: Willis-Knighton Medical Center (Willis-Knighton Health System)
Unit: 4West (MedSurg Telemetry)
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit & Patient Information

• Unit Beds: 27

• Patient Types:

  • Telemetry, Med/Surg, Cardiac, Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)
  • Post-surgical (including cholecystectomy)
  • Chest pain (CP), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Diabetics
  • Post cardiac catheterization (s/p cath lab)
  • Gastrointestinal (GI) issues
  • Rarely COVID patients

• Patient Ratios:

  • RN/LPN: 1:5-6
  • CNA: 2 per day shift, 1 per night shift

Experience & Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of acute care RN experience required for first-time travelers
• Travelers must have a 1-year separation if previously permanent staff at this facility
• Must pass an EKG competency exam prior to arrival (includes MedSurg RN/LPN)

Certifications Required

• RN: BLS, ACLS, NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
• LPN: BLS

Skills & Duties

• RN Required Skills:

  • Telemetry nursing
  • IV skills, NGT, PEG, PCA
  • Wound vacs, chest tubes, drains (JP, DAVOL)
  • PICC lines, midlines, TR Band
  • Dressing changes
  • Cardiac strip interpretation
  • Administering IV push medications (LPNs do not administer IV push meds)

• LPN Duties: Same as RN except no IV push meds

Unit Support

• Charge nurse available with a lightened patient load
• Phlebotomy performs blood draws unless line present
• IV/VAT and PICC teams available
• Resource nurse, head nurse, and educator available Monday-Friday
• Respiratory therapy (RT) available 24/7
• Hospitalist coverage 24/7
• Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy available 7 days/week
• Telemetry monitoring by centralized telemetry tech and at nurse station
• 4-6 nurses per shift on the unit

Technology & Equipment

• EMR: Meditech
• IV Pumps: Alaris
• Medication dispensing: Pyxis

Orientation & Scheduling

• Orientation: 1-2 days
• Schedule:

  • 4 days one week, 3 days the next (mandatory)
  • Weekend rotation every other weekend
  • Up to 7 days off approved; must extend contract for any full week off
  • Only 1 weekend off per 13-week contract allowed
  • Blackout dates: Halloween 2024, Black Friday 2024
  • No call required
  • Holiday work: expected to work 2 out of 3 major holidays

Additional Information

• Scrub color: Pewter
• Free on-site parking
• Unit culture: Teamwork, traveler-friendly environment

Onboarding & Compliance Requirements

Includes but not limited to:

• ACLS, BLS, NIH Stroke Scale certifications
• Annual core competencies
• Criminal background check, drug screen
• Immunizations and titers (Hep B, MMR, Varicella, TDAP)
• CPR certification
• Dysrhythmia exam
• Employment authorization and license verification
• Physical exam and TB testing
• Skills checklist and unit competency verification

This position is ideal for experienced MedSurg Telemetry RNs or LPNs looking for a supportive, team-oriented environment with a variety of cardiac and post-surgical patients.