Intermediate Care Unit Registered Nurse
Wheeling, WV
Host Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (RN) - Intermediate Care Unit (IMU)

Location: Wheeling, West Virginia
Contract Length: 13 weeks (approximately 3 months)

Unit Details

• Unit: Intermediate Care Unit (IMU)
• Beds: 30 total (14 private, 16 semi-private)
• Patient Types: Chest pain, rule out MI, CHF, arrhythmias, post pacer, pre/post cardiac cath (manage radial bands & remove but do not pull sheaths), groin checks, overflow intermediate care acuity patients, Tikosyn therapy patients. Rarely chest tubes.

Shift Information

• Shift Length: 12-hour shifts (7:00 AM - 7:00 PM or 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM)
• Shift Start Time: Must be ready on unit by 6:45 AM/PM
• Scheduling: Self-scheduling allowed with 4 requested days off per month
• Weekend Requirement:

  • Nights: 4 weekend night shifts per 4-week schedule
  • Days: 4 weekend day shifts per 4-week schedule, but no one works straight days only
  • Straight night shifts require minimum 3 night shifts per 4-week schedule (not necessarily on weekends)
• Holidays: Flexibility required, but holidays usually covered by permanent staff

Staffing & Ratios

• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: Goal 1:4; typically 1:5; occasionally 1:6
• Charge Nurse: Takes full patient assignment on day & night shifts
• Clinical Assistant: Works 2 twelve-hour shifts (with patient assignment) and 2 eight-hour shifts in office
• Nurse Aides: Usually 2-3 CNAs with ratios 1:10-12
• Floating: Required to float to Telemetry or MedSurg units as needed (ratios up to 1:6 or 1:7 in MedSurg, rarely) and to Pandemic Unit

Certifications & Licenses

• Required Certifications:

  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
  • NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale)
• License: Registered Nurse (RN) license valid for West Virginia
• Additional: Must have an unexpired driver’s license within 50-mile radius rule

Clinical Skills & Responsibilities

• Telemetry:

  • Tele Techs present, but RNs must read and interpret cardiac strips independently
• Drip Management: Ability to titrate drips including Amiodarone, Cardizem, Dopamine, Dobutamine, Labetalol, Nitro, Heparin, and occasionally Lasix
• Respiratory Equipment: Managed by Respiratory Therapists (RT) only (e.g., AirVo high flow, Respironics Bipap)
• IV Therapy: IV team performs all IV starts; RN may manage IV lines but not start them
• EMR System: Sunrise

Support Services

• Hospitalist: In-house 24/7
• Intensivist: In ICU 24/7
• Residents: In-house 24/7
• Respiratory Therapy: In-house 24/7
• Pharmacy: In-house 24/7 with Pyxis system
• IV Team: In-house 24/7, including PICC/Midline team

Orientation

• Day 1: 4 hours HR orientation, then 8 hours unit orientation with preceptor
• Day 2: Unit orientation with preceptor
• After Day 2: Independent practice on unit

Dress Code

• Navy blue scrubs (top & bottom), navy scrub jackets, no hoodies

Required Experience

• Specialty: Intermediate Care Unit (IMU)
• Years of Experience: Not explicitly stated; assume minimum 2 years in specialty or higher if known from other sources
• Prior Travel Experience: Not specified as required

Summary

This is a 13-week contract for an experienced RN to work in a 30-bed Intermediate Care Unit in West Virginia. The role requires strong telemetry skills, ability to manage drips, and flexibility with shifts including weekends and holidays. The unit has a supportive team with 24/7 hospitalist, intensivist, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, and IV teams. Orientation includes hands-on preceptorship. Prior travel experience is not explicitly required.