Registered Nurse - Step-Down Unit
Chesapeake, VA
Host Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

Travel Registered Nurse - Step Down Unit

Location: Chesapeake, Virginia
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Work in a general Step Down Unit (SDU) with diverse patient populations including:

  • Pulmonary cases (acute respiratory failure, pneumonia, COPD exacerbation, CHF exacerbation)
  • Cardiac cases (NSTEMI/STEMI not requiring ICU, post-cardiac cath, CHF/CMO requiring BIPAP/diuresis, AFIB with RVR, complete heart block awaiting device)
  • Sepsis (not requiring pressors)
  • Minor trauma (fractures post-fall)
  • CIWA (alcohol withdrawal)
  • DKA requiring insulin drip
  • Occasional surgical patients including vascular surgery and post-op complications

• Typical nurse-to-patient ratios: 1:4, sometimes 1:5

• Float requirements: Must float to other units such as MS/Telemetry, ER Holding, with ratios sometimes up to 1:7 on MedSurg

• Schedule: 3 shifts per week, 12-hour night shifts including weekdays, every other weekend, float, and holidays

• No block scheduling available

• Must be proficient in EPIC electronic health record system (no exceptions)

Required Skills & Experience

• Valid Registered Nurse license in Virginia
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Minimum 2 years of Step Down nursing experience, with Step Down experience within the last year required
• Strong neurology experience
• Experience with ventilator management
• Experience with PA lines
• Experience with conscious sedation
• Experience with neuro IV titration
• Experience with insulin IV drips
• Proficiency with EPIC electronic health record system
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association
• ACLS certification issued by the American Heart Association
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Registered Nurse license valid in Virginia
• BLS (Basic Life Support) - American Heart Association (AHA)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - AHA only
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification required
• Pass/fail testing on EKG/medications at orientation (must score 80% or higher)
• Other certifications as applicable (e.g., medication competency exam, color blindness test)

Compliance & Background Requirements

• Zero tolerance for any license or background issues; candidates with any hits will not be considered
• 7-year criminal background check required within 1 year of start, updated annually
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start and updated for renewals
• Fingerprinting required starting 1/1/2026, to be completed within the first week of contract
• Government-issued photo ID and valid driver’s license required for address verification
• Physical exam within 1 year of start, updated annually
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year of start, with additional requirements if history of positive TB
• Fit test for N95 mask required annually (PAPR not allowed)
• Required immunizations and titers within 10 years:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (required for certain units)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
  • Hepatitis B (titer or declination)
  • Varicella (titer or declination)
• Seasonal flu vaccination required annually or approved exemption with mask-wearing during shifts
• COVID-19 vaccine preferred but not required

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to float to other units as needed
• No RN candidates residing within 50 miles of the facility will be accepted
• Proof of 2 professional references required
• Complete application/resume and unit-specific skills checklist required
• Photo for badge (passport style) required before start
• Various facility-specific acknowledgments and forms required (e.g., safety manual, pyxis acknowledgment)

Summary

This is a 13-week travel contract for an experienced Registered Nurse to work night shifts in a Step Down Unit in Chesapeake, VA. The role requires strong neuro and critical care skills, EPIC proficiency, and flexibility to float to multiple units. Strict background and licensing standards apply, along with comprehensive immunization and certification requirements.