RN Step-Down Unit
Anderson, IN
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights

Job Opportunity: RN Step Down (Travel)

Location: Anderson, Indiana
Specialty: RN Step Down (Progressive Care Unit)
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

The Step-Down Unit/Progressive Care (SDU/PCU) Registered Nurse provides specialized nursing care to patients who require close monitoring and frequent assessment but do not meet criteria for intensive care. This role involves delivering safe, high-quality, patient-centered care in collaboration with a multidisciplinary healthcare team. Strong critical thinking, clinical judgment, and the ability to manage complex patient conditions in a fast-paced environment are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct patient care for medically complex patients requiring telemetry, frequent monitoring, and specialized interventions.
• Perform comprehensive assessments including respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and hemodynamic status.
• Monitor and interpret cardiac rhythms, vital signs, and laboratory results; notify providers of changes in patient condition.
• Administer medications safely, including IV medications per physician orders and hospital policy.
• Manage and care for patients with devices such as telemetry monitoring, IV drips (cardiac, vasoactive, insulin infusions), central lines, PICC lines, oxygen therapy, high-flow oxygen, CPAP/BiPAP as appropriate.
• Implement and evaluate individualized patient care plans.
• Collaborate with physicians, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, case management, and other disciplines to optimize patient outcomes.
• Educate patients and families regarding diagnosis, treatment plan, medications, and discharge instructions.
• Accurately document assessments, interventions, and patient responses in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Recognize early signs of patient deterioration and activate rapid response or escalate care as needed.
• Adhere to infection prevention protocols, fall precautions, and patient safety standards.

Required Credentials & Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support) - Must be AHA certified
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) - Must be AHA certified
• Current RN License with Nursys verification within 30 days prior to start
• Pharmacology Exam (Ascension Pharmacology Exam) - Minimum 80% score, updated every 3 years
• Medical Surgical Exam (Ascension Medical Surgical Exam) - Minimum 80% score, updated every 3 years
• EKG Exam (Ascension EKG Exam) - Minimum 80% score, updated as per latest edition
• Core Competencies (HIPAA, Joint Commission, OSHA topics) - Minimum 80% score, updated yearly
• NIH Certification - Updated yearly or every 2 years depending on group
• Skills Checklist - Clinical skills checklist completed within one year of start and updated annually
• Ascension Onboarding Requirements Education Attestation
• Ascension Nursing Contract Worker Onboarding

Required Health & Immunization Documentation

• MMR - Documented proof of two vaccines or positive IGG titer; no declinations accepted
• Hepatitis B - Vaccination series completion or signed declination
• Influenza Vaccine - Required during flu season; exemptions accepted with mask requirement
• Varicella - Proof of two vaccines, immunity, or history; no declinations accepted
• Tdap - Valid within 10 years; no declinations accepted
• Positive PPD or Negative Chest X-Ray and Annual TB Questionnaire
• Fit Test - Required annually, preferred prior to start
• Health Statement - Statement of good health or physical exam prior to first assignment, updated annually
• 2 Step PPD OR IGRA (Quantiferon/Tspot) - Required within specified timeframes

Additional Requirements

• Driver's License/State ID - Must be current and valid
• Criminal Background Check - Including Social Security Trace, OIG Search, National Sex Offender, and others, completed within 30 days of assignment and updated annually
• Employment Verification - Third-party verification for past seven years, updated annually
• Education Verification - Verification of relevant education within 90 days of start
• Drug Screen - 12 panel drug screen within 30 days prior to start, updated annually
• Professional References - At least two professional references prior to first assignment
• Ascension Profile and Confirmation of Assignment documentation

Experience Requirements

• Specialty: RN Step Down
• Years of Experience: Not explicitly stated; assume standard experience for Step Down RN roles (typically 1-2 years in progressive care or telemetry nursing). No conflicting data found requiring adjustment.
• Prior Travel Experience: Not explicitly required for this position.

Employment Type

• Travel Nurse Contract

This position is ideal for experienced Step Down RNs who are comfortable managing complex patients requiring telemetry and specialized nursing interventions in a fast-paced environment. The role demands strong clinical skills, critical thinking, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.