Step Down Registered Nurse
New Orleans, LA
Access Healthcare
4x12 hrs, Nights

Registered Nurse - Step Down

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 12 weeks

Job Overview

• Assignment may include being part of an "Emergency Team" with expectations to stay onsite during emergency events or serve as relief.
• Unit does not accept first-time travel nurses.
• Patient diagnoses include: pre-liver transplant, acute/chronic liver failure, end stage renal disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, sepsis, acute/chronic respiratory failure, heart failure.
• Special procedures/unit details: hospice care, immunoglobulin therapy.
• Float requirement.
• Epic electronic health record experience required.

Required Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA only, RQI accepted.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - AHA only, RQI accepted.
• Additional certifications may be required depending on unit specifics; verify with program management if unclear.

Required Licenses

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license for Louisiana or Compact License required upon submission.
• License must be current or in the process of renewal prior to start date.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Louisiana.
• Minimum of 1 year of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience within the last year.
• Completion of at least one travel nursing assignment.
• Current ACLS certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Current BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• State License 1 Verification.
• NURSYS license verification (RN, LPN/LVN, AP).
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system.

Required Qualifications & Documents

• Current/valid Driver’s License or government photo ID (color copy).
• 7-year criminal background check within 90 days of start, updated annually.
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start, updated monthly.
• Education verification of highest level completed.
• Sex offender search within 30 days of start, updated monthly.
• Physical exam within 12 months indicating good health.
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start.
• Immunizations and titers required:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (Tdap required for certain units)
  • TB test (PPD, Qgold, or Tspot) within 12 months, updated annually
  • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella immunity verification
  • Hepatitis B immunity or vaccination series
  • Varicella immunity or vaccination series
• Seasonal flu vaccination, declination, or medical/religious exemption required during flu season (Oct 1 - Apr 30).
• Skills checklist updated annually.
• Employment application/resume with 7 years employment history and explanation for gaps.

Additional Requirements

• Competency exam specific to specialty, completed within 1 year prior to start, minimum 80%, updated annually.
• Color photo for badge (passport-style, recent, no filters).
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification required unless working in ICU.
• Fit mask testing (N95) within one year of start; onsite fit testing available if needed.
• May be assigned to emergency preparedness duties during hurricane season (June 1 - Nov 30).

Experience

• Prior travel experience is required; first-time travelers will not be accepted.
• Specialty: Registered Nurse in Step Down unit.
• Years of experience: Not explicitly stated, but prior travel experience and unit familiarity implied.

Important Notes

• Candidates must be comfortable with emergency team assignments and potential extended stays during emergency events.
• Epic experience is mandatory.
• Compliance with all background checks, immunizations, and certifications is required prior to start.

This position is ideal for experienced travel RNs with prior travel assignments who are comfortable working in a complex step down unit with critically ill patients and emergency preparedness responsibilities.