RN - Advanced Care Unit (Stepdown)
Parkersburg, WV
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Days

Registered Nurse (RN) - Advanced Care Unit (Stepdown)

Location: Parkersburg, West Virginia
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit Details

• Unit: Advanced Care Unit (Stepdown)
• Beds: 30 private rooms
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:4
• Patient Care Technicians: 3 per shift (ratio 1:10)
• Common Patient Types: Stroke, Trauma, Vascular cases including femoral pops, carotids, DKA, amputations, post-cath patients with TR bands and femoral access
• Typical Diagnoses: Stroke, trauma, vascular issues, fresh carotids (4-5 at a time)
• Ventilation Equipment: CPAP, BiPAP, High Flow (stable vents expected in future)
• Telemetry: Monitor techs present, but RNs must read, verify, and sign off on strips

Shift & Scheduling

• Shift Times:

  • Days: 07:00 - 19:30
  • Nights: 19:00 - 07:30
• Scheduling: Self-scheduling and block scheduling allowed if unit needs are met (block scheduling not guaranteed)
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend (EOW)

  • Night weekends: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
  • Day weekends: Saturday, Sunday
• Holiday Requirement: Holiday rotation for permanent staff; travelers may be expected to work weekends if needed
• Call/Standby: Very rare
• Floating: Travelers float first; may float down to MedSurg/Telemetry or up to ICU for ACU status patients only. No floating to CVICU; may float to CV Stepdown.

Required Certifications & Skills

• Certifications:

  • ACLS (AHA)
  • BLS (AHA)
  • NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
• Experience:

  • Stepdown acuity experience with stroke, trauma, and vascular patients
  • Ability to read cardiac strips
• Nursing Skills:

  • RNs are required to titrate drips including Cardizem (per physician orders), Insulin, and Heparin

Orientation

• Day 1: HR, clinical educator, and shadow on unit
• Day 2: Shadow on unit
• Day 3: Independent work
• Orientation shifts are 12 hours, including weekends as scheduled

Dress Code

• Scrubs: Royal blue
• Jackets: Optional but must be scrub jackets (no hoodies or sweatshirts)

Additional Notes

• All submittals must include an unexpired copy of the candidate’s driver’s license.

Required Licensure

• Current RN license valid in West Virginia

Summary

This is a 13-week contract for an experienced RN with stepdown unit skills, particularly in stroke, trauma, and vascular care. The role requires strong cardiac monitoring skills, ability to titrate drips, and flexibility with scheduling including weekends and possible floating within related units. Certifications in ACLS, BLS, and NIHSS are mandatory.