Observation Unit RN - MedSurg/Telemetry
Parkersburg, WV
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights

Registered Nurse (RN) – 2N Observation Unit (MedSurg and Cardiac Observation)

Location: Parkersburg, West Virginia
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Nights (7:00 PM – 7:00 AM)
Hours per Week: 36 hours (3 shifts/week)
Unit Details:

• 21 beds (usually staffed for 18)
• Average nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:6
• Telemetry/monitor techs present on the floor, but RNs must be able to read and interpret cardiac strips
• Unit is fast-paced with up to 6 discharges and 6+ admissions per day

Patient Population & Common Diagnoses

• Pre/post cardiac catheterization
• Chest pain rule-outs on heparin drips
• COPD, CHF, pacemakers, arrhythmias
• Various MedSurg diagnoses

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Current BLS (AHA)
• Current ACLS (AHA)
• Valid driver’s license (unexpired copy required with application)

Experience & Skills Required

• Experience with EPIC electronic medical records system is mandatory
• Ability to read and interpret cardiac strips
• Experience with set-rate Cardizem and Amiodarone drips required
• Experience with TR Bands is a strong plus (please note on prescreen if candidate has this experience)
• RNs are not required to titrate drips; only set-rate Cardizem and Amiodarone are used regularly
• Occasional use of Bumex and Lasix drips

Patient Care & Equipment

• Respiratory support limited to Bipap and Cpap (no high flow oxygen)
• Nurse aides assist with EKGs, bladder scans, fingerstick blood sugars, ADLs, and vital signs (ratio approx. 1:10 to 1:15 depending on census)

Scheduling & Time Off

• 12-hour night shifts (7p-7a), clock-in no earlier than 6:53 PM
• Every-other-weekend requirement for travelers (weekend nights: Fri/Sat/Sun)
• Time off requests must be submitted upfront and included in the contract; later requests require facility approval
• Holiday work may be required depending on unit needs

Additional Work Expectations

• Call or standby shifts are rare but possible, depending on census
• Travelers are typically the first to float and may float anywhere in the hospital, including ICU and Stepdown units, but only assigned patients within their skillset
• Dress code: Royal blue scrubs; scrub jackets allowed but no hoodies or sweatshirts

Orientation

• 1 day of computer training
• 1 day shadowing on the floor with a preceptor
• On own by the 3rd day

Notes

• This is a busy, fast-paced unit requiring strong clinical skills and adaptability
• Candidates must be able to handle a high patient turnover and acuity level