RN Med-Surg Telemetry
Alton, IL
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights

Registered Nurse (MS/Telemetry) - Travel/Contract

Location: Alton, Illinois
Contract Length: 12 weeks
Shift: Nights, 3 shifts per week (7:00 PM - 7:30 AM)
Hours per Week: 36 hours

Unit & Patient Population

• Acute Medical Unit with Medical and Telemetry patients
• Patient Age Group: Adults and Geriatrics
• Average Daily Census: 16-18 patients
• Unit Beds: 24
• Staffing Ratio (Nights): 1 nurse to 5 patients
• Float required within service line and scope
• Unit accepts first-time travelers
• No local candidates accepted within 75-mile radius
• No pending licenses accepted

Job Responsibilities

• Care for acutely ill adult and geriatric patients with general medicine, surgical, or infectious disease diagnoses
• Telemetry monitoring for non-acute cardiac conditions (EKG rhythm identification, non-titrating cardiac drips)
• Administer advanced medication infusions without increase titration; decrease/weaning allowed
• Pre- and post-procedure evaluation and care
• Neurological assessment and care of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients

Exclusions:

• Active and unstable gastrointestinal bleeding
• Uncontrolled ischemic chest pain with unstable vital signs
• Continuous non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV)
• Medications: Tenecteplase (TNK), Insulin drip, Neosynephrine, Nipride

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of RN experience in specialty
• Registered Nurse license valid in Illinois (no pending licenses accepted)
• Certifications required:

  • ACLS (AHA only)
  • BLS (AHA only)
  • NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Certification preferred:

  • CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) or MAB (Management of Assaultive Behavior) if applicable
• Epic charting experience preferred
• Float within service line and scope required

Compliance & Background Requirements

• Government-issued ID required
• Criminal background check within 6 months, including statewide and nationwide searches
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required quarterly
• Illinois fingerprinting required for assignments involving long-term care or rehab units
• Education verification of highest nursing degree required before start
• State-specific exclusion and sanction list checks required for Illinois placements
• Drug testing within 1 year of start, including a comprehensive panel (amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cocaine, opiates, etc.)
• Physical exam within 1 year of start
• Fit mask testing (N95) required and must be renewed annually
• Immunizations and health documentation required:

  • Tdap vaccine or declination (expires every 10 years)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella immunity or vaccination/declination as applicable
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption during flu season (09/30 - 04/01)
• HIPAA acknowledgement, confidentiality form, latex allergy questionnaire, hand hygiene, fingernail, and dress code policies must be reviewed and signed prior to start
• Regulatory compliance education and orientation modules required annually via online platform

Documentation & Other Requirements

• Two professional references required (supervisors preferred)
• Employment application and unit-specific skills checklist required within 1 year of start
• Unit-specific competency exam required annually
• Badge photo required (head and shoulders, white background, no obstructions, taken within 6 months)
• All required facility-specific documents must be completed and uploaded prior to start

Additional Notes

• No call required
• Locals within 75 miles are not accepted
• Unit accepts first-time travel nurses
• Float within service line and scope is mandatory
• Epic charting preferred but not mandatory

This position is ideal for RNs with at least 1 year of acute care experience who are comfortable working night shifts in a telemetry/medical unit caring for adult and geriatric patients.