Med Surg Telemetry RN
Parkersburg, WV
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights

Cardiac Tele RN (Registered Nurse)

Location: Parkersburg, West Virginia

Overview

• Contract length: 13 weeks
• Shift: Nights, 12-hour shifts (36 hours/week)
• Unit: Cardiac Tele, 43 semi-private beds (9-10 private)
• Ratios: Average 1:5, can flex to 1:6
• Charge nurse: Covered 24/7. Night charge always takes a patient assignment. Days may also require a patient assignment. A traveler may serve as charge if comfortable.

Required Qualifications

• BLS and ACLS certifications, both required (AHA)
• Ability to read cardiac strips
• Comfort caring for the unit's patient types (see below)
• Must be able to titrate Heparin drips. RNs titrate only Heparin, and occasionally Lasix or Bumex.
• Must be able to perform EKGs if the PCT is unable to
• Submittals must include an unexpired copy of the candidate's driver's license

Patient Population and Clinical Scope

• Common diagnoses: Post heart caths, TR bands, CHF, COPD, post pacers (no external pacers), medical management or awaiting CABG consult, arrhythmias
• Drips: Cardizem and Amiodarone are not titrated.
• Respiratory equipment: Occasional high flow (certain rooms). BiPAP and CPAP are for supportive therapy only. Patients dependent on BiPAP or CPAP would usually be transferred to a higher acuity unit. Continuous BiPAP is temporary until transfer.
• Monitoring: The unit has monitor techs and serves as the central monitor station for the entire north tower.
• Nurse aides (PCTs): Goal ratio 1:8, can flex to 1:12-18. Duties include ADLs, FSBS, and EKGs when able.

Schedule and Coverage

• Shifts: 0700-1930 and 1900-0730. Self-scheduling is allowed, and block schedules are accommodated if unit needs are met.
• Weekends: Travelers work every other weekend (permanent staff work every third weekend). Night weekends are Fri/Sat/Sun/Mon; day weekends are Sat/Sun.
• Holidays: Permanent staff follow a holiday rotation. Travelers may be expected to work weekends and holidays if unit needs require it.
• Call/standby: Possible if census is low, but rare. Would be specified in the contract.

Float Scope

• Travelers are placed in the float rotation and may be floated anywhere in the hospital, including ICU (rare) and Stepdown. They receive only patients within their skillset.

Orientation and Unit Culture

• Orientation: Day 1 is computer training. Day 2 is shadowing with a preceptor. Day 3 is independent.
• The unit is fast-paced with about 8-12 admissions and 8-12 discharges per day. RNs complete their own admissions and discharges, and are encouraged to ask for help if behind. A unit clerk is available.
• The unit is used to working with many new grads and is very willing to teach.
• The team is collaborative and helps one another.

Dress Code

• Royal blue scrubs. Scrub jackets are optional. If worn, they must be actual scrub jackets (no hoodies or sweat jackets).