Cardiovascular Step-Down RN
Wheeling, West Virginia
Wheeling Hospital

Registered Nurse (RN) – Cardiovascular Step Down (CVSD)

Location: Wheeling, West Virginia
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Day/Night rotation (2 weeks days, 2 weeks nights) or night shift only
Hours: 12-hour shifts, approximately 36 hours per week
Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend on average
Holiday Requirement: Travel RNs participate in holiday rotation with permanent staff
Call/Standby: None
Floating: Required to float first

Unit Details

• 22 beds
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:4-6
• Nurse aides ratio: 1:15
• Nursing supervisor available 24/7
• Hospitalist and intensivist in-house
• Respiratory therapist available hospital-wide 24/7 (no vents or continuous BiPAP/CPAP on unit)
• Telemetry monitors present (Nihon Koden); monitor techs interpret and document strips, RNs do not read their own strips

Patient Population & Common Diagnoses

• Bradycardia, Atrial Fibrillation, Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)
• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
• Non-ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)
• Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)/Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
• Post-operative patients: VATS, lobectomy, wedge resection, chest tubes, tracheotomy (no vents)
• Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR)
• Post-op day 1 Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) patients (initially ICU, then step-down unit)

Required Skills & Certifications

• Current BLS and ACLS certifications required
• Experience with epicardial pacing and chest tubes
• RNs must titrate drips per ordered parameters
• Common drips: Cardizem, amiodarone, procainamide, dopamine, dobutamine, heparin, insulin (rarely)

Orientation & Dress Code

• Unit-specific orientation with 12-hour shifts and preceptor support
• Dress code: Navy blue scrubs, no artificial nails

Additional Requirements

• Must comply with a 50-mile radius rule for submissions
• Candidate must provide a copy of an unexpired driver’s license
• Licensing issues must be disclosed at time of submission

Summary

This is a cardiovascular step-down nursing position requiring strong critical care skills, including managing complex cardiac patients and titrating multiple drips. The role involves working in a 22-bed unit with a moderate nurse-to-patient ratio, rotating shifts, and participation in weekend and holiday schedules. Prior experience with cardiac monitoring equipment and post-op cardiac care is essential.