ICU Float RN – Telemetry/Stepdown/MedSurg
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Methodist Jennie Edmundson

Job Opportunity: ICU Float (Tele/Stepdown/MedSurg) RN

Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

Seeking an experienced RN for a float pool position covering ICU, Stepdown, Telemetry, MedSurg, PCU, and potentially ED units (if ED experience). No floating to Labor & Delivery. Pediatric experience is not required but helpful.

Required Experience & Skills

• ICU/Stepdown/Telemetry experience required
• Must be proficient in ortho nursing (total joints, hips, knees, shoulders, spines)
• Experience with chest pain and post-heart cath patients for higher acuity units than MedSurg
• Ability to read cardiac telemetry strips and assist with strip interpretation
• RNs must be able to titrate drips (critical care drips including pressors, paralytics, sedation, heparin, insulin, lasix, Nitro, Cardizem, Amiodarone, precedex, Dopamine, Dobutamine)

Years of Specialty Experience: Not explicitly stated; assume minimum 1+ year ICU/Stepdown/Tele experience based on job requirements.

Prior Travel Experience: Not specified as required.

Certifications Required

• BLS
• ACLS
• PALS
• NIHSS

Units Included in Float Pool

• Med Surg
• Telemetry
• PCU (Progressive Care Unit)
• ICU
• Potential ED (if ED experience)

Nurse:Patient Ratios

• Med Surg/Telemetry: 1:6-7
• PCU: Days 1:4, Nights 1:4-5
• ICU: 1:1 or 1:2 (up to 3 if overflow)

Common Patient Diagnoses

• ICU: STEMI, CVA (TPA), Sepsis, Multiorgan failure, COVID, EKOS, cardiac arrest, overdose, COPD, CHF, Pneumonia, DKA, post vascular procedures, Swan-Ganz catheter management, code freeze situations
• PCU: COPD, CHF, post cath, pacer, ablation, A-Fib RVR, TEE, bedside cardioversions, PE, COVID, Sepsis, CVA, TIA, STEMI, NSTEMI, hypertensive urgency, head injury, chest pain center cases
• Med Surg: General med-surg, ortho (total joints), oncology admissions and chemo administration, med-surg overflow

Equipment & Technology

• Respiratory Therapy equipment: CPAP, BiPAP (OSA only) on Med Surg/Tele/PCU; Drager, A40, LTV, Avea ventilators in ICU and nursery
• Monitor techs assist with telemetry, but nurses must be competent in strip interpretation

Scheduling & Shifts

• 3 shifts of 12 hours: 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM or 7:00 PM - 7:30 AM
• Block scheduling considered (including every weekend) but not guaranteed
• Weekend requirement: Every 3rd weekend (more possible upon request)
• Holiday shifts rotated with permanent staff
• Typically no call or standby required; may volunteer if census is low

Orientation & Onboarding

• 2 shifts orientation with a preceptor
• Daily unit assignments posted near float pool breakroom
• Schedule set 6 weeks in advance, unit assignment may vary based on staffing needs

Additional Notes

• Scrub color: Pewter Gray (Cherokee brand recommended)
• Charge nurse available on days and nights; may take patient assignments
• House supervisor available 24/7
• CNAs and LPNs available depending on unit
• Important to return Vocera, locator badge, and other unit equipment at end of each shift to avoid charges for lost items

This position is ideal for RNs with solid ICU/Stepdown/Telemetry experience who enjoy working in a dynamic float pool environment across multiple units.