Step-Down Unit RN
Charlottesville, Virginia
University of Virginia Medical Center

Registered Nurse - Step Down Unit

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit Description

• 12-bed step down unit focused on critical care and neuroscience at the intermediate level
• Patient populations include:

  • Transfers from Neuro ICU
  • Neuro trauma patients
  • Patients with subarachnoid, intraventricular, or intracerebral hemorrhage
  • ENT cancer patients post tumor resection and flap reconstruction
  • Post-operative spine patients
  • Various neurological conditions
• Patient ratio: 1 nurse to 3 patients
• Night shift
• Every other weekend and every other holiday off
• Up to 40 hours approved for time off

Required Certifications & Skills

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• NIH Stroke Certification
• Epic electronic health record experience required

License Requirements

• Virginia RN license required; submissions with Virginia license pending are accepted

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in Virginia
• Minimum of 1 year of stepdown nursing experience, with stepdown experience within the last year
• ACLS certification issued by American Red Cross or American Heart Association
• BLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• Acknowledgement of pass/fail cardiac rhythm testing
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• State License 1 Verification
• NURSYS Verification (RN, LPN/LVN, AP)
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system

Additional Requirements

• Background checks including 7-year criminal history and education verification
• Drug screening including marijuana and fentanyl panels
• Immunizations and health screenings:

  • Tdap, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella, Hepatitis B
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray as required
  • Flu vaccination (seasonal) mandatory
• Physical exam within 12 months attesting ability to meet job demands

Schedule & Work Conditions

• Night shift
• Every other weekend and holiday off
• Patient ratio 1:3
• Float policy adherence required

Notes

• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required
• Must be able to submit with Virginia license pending
• Behavioral health-specific certifications (e.g., CPI) not required for this role
• Fingerprinting may be required depending on unit assignment

This position is ideal for an experienced RN with critical care and neuroscience step down experience seeking a 13-week travel assignment on nights with a manageable patient ratio and a focus on neurological patient care.