Observation Unit Telemetry RN
South Charleston, West Virginia
Thomas Memorial Hospital

Registered Nurse (RN) – Observation Unit

Location: South Charleston, West Virginia
Unit: 3 Pavilion / 3 T - Pulmonary & Observation
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Days (6:45 am – 7:15 pm)
Hours per Day: 12
Hours per Week: 36

Unit Details

• Unit size: 32 beds
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:6
• Patient population: Adult and geriatric patients with respiratory diagnoses and various medical conditions
• Common patient care needs: Trachs (not ventilated), peritoneal dialysis preferred experience
• Respiratory therapy equipment includes CPAP, BiPAP, high flow oxygen, trach collars, IV pumps, sequential compression devices, pulse oximetry, specialty beds
• Monitor techs available 24/7; RNs review cardiac strips each shift
• Charge nurse role may be assigned to travelers; cross-training available if interested
• Nurse aide ratios: 7 am–7 pm (1:10), 7 pm–7 am (1:15)

Required Qualifications

• Current RN license
• ACLS and BLS certifications required
• Experience required: Med-Surg, Telemetry, critical drip management, trach care
• Preferred: Experience with peritoneal dialysis and strong cardiac background
• Must have prior travel nursing experience
• Ability to titrate drips including Heparin, Cardizem (up to 15 mg/hr), Lasix, low-dose Dopamine (renal perfusion), Amiodarone

Job Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care for respiratory and medical patients, including trach care (non-vented)
• Titrate and manage critical drips as per unit protocols
• Review cardiac monitor strips each shift
• May be asked to float to Med-Surg units or Emergency Department to care for boarded patients
• Participate in weekend and holiday rotations (every other weekend; holiday schedule rotates with core staff)

Orientation & Scheduling

• First day: General hospital orientation
• Full day nursing orientation plus computer training (half day for CNAs, full day for nurses)
• Two 12-hour orientation shifts with a preceptor
• Initial skills checklist due within 90 days of start date
• Scheduling managed by director/floor manager; block scheduling allowed with unit needs considered
• Weekend requirement: Every other weekend on a set rotation
• Holiday requirement: Rotational with core staff, with some preference possible after tenure

Dress Code

• RNs/LPNs: Navy scrubs (solid color, no embroidery or patterns)
• Closed-toed shoes required; no crocs
• Solid color fleece zip-ups allowed in grey, black, navy, or royal blue
• Solid undershirts allowed in white, grey, or black matching scrub top

Additional Notes

• Floating may be required to other Med-Surg units or Emergency Department as needed
• Charge nurse duties may be assigned to travelers willing to cross-train