Transitional Care Unit RN (Med Surg/Telemetry)
Meadville, Pennsylvania
Meadville Medical Center

Registered Nurse (Med Surg/Tele - TCU) - Night Shift

Location:

• Meadville, Pennsylvania

Contract Length:

• 8 weeks

Job Overview

• Work on a Transitional Care Unit (TCU) providing step-down care for patients not ready to be discharged home or to a nursing home after acute care or surgery.
• Patient population primarily includes post-acute ortho surgery patients (mainly knee/hip) and various non-acute or non-critical patients.
• Typical patient stay is about 14 days, all requiring skilled nursing care.
• Unit operates under Long-Term Care (LTC) regulations.
• Scheduled therapy sessions occur 3 times per day, 12 minutes each.

Shift Details

• Night shift: 2230 to 0700 (12-hour shifts)
• Hours per week: 36
• Weekend and holiday work required
• Floor-specific orientation provided
• Scrub color: Navy

Patient Ratios

• TCU: 1 nurse to 8-10 patients
• Rehab: 1 nurse to 3-5 patients
• Other units (2nd, 3rd, 4th floors): 1 nurse to 6 patients max
• LPN example ratio: When census is 18, each nurse has 9 patients; with higher census (20-32), 3 nurses cover days/evenings, 2 on nights
• Charge nurse responsible for all patients on the unit during shift

Floating and Unit Coverage

• Float to 2nd, 3rd, 4th floors, and rehab units required
• No floating during night shift

Clinical Environment and Support

• EMR system: Meditech
• No telemetry monitoring or nurse's read strips required
• No drips or ventilator care
• No IV team or 24/7 respiratory therapist coverage
• Pharmacy available 24/7
• Hospitalist coverage present
• Nurse aides support varies by shift and census (1-3 aides depending on shift)

Required Skills and Certifications

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) certification
• Charge nurse experience preferred

Clinical Responsibilities

• Respiratory care and interventions
• Sanitized wound dressing and redressing
• Administration of IV antibiotics to prevent infection
• Skilled nursing care for post-acute patients

Hiring Requirements

• Written confirmation required within 24 hours of offer acceptance confirming full commitment and preparedness to start
• All required screenings (titers, background check, drug test, fingerprinting) must be completed within 3 business days of accepting the offer

Additional Notes

• Unit capped at 21 patients due to COVID-19 precautions; no patient cohorting currently
• Charge nurse role includes admissions, discharges, IV management, and overall patient care coordination on the unit

Required Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license valid in Pennsylvania
• Minimum years of specialty experience: Not explicitly stated; charge nurse experience preferred
• Prior travel experience: Not required or specified