Stepdown Critical Care RN
Omaha, Nebraska
The Nebraska Medical Center

Registered Nurse – Stepdown Critical Care

Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Night (4 shifts of 12 hours each, 7:00 PM – 7:30 AM)
Hours per Week: 48

Unit Description

• Stepdown Critical Care (SDCC) is a 12-bed unit providing care for patients requiring a level of care between intensive care and progressive care units.
• Patient population includes trauma, surgery, transplant, lung disorders, and ventilated patients.
• Nurse-to-patient ratios: 1:3-4 on day and night shifts.
• Collaboration with Critical Care Intensivist and nursing staff to ensure patient safety.
• Drip infusions are required on all floors.
• Floating is mandatory; travelers are first to float and may be assigned to various units including neuro, trauma, observation, and others within the hospital system.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Nebraska.
• Minimum 2 years of Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience, with at least 1 year within the last year.
• Completion of at least one travel nursing assignment.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification.
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system.
• Valid Driver's License.

Work Schedule & Requirements

• Night shift: 4 shifts per 8-day period (48 hours/week).
• Weekend requirement: 4 weekend shifts out of 8 possible in a 4-week period.
• Holiday requirement: Must work 2 out of 3 major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s).
• Return to Office (RTO) restrictions: Up to two weeks permitted; requests after confirmation are at manager discretion.

Facility & Uniform

• Scrubs: Mandatory Steele gray scrubs with facility logo on the back (provided after confirmation).
• Parking: Permit available (~$55/month) or daily parking rates apply.

Background & Compliance Requirements

• Government-issued photo ID required.
• Background check within 30 days of start, including multi-county and nationwide checks.
• Federal and state exclusions screenings (SAM, OIG) required and updated every 30 days.
• Education verification and primary source license verification required.
• State-specific abuse/neglect registry check required.
• Drug screen within 60 days of start and annually thereafter.
• Physical exam and fit mask test (3M 1860 Small/Regular or 3M 1870+) required within 1 year and updated annually.
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Tdap within last 10 years
  • Annual PPD or equivalent TB testing
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) with boosters if needed
  • Hepatitis B titer or declination
  • Varicella vaccination or titer
  • Flu vaccine preferred (documentation or declination required)
  • COVID vaccine preferred; exemptions accepted
• Annual skills checklist required.
• Two professional references from the past 2 years required.

Additional Notes

• Travelers must comply with all facility policies and safety manuals.
• Eye exam required only for OR staff (not applicable here).
• Facility is a top-rated acute care hospital with a focus on complex patient care and academic research.

This position is ideal for experienced critical care RNs comfortable with high-acuity patients, frequent floating, and working night shifts in a fast-paced, academic medical center environment.