Job info

Job Opportunity: RN Step Down (Travel)

Location: Anderson, Indiana
Specialty: RN Step Down (Progressive Care Unit)
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

The Step-Down Unit/Progressive Care (SDU/PCU) Registered Nurse provides specialized nursing care to patients who require close monitoring and frequent assessment but do not meet criteria for intensive care. This role involves delivering safe, high-quality, patient-centered care in collaboration with a multidisciplinary healthcare team. Strong critical thinking, clinical judgment, and the ability to manage complex patient conditions in a fast-paced environment are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care for medically complex patients requiring telemetry, frequent monitoring, and specialized interventions.
Perform comprehensive assessments including respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and hemodynamic status.
Monitor and interpret cardiac rhythms, vital signs, and laboratory results; notify providers of changes in patient condition.
Administer medications safely, including IV medications per physician orders and hospital policy.
Manage and care for patients with devices such as telemetry monitoring, IV drips (cardiac, vasoactive, insulin infusions), central lines, PICC lines, oxygen therapy, high-flow oxygen, CPAP/BiPAP as appropriate.
Implement and evaluate individualized patient care plans.
Collaborate with physicians, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, case management, and other disciplines to optimize patient outcomes.
Educate patients and families regarding diagnosis, treatment plan, medications, and discharge instructions.
Accurately document assessments, interventions, and patient responses in the electronic medical record (EMR).
Recognize early signs of patient deterioration and activate rapid response or escalate care as needed.
Adhere to infection prevention protocols, fall precautions, and patient safety standards.

Required Credentials & Certifications

BLS (Basic Life Support) - Must be AHA certified
ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) - Must be AHA certified
Current RN License with Nursys verification within 30 days prior to start
Pharmacology Exam (Ascension Pharmacology Exam) - Minimum 80% score, updated every 3 years
Medical Surgical Exam (Ascension Medical Surgical Exam) - Minimum 80% score, updated every 3 years
EKG Exam (Ascension EKG Exam) - Minimum 80% score, updated as per latest edition
Core Competencies (HIPAA, Joint Commission, OSHA topics) - Minimum 80% score, updated yearly
NIH Certification - Updated yearly or every 2 years depending on group
Skills Checklist - Clinical skills checklist completed within one year of start and updated annually
Ascension Onboarding Requirements Education Attestation
Ascension Nursing Contract Worker Onboarding

Required Health & Immunization Documentation

MMR - Documented proof of two vaccines or positive IGG titer; no declinations accepted
Hepatitis B - Vaccination series completion or signed declination
Influenza Vaccine - Required during flu season; exemptions accepted with mask requirement
Varicella - Proof of two vaccines, immunity, or history; no declinations accepted
Tdap - Valid within 10 years; no declinations accepted
Positive PPD or Negative Chest X-Ray and Annual TB Questionnaire
Fit Test - Required annually, preferred prior to start
Health Statement - Statement of good health or physical exam prior to first assignment, updated annually
2 Step PPD OR IGRA (Quantiferon/Tspot) - Required within specified timeframes

Additional Requirements

Driver's License/State ID - Must be current and valid
Criminal Background Check - Including Social Security Trace, OIG Search, National Sex Offender, and others, completed within 30 days of assignment and updated annually
Employment Verification - Third-party verification for past seven years, updated annually
Education Verification - Verification of relevant education within 90 days of start
Drug Screen - 12 panel drug screen within 30 days prior to start, updated annually
Professional References - At least two professional references prior to first assignment
Ascension Profile and Confirmation of Assignment documentation

Experience Requirements

Specialty: RN Step Down
Years of Experience: Not explicitly stated; assume standard experience for Step Down RN roles (typically 1-2 years in progressive care or telemetry nursing). No conflicting data found requiring adjustment.
Prior Travel Experience: Not explicitly required for this position.

Employment Type

Travel Nurse Contract

This position is ideal for experienced Step Down RNs who are comfortable managing complex patients requiring telemetry and specialized nursing interventions in a fast-paced environment. The role demands strong clinical skills, critical thinking, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team.