Step-Down Unit Registered Nurse
Manchester, New Hampshire
Elliot Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - Step Down Unit

Location: Manchester, New Hampshire
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit & Job Details

• Unit: Brand new step-down unit opening around 3/8/2026
• Patient Ratio: 1:3
• Average Daily Census: 11 patients
• Rooms/Beds: 12
• Shift: Not specified
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend required
• Float Requirement: Floating expectations; may float to ICU and ED for helping hands
• Patient Diagnoses:

  • Respiratory Failure
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis
  • Sepsis
  • Post Surgical Care (neuro, cardio-thoracic surgery, general)
  • Stable single organ trauma
  • Stroke

Required Experience & Skills

• Specialty: Registered Nurse (Step Down Unit)
• Minimum Years of Experience: 2 years
• Prior Travel Experience: Prior travel experience required; first-time travelers NOT accepted
• ICU RNs: ICU RNs interested in step-down unit are welcome to apply
• Epic Experience: Required
• Patient Care Model: Helping Hands/Team Nursing approach
• Patient Assignment: Will not take patients outside clinical assignment or team

Certifications Required

• ACLS (AHA Provider only)
• BLS (AHA Provider only)
• NIH Stroke Certification
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Other certifications may be required based on unit specifics (e.g., CPI, MAB)

Special Procedures & Equipment

• Arterial/Central Line Management
• Telemetry monitoring
• Bipap/High Flow oxygen therapy
• Epicardial wires
• Chest tubes
• Lifts in every room
• Noninvasive fluid management system
• Air taps for certain patient criteria

Orientation & Training

• Unit Orientation: 36 hours
• Pass/Fail Testing: Basic Dysrhythmia EKG exam and medication competency exams required for awareness and compliance
• Fit Mask Test: Annual fit mask test required (N95 or equivalent)
• Physical Exam: Within 1 year prior to start
• Drug Testing: 10-panel drug screen within 14 days prior to start
• Background Checks: Comprehensive background checks required within 30 days of start

Immunizations & Health Requirements

• Flu Vaccination: Required during flu season (Oct 31 - Apr 1); exemptions allowed with proper documentation
• Tdap: Required within last 10 years; exemptions allowed with documentation
• TB Test: True 2-Step PPD, Qgold, or Tspot within 1 year prior to start
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Immune titer or 2 vaccines required; no religious exemptions allowed
• Varicella: Immune titer or 2 vaccines required; history of disease NOT accepted
• Hepatitis B: Immune titer or 3 vaccines required; declinations accepted with waiver
• Respiratory Safety Clearance: Required for all clinical travelers

Additional Notes

• Travelers who have ever been employed by the associated health system are NOT eligible regardless of separation time
• Must be flexible and adaptable due to the unit being new and in the process of opening
• Two current professional references required, including one from a supervisor or charge nurse
• Documentation such as professional license, education verification, and various facility-specific attestations required

This position is ideal for experienced RNs with prior travel experience who are comfortable working in a dynamic, newly established step-down unit with a diverse patient population and a team nursing approach.