Stepdown Registered Nurse
Kalamazoo, Michigan
Bronson Methodist Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse – Step Down Unit

Location: Kalamazoo, Michigan
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit Description

• Step down unit caring for general medical and oncology stepdown patients
• Nurse to patient ratio typically 1:4-6; ratios may flex higher with support staff
• Charge RN usually not assigned patients
• Chemotherapy admissions decrease assignment ratios
• Floating to other med-surg areas including Acute Unit (AU) and Emergency Room (ER) to care for med-surg patients
• No call required
• Weekend work every other weekend
• Block scheduling may be accommodated upon request
• Scheduling: Weekends assigned by manager; other days self-scheduled
• Must be available for the first two weeks of the assignment

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 2 years of PCU/Stepdown nursing experience
• Skills: Administering chemotherapy via IV, starting IVs
• Experience with equipment such as Welch Allyn Vital Sign Towers, Sigma IV Pumps
• Documentation experience with EPIC electronic health record system

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Michigan RN License
• BLS (AHA)
• NIH Stroke Certification (AHA, APEX, Bluecloud; must be updated annually)
• ONCC or ONS certification MUST BE IN HAND (one or the other accepted)
• Additional certifications may be required depending on unit assignment (e.g., ACLS, PALS, TNCC) – refer to unit-specific requirements

Scheduling & Work Conditions

• Weekend shifts every other weekend
• Floating to other med-surg units including AU and ER
• No call responsibilities
• Block scheduling possible with prior request
• Must be available for the first two weeks of the contract

Compliance & Background Requirements

• Criminal background check within 45 days of start, including lifetime search back to age 18
• Monthly EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks
• Michigan LARA fingerprinting required within 45 days of start for certain positions (not typically for this role unless specified)
• Education verification required (copy of highest degree or diploma acceptable)
• State-specific Central Registry Clearance required for pediatric and certain specialty placements (not typically required for this role)
• Drug testing: 10-panel including Marijuana/THC within 30 days of start (no exceptions)
• Physical exam within 1 year of start
• Fit mask testing required on-site (Honeywell DC365N95HC) for acute care roles
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (proof of at least one prior Tdap vaccine)
  • Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 30 days of start
  • Annual TB questionnaire
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella: 2 vaccines or positive titer (no exemptions accepted)
  • Hepatitis B: titer, series, or facility declination required
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption required for candidates starting after November 1

Additional Requirements

• Professional reference from a supervisor or manager required
• Complete employment application/resume with full 7 years work history, no gaps
• Skills checklist for applicable unit updated annually
• Orientation Safety Manual acknowledgment required

Prior Travel Experience

• No explicit requirement for prior travel experience mentioned

This position is ideal for experienced step down nurses with oncology and chemotherapy skills, who are comfortable working in a dynamic med-surg environment with floating responsibilities.