Step-Down RN
New Orleans, Louisiana
Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans

Job Opportunity: Step Down Nurse (Travel/Contract)

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Discipline: Registered Nurse
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 12 weeks

Job Overview

• Assignment may include being part of an "Emergency Team" with expectations to stay onsite during emergency events or serve as relief staff.
• Unit does not accept first-time travel nurses.
• Patient diagnoses include: pre-liver transplant, acute/chronic liver failure, end stage renal disease, diabetic ketoacidosis, sepsis, acute/chronic respiratory failure, heart failure.
• Special procedures/unit details: hospice care, immunoglobulin therapy.
• Float requirement expected.
• Epic electronic health record experience required.

Required Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA only, RQI accepted. Must be current or renewed prior to start.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - AHA only, RQI accepted. Required for step-down and critical care specialties. Must be current or renewed prior to start.

Required Licensure

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in Louisiana or Compact License required upon submission and effective immediately.
• License must be current or renewal in process prior to start.

Required Experience

• Prior travel experience is required; first-time travelers will not be accepted.
• Minimum years of specialty experience not explicitly stated, but prior travel experience is mandatory.

Additional Requirements

• Current/valid Driver’s License or government photo ID (color copy).
• Background checks including 7-year criminal background, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, sex offender search, and education verification as applicable.
• Physical exam within 12 months indicating good health.
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start.
• Immunizations/vaccinations or proof of immunity required for:

  • TB (negative test or chest x-ray) within 12 months
  • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella (positive titer or vaccine series)
  • Hepatitis B (titer, vaccine series, or booster)
  • Varicella (titer or vaccine series)
  • Tdap (for select units)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption required during flu season (Oct 1 - Apr 30).
• Competency exam specific to specialty, completed within 1 year prior to start, minimum 80%.
• Skills checklist updated annually.
• Photo for badge (passport-style, recent, color).

Important Notes

• Candidates must be comfortable with emergency team assignments and potential extended onsite presence during emergency events.
• Onsite fit testing for N95 masks available if needed; authorization form required.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification required unless working in ICU.
• Employment application and resume required with 7 years employment history and explanation of gaps.

This position is ideal for experienced travel nurses with prior travel assignments who are comfortable working in a step-down unit with complex patient diagnoses and emergency preparedness responsibilities.