Registered Nurse – Med/Telemetry/PCU
Bismarck, North Dakota
CHI Saint Alexius Health

Registered Nurse (Med/Tele/PCU)

Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Nights (7p-7a)
Hours per Week: 36 hours (12-hour shifts)
Unit Type: Medical/Telemetry/Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
Unit Beds: 32

Unit & Patient Care Details

• Nurse-to-patient ratios:

  • Day shifts: 1:4-5
  • Night shifts: occasional 1:5-6
  • PCU overflow: 1:3
• Patient population includes adults and geriatrics with cardiac conditions (cardiac caths, EP studies, pacers), alcohol-related issues, COVID-19 (including BiPAP patients), general surgical patients with cardiac history, pneumonia, influenza, sepsis, and acute on chronic conditions.
• Telemetry/cardiac monitoring is a core part of the role; RNs must read and interpret cardiac strips independently.
• RNs are required to titrate drips such as Amiodarone, Cardizem, Heparin, Nitro, Nipride, Lasix, and low-dose Dopamine (no Levophed).
• Respiratory equipment includes BiPAP, tracheostomies, and Airvo; RNs troubleshoot these devices.
• Charge nurse present on each shift, occasionally taking a light patient load (2-3 patients).
• Nurse aides/patient care technicians support the unit with a goal ratio of 1:10.
• Tele/Monitor techs are present to assist with monitoring.

Required Qualifications

• Current RN license valid in North Dakota.
• Must have Progressive Care Unit (PCU) experience.
• Ability to read and interpret telemetry strips is mandatory.
• ACLS and BLS certifications required.
• Experience with telemetry/cardiac nursing preferred.
• Epic electronic health record experience preferred but not required.
• First-time travel nurses are welcome.
• RNs must be comfortable titrating drips and managing cardiac patients.

Scheduling & Orientation

• Shifts: 7a-7p and 7p-7a; night shift available for this role.
• Shift rotation limited to no more than weekly; manager may consider blocked scheduling.
• Weekend and holiday work required every other week.
• Orientation: 2 shifts (12 hours each) on Friday and Saturday of the first week; independent by Sunday.
• Floating required to other areas including PCU, medical-surgical, and some emergency room holds/boarding.

Additional Information

• Dress code: Any color scrubs allowed.
• No call or standby requirements.
• Radius restriction: Candidates must live within 50 miles and cannot be currently employed part-time, full-time, or PRN with any related healthcare system facilities.
• Return to office (RTO) required within 7 days of contract start; no additional RTO extensions allowed.

Summary

This is a 13-week night shift contract for an experienced Med/Tele/PCU RN with strong cardiac and telemetry skills, including the ability to titrate drips and interpret cardiac monitoring strips. The role involves caring for a diverse adult and geriatric patient population with complex cardiac and medical conditions in a 32-bed unit. Candidates must hold current RN licensure, ACLS and BLS certifications, and have PCU experience. Orientation is provided, and first-time travel nurses are welcome.