Stepdown Telemetry Registered Nurse
Morgantown, West Virginia
Ruby Memorial Hospital

Stepdown RN Position - Morgantown, West Virginia

Unit Overview: 8 North East (8NE) Stepdown Unit

• Type: Stepdown unit specializing in medical/surgical/trauma patients
• Beds: 24 private rooms with state-of-the-art monitoring
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:3 with clinical associate support
• Patient Population:

  • Brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic fractures, complex trauma
  • Respiratory compromised patients (BiPAP management, blood gas interpretation, tracheostomies, chronic vent-dependent)
  • Reconstructive plastic surgery with microvascular free flaps
  • Advanced diabetic management (Type 1 and Type 2)
  • General surgical interventions and complex wound management
• Level 1 Trauma Center: Unit supports the state’s only Level 1 trauma center

Clinical Requirements & Skills

• Certifications Required:

  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
• Experience: Strong assessment skills and ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment
• Drip Management:

  • RNs are required to titrate drips such as cardizem, labetalol, amiodarone, etc.
  • No sedative drips used in this unit
• Respiratory Equipment: BiPAP, CPAP, and chronic ventilators (not being weaned)
• Monitoring:

  • All 24 beds are monitored with telemetry tech support
  • RNs need basic EKG interpretation skills (techs read strips)
  • Video monitoring for patient safety

Staffing & Support

• Charge Nurse: Unit has its own charge nurse
• Supervision: House supervisors available 24/7, including night shift unit supervisors
• Nurse Aides: Typically 3 aides for 24 patients (ratio approx. 1:8 or sometimes 1:12)

Scheduling & Work Environment

• Shift: 7:00 PM to 7:30 AM (weeknights and weekends)
• Weekend Requirement: Yes, typically every other weekend depending on staffing
• Holiday Requirement: Yes, on a rotational basis
• Call/Standby: No call required
• Floating: Rotational floating with other unit staff; travelers included in rotation
• Dress Code: Royal blue scrubs

Orientation & Additional Info

• Unit-specific orientation with clinical preceptor
• Orientation includes weekend night and holiday rotation training

Contract Length

• 13 weeks (approximately 3 months)

Note: Candidates must have an unexpired driver’s license and meet submission requirements related to previous employment and travel assignments within the system.