ICU Stepdown Registered Nurse
Winston Salem, North Carolina
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center

ICU Registered Nurse Travel/Contract Job – Winston Salem, North Carolina

Job Overview

• Position: ICU Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract)
• Location: Winston Salem, North Carolina
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Shift: Night shift, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (18:45 – 7:15)
• Hours per Week: 36 hours
• Patient Population: Adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients
• Unit Type: ICU Stepdown / PCU / Telemetry / Intermediate Care Unit (IMC)
• Patient Acuity: Post rapid response patients, respiratory distress, unstable hemodynamics, GI bleeds, post-op surgeries (GYN, GU, GI, thoracotomies, neuro, ortho), complicated OB cases
• Average Daily Census: 18 patients on a 20-bed unit
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 3:1 or 4:1
• Float Requirement: May float to sister ICCU unit as needed
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend

Required Skills & Experience

• Valid RN license in North Carolina
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Minimum 2 years ICU (Intensive Care Unit) experience, including experience within the last year
• ACLS issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• BLS issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Strong experience with arterial lines and titrating vasoactive drips
• Experience with peripheral line, central line, and PICC line care/management
• Heparin protocol experience
• Experience with conscious sedation
• Experience using Rapid Response Teams
• Experience with chest tubes (Emerson/Pleur-evac)
• Tracheostomy management experience

Certifications & Licenses

• License: Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license for North Carolina
• Required Certifications:

  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
  • BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support)
  • NIH Stroke Certification
• Additional Requirements:

  • Must pass EKG/Dysrhythmia competency testing prior to start
  • Hospital orientation attendance mandatory during week one
  • No block scheduling allowed
  • Navy and/or white scrubs required

Unit & Equipment Details

• Unit functions similarly to an ICU with one pressor drip per patient limit; patients requiring multiple drips are transferred to ICU
• Bedside telemetry monitors with remote backup
• No ventilators on unit
• Use of Pyxis medication system and Epic electronic health record

Scheduling & Work Conditions

• Night shift only (12-hour shifts)
• Maximum 7 days of RTO (Return to Office) allowed; no RTO after booking or onsite workarounds permitted
• No block scheduling allowed
• Floating to sister ICCU unit as needed
• Weekend work every other weekend

Patient Diagnoses & Care Focus

• Respiratory distress and unstable hemodynamics
• Post rapid response team patients
• GI bleeds
• Post-operative care for gynecological, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, thoracic, neurological, orthopedic surgeries
• Pre/post obstetric patients with complications (e.g., Pitocin use)
• Care for adolescent through geriatric patients

Health & Compliance Requirements

• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year of start (or proof of past positive TB with appropriate documentation)
• Required immunizations or titers: Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required during flu season
• Drug screening (9-panel) within 6 months of start
• N95 fit mask required (can be completed onsite if necessary)
• Background check within 6 months for clinical candidates
• Education verification for highest degree earned (pending allowed for RNs with valid license)
• Photo ID (passport style photo on white background) required for badge creation
• Completion of hospital-specific orientation and compliance training modules

Important Notes

• Hospital orientation week one is mandatory with daily class attendance
• Must pass EKG/Dysrhythmia competency exam within 72 hours of start; three attempts allowed before cancellation
• No block scheduling allowed to maintain staffing flexibility
• Floating to sister ICCU unit required as needed
• RTO (Return to Office) after booking is not allowed and may result in contract cancellation
• Scrubs color: Navy, white, or combination

This position is ideal for ICU RNs with strong critical care skills, especially in managing vasoactive drips and telemetry, who are comfortable working night shifts in a high-acuity stepdown unit. First-time travel nurses are welcome to apply.