RN Neuro Acute Epilepsy Monitoring Telemetry
Phoenix, Arizona
Saint Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center

Registered Nurse (Neuro Acute Epilepsy Monitoring)

Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Unit: Neuro Acute 6NNA/B
Unit Size: 48 beds total (including 10 epilepsy specialty rooms)
Shift: Days
Hours: 12-hour shifts (7am–7pm), 36 hours per week
Contract Length: 13 weeks minimum

Job Description

• Provide nursing care on a neuro acute epilepsy monitoring unit specializing in epilepsy, brain tumors, subdural hematoma, scoliosis surgeries, traumatic brain injury, and other neuro diagnoses.
• Patient ratio approximately 1:4 for both day and night shifts.
• Charge nurse role available (no patient assignment).
• Support staff includes 1-2 patient care technicians (PCTs) on days, 1 at night, and a resource RN on day and night shifts.
• Floating primarily to MedSurg/Telemetry units, possibly to other nearby campuses.
• Facility is a teaching hospital; nurses may be expected to work with nursing students.
• Orientation includes 2 floor-specific shifts.
• Day 1 pass/fail SIMs Lab required, covering Foley catheter insertion and central line dressing changes (except ED and Neuro ICU have slight variations).
• Strong critical thinking and assessment skills required, including ability to detect subtle patient changes and assess cranial nerves.
• Use of self-releasing velcro seat belts (not restraints).
• Weekend requirement: 3 shifts in a 4-week period, self-scheduled.
• Holiday work included based on unit coverage.
• Scrub color: Grey’s Anatomy / Steel.

Required Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license valid in Arizona.
• Minimum 2 years of core nursing experience in specialty (Neuro Acute or MedSurg/Telemetry).
• Level 1 Trauma experience required.
• Prior travel experience required for Emergency Department and Neuro ICU roles.
• ACLS and BLS certifications required.
• BSN preferred.
• Certification in Med Surg/Telemetry preferred.
• Cerner EMR experience required.
• Prophecy Dysrhythmia Exam required 24-48 hours prior to acceptance (max 2 attempts; failure results in 6-month disqualification in region).
• Must pass Day 1 pass/fail exam during orientation.
• Must have own vehicle if part of a travel team.
• Must comply with appearance standards: no facial piercings, natural hair colors only, men must be clean-shaven for fit testing.
• Must be free of any pending onboarding requirements by 1pm CST Wednesday before start date.

Additional Information

• Facility is a Level 1 Trauma center and teaching hospital with a nationally recognized neuro program.
• Respiratory Therapy and Pharmacy services available 24/7.
• Respiratory Therapy manages BiPAP and ventilators.
• IV team (SWAT RN) available for difficult IV sticks.
• Hospitalist or Intensivist present during day shifts.
• Parking assigned with shuttle service; night shift parking in garage.
• No contract shorter than 13 weeks will be considered.
• Candidates cannot hold multiple contracts simultaneously within this system.
• Must have been off permanent staff in the system for 12 months to qualify for travel assignment.

Patient Population & Care Focus

• Patients with epilepsy undergoing 24-48 hour EEG monitoring.
• Neuro patients including brain tumors, subdural hematomas, scoliosis surgeries, traumatic brain injury.
• MedSurg and Telemetry patients with some telemetry monitoring required.

Orientation & Onboarding

• Weekly orientations on Mondays (except holidays).
• Onboarding must be completed by deadline or start date will be delayed.
• Includes SIMs Lab skills validation and pass/fail exams.
• Emphasis on sterile technique and competency in Foley catheter insertion and central line dressing changes.

This position is ideal for experienced neuro or MedSurg/Telemetry RNs with strong assessment skills, trauma experience, and prior travel assignments, seeking a 13-week or longer contract in a high-acuity teaching hospital environment.