Cardiac Step-Down RN
Nashville, Tennessee
Saint Thomas West Hospital

Job Opportunity: RN Cardiac Stepdown

Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Employment Type: Long-Term Assignment (13 weeks)
Shift: 6:45 PM – 7:15 AM

Job Description

• Provide nursing care on a Progressive Care Unit (PCU) specializing in post-cardiac surgery patients.
• Must be highly motivated to work in a cardiac surgery step-down environment.
• Successful completion of a proctored rhythm test is required.

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license with primary source verification within 30 days prior to assignment start.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification (American Heart Association).
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification (American Heart Association).
• Nursys verification within 30 days prior to start.
• Current professional license and disciplinary action disclosures as applicable.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Valid RN license in Tennessee
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a Progressive Care Unit (PCU), with recent PCU experience within the last year
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Onboarding & Compliance Requirements

• Completion of a health statement or physical exam prior to first assignment, updated annually.
• Immunizations and health screenings including:

  • MMR (two vaccines or positive titer; no declinations accepted).
  • Varicella (two vaccines, immunity evidence, or history; no declinations accepted).
  • Tdap (valid within 10 years; no declinations accepted).
  • Hepatitis B vaccination series or signed declination.
  • Influenza vaccine (optional; if declined, mask required during flu season).
  • Tuberculosis screening: 2-step PPD or IGRA with annual TB questionnaire; chest X-ray if positive.
• Fit test for respiratory protection, preferably completed prior to start.
• 12-panel drug screen within 30 days prior to start and annually thereafter.
• Criminal background check including Social Security trace, OIG search, and National Sex Offender registry within 90 days prior to start.
• Employment and education verifications completed within 90 days prior to start.
• Completion of unit-specific competencies and skills checklists annually.
• Passing score (minimum 80%) on rhythm and EKG exams with limited attempts allowed.
• Completion of core competencies covering HIPAA, Joint Commission, OSHA, and National Patient Safety Goals within the last year, updated every 3 years.
• Completion of onboarding education attestations and training modules prior to clearance.

Documentation Required for Submission

• Professional resume/profile.
• Two professional references.
• Driver’s license or state ID (valid, matching address requirements).
• Forward-facing badge photo with white or blue background (no alterations).

Additional Notes

• Some onboarding documents and checklists are completed onsite or uploaded by unit leadership.
• Extensions require updated testing and documentation as per policy.
• Compliance with all credentialing and onboarding requirements is mandatory for assignment start and continuation.