Registered Nurse - Step-Down Unit
Dayton, Ohio
Miami Valley Hospital

Registered Nurse - Step Down Unit

Location: Dayton, Ohio
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Work on a high acuity, fast-paced step-down unit with an average daily census of 31 patients.
• Patient population includes DKA, GI bleed, COPD, Pneumonia, Stroke, Sepsis, and Urology complications.
• Targeted patient ratios are typically 1:4, but may be up to 1:5-6.
• Requires excellent critical thinking skills, cardiac monitor interpretation, ventilator and trach experience, ACLS, chest tube and drain management, NIH Stroke Certification, and management of cardiac drips.
• Nurses will be fitted for N95 masks prior to working on the high-risk respiratory unit unless PAPR is offered/needed.
• Navy blue scrubs required.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Ohio.
• Minimum 2 years of step-down unit experience, with at least some experience within the last year.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• ACLS certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification.
• National Tech Cert Verification.
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system.

Floating and Other Requirements

• Floating to other specialty clusters or units, including high-risk respiratory/COVID units, may be required.
• Floating locations may include multiple campuses within approximately 15 miles radius.
• Employer reserves the right to cancel shifts or contracts with notice.
• Travelers are not eligible for employee incentives.

Certifications and Competencies

• BLS (AHA only)
• ACLS (AHA only)
• NIH Stroke Certification (required for this unit)
• Dysrhythmia/EKG Competency Exam (must be passed within 1 year or completed shortly after contract signing)
• Medication/Pharmacology competency exam within 2 years
• Other unit-specific competency exams as required

Health and Background Requirements

• Physical exam within 2 years indicating fitness for duty and free of communicable diseases.
• Negative TB test or chest x-ray; annual TB questionnaire if past positive.
• Required immunizations or proof of immunity: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B (vaccination series, immune titer, or declination).
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required during flu season.
• Drug screening within 12 months prior to documentation due date; must include marijuana panel.
• Background checks including 7-year criminal history, EPLS/GSA/SAM, and HHS/OIG required.
• Fingerprinting not required for this assignment.

Documentation Required Prior to Start

• Current resume/application.
• Two professional references within 2 years (one must be a manager/supervisor/charge nurse) or employment verification if references unavailable.
• Skills checklist updated within 1 year.
• Various compliance and health documents including I-9, government-issued photo ID, E-Verify, candidate agreement, annual health questionnaire, and medical questionnaire for respiratory protection.

Additional Notes

• Overtime is paid after 48 hours worked.
• Request for time off (RTO) must be submitted with initial application; no RTO added after offer.
• RTO approval is at manager’s discretion.

This position is ideal for experienced RNs with strong critical care skills, ventilator experience, and the ability to work in a dynamic, high-acuity step-down environment.