Stepdown Registered Nurse
Morgantown, West Virginia
Ruby Memorial Hospital

Registered Nurse (Stepdown Unit)

Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit Overview

• Stepdown unit with 24 private rooms, nurse-to-patient ratio 1:3, supported by clinical associates
• Patient population includes medical/surgical, trauma, brain and spinal cord injuries, traumatic fractures, complex trauma, respiratory-compromised patients (BiPAP management, blood gas interpretation, tracheostomies, chronic vent dependence), reconstructive plastic surgery with microvascular free flaps, advanced diabetic management, complex wound care
• Part of a Level 1 Trauma Center
• 11 rooms equipped with in-ceiling lifts to promote early patient mobilization
• Exceptional learning opportunities for both seasoned and new graduate nurses

Work Schedule

• Night shift: 7:00 PM to 7:30 AM
• 36 hours per week
• Weekend shifts required (typically every other weekend depending on staffing)
• Holiday shifts on a rotational basis
• No call or standby requirement
• Floating on a rotational basis with unit staff, including travelers

Patient Care & Skills

• Strong assessment skills required; ability to adapt to a fast-paced environment
• RNs are required to titrate drips such as Cardizem, Labetalol, Amiodarone (no sedative drips)
• Basic EKG interpretation required; telemetry techs read strips
• Unit has continuous monitoring for all 24 beds, including video monitoring for patient safety
• Respiratory therapy equipment includes BiPAP, CPAP, and chronic or non-weaning ventilators
• Charge nurse and 24/7 house supervisors available

Staffing Support

• Typically 3 nurse aides per 24 patients (ratios around 3:8 or sometimes 1:12)

Required Certifications & Qualifications

• Current BLS certification required
• ACLS certification required
• Valid driver’s license with address outside a 50-mile radius of the facility (submission requirement)

Orientation & Dress Code

• Unit-specific orientation with clinical preceptor
• Dress code: Royal blue scrubs

Additional Notes

• Only one submission allowed at a time across the entire system
• Previous permanent candidates must have been off the system for 2 years before reapplying
• Previous travelers must have been off the system for 2 years after completing a full year on the unit
• Travel teams must be submitted together
• Maximum of 2 candidates submitted per opening; additional submissions held until spots open

Experience Requirement

• Ability to manage complex trauma and medical/surgical patients in a stepdown setting
• No explicit minimum years of experience stated, but strong assessment skills and adaptability are emphasized

This position is ideal for RNs experienced or interested in trauma and stepdown care within a high-acuity, fast-paced environment.