Pediatric Stepdown Registered Nurse
Washington, District of Columbia
The HSC Pediatric Center

Registered Nurse - Pediatric StepDown

Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

Seeking a Pediatric StepDown Registered Nurse with at least 2 years of nursing experience. Experience with medically complex pediatric patients is preferred. This role involves working in a pediatric rehabilitation and specialized inpatient care environment.

Requirements

Experience

• Minimum 2 years nursing experience (defaulted to higher value)
• Pediatric experience preferred but not required
• First-time travelers accepted
• Prior travel experience not explicitly required

Certifications

• BLS/CPR (required)
• ACLS (required based on unit/specialty)
• PALS (required based on unit/specialty)
• NRP (required based on unit/specialty)
• Chemotherapy certification (required based on unit/specialty)
• State RN license (must have or show proof of pending DC RN license prior to start)
• NURSYS verification required

Skills & Abilities

• Strong assessment and communication skills
• Comfortable supervising CNAs, LPNs, PCAs as needed
• Ability to float within scope to similar pediatric rehab/inpatient/SNF units

Work Schedule

• Typical pediatric inpatient/SNF nurse-to-patient ratios (varies by census)
• Occasional weekends (facility dependent)
• Floating required
• Block scheduling available upon request (not guaranteed)
• Guaranteed 36 hours per week
• Max 1 week of RTO (request time off); if full week off, must extend contract to make up time

Facility Environment

• Pediatric, medically complex inpatient and skilled nursing care
• Charting system: Cerner
• Scrub color: Any child-friendly color, no logos
• Onboarding: 20+ hours (non-billable)
• Parking: Free

Special Requirements

• Experience with medically complex pediatric patients preferred
• Must be comfortable supervising other care staff
• Strong communication and assessment skills

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

Background Checks

• Comprehensive background check within 30 days of start (covering all locations lived/worked/schooled in past 7 years)
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required
• Education verification required (transcript/diploma accepted if pending)

Health & Immunizations

• Physical exam within 30 days of start (must include latex allergy info)
• Fit test (N95 or PAPRs) within 1 year, updated annually
• Tdap vaccine within 10 years
• Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 60 days (with additional requirements if positive or new converter)
• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) - 2 vaccines or positive quantitative titer with lab values
• Hepatitis B series and quantitative titer or declination form
• Varicella - 2 vaccines or positive quantitative titer with lab values
• 10 panel drug screen within 30 days of start (including marijuana)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption
• COVID vaccine or declination required for tracking

Testing & Competencies

• Medication calculation exam at orientation (must score 84% or higher, 2 attempts allowed)
• Medication/pharmacology competency exam required
• Color blind testing required (can be completed online or as part of physical)
• Competency exam required

Facility-Specific Training

• Completion of Cornerstone Modules prior to start (includes COVID-19 vaccine training and other pediatric care topics)
• Orientation safety manual acknowledgement
• Pass/fail testing acknowledgement for nursing

Documentation

• Professional references (2) dated within past 2 years, preferably supervisors/managers
• Employment application and skills checklist required
• Photo for badge (specific guidelines provided)

Additional Notes

• Locals accepted
• Pending license accepted but must show proof and have license prior to start
• No on-call required

This position offers an opportunity to work in a specialized pediatric rehabilitation and inpatient setting with a focus on medically complex patients. The role requires strong pediatric nursing skills, certifications, and compliance with extensive health and background documentation.