Medical-Surgical Telemetry RN
Alton, Illinois
Alton Memorial Hospital

Registered Nurse - Medical/Surgical Telemetry

Location: Alton, Illinois
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 12 weeks

Job Description

• Work on an Acute Medical Unit caring for adult and geriatric patients with medical and telemetry needs.
• Patient population includes general medicine, surgical, infectious disease, and non-acute cardiac telemetry patients.
• Responsibilities include EKG rhythm identification, managing non-titrating cardiac drips (decrease/weaning allowed), neurological assessment and care of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients.
• Float within the service line and scope of practice is required.
• Unit accepts first-time travelers.
• Shifts: Days, 0700-1930, 3 shifts per week including weekdays and weekends.
• No on-call required.
• Average daily census: 16-18 patients.
• Staffing ratio at night: 1:5.
• Beds on unit: 24.

Patient Exclusions

• Active and unstable gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Uncontrolled ischemic chest pain with unstable vital signs.
• Continuous non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NPPV).
• Certain medications not administered: Tenecteplase (TNK), Insulin drip, Neosynephrine, Nipride.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Illinois.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Minimum 1 year of telemetry nursing experience within the last year.

Compliance and Background Requirements

• Criminal background check within 6 months, including statewide and nationwide searches.
• Quarterly EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks.
• Education verification of highest nursing degree required.
• Fingerprinting required for assignments in Illinois long-term care or rehab units.
• Drug testing within 1 year of start, including a comprehensive panel.
• Physical exam within 1 year of start.
• Fit mask testing (N95) required and must be renewed annually.
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Tdap (or declination)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray (with yearly questionnaire)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella immunity or vaccination/declination
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption during flu season
• Various facility-specific documents and acknowledgements required prior to start (e.g., HIPAA, confidentiality, hand hygiene, dress code).

Additional Information

• Two professional references required.
• Unit-specific competency exams and skills checklists required and must be updated annually.
• Orientation modules required for all RNs, completed through an online platform.
• Float within the unit and service line expected.
• No prior travel experience required; first-time travelers accepted.

Work Environment

• Adult and geriatric patient population.
• Medical and telemetry unit with a focus on non-acute cardiac monitoring.
• No call responsibilities.
• Navy scrubs required.
• Free parking available.

This position is ideal for RNs with at least 1 year of experience in medical-surgical and telemetry nursing who are comfortable with adult and geriatric patient care, telemetry monitoring, and stroke patient assessments. First-time travel nurses are welcome.