Pediatric Cardiac Stepdown RN
Columbus, Ohio
Nationwide Children's Hospital

Pediatric Stepdown Registered Nurse - Travel/Contract

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

• Provide nursing care in a pediatric cardiac stepdown unit.
• Patient population includes cardiac defects (medical and surgical), post-op cardiac catheterizations, post-cardiac ICU care, heart and lung transplant patients.
• Care involves managing tracheostomies, ventilators, high flow nasal cannula, inotropes.
• Rotating day/night shifts every 6 weeks.
• Work schedule includes every other weekend.
• Shift length: 12 hours per shift, 48 hours per week.

Required Qualifications

• Current Ohio RN license in hand.
• Minimum 2 years of pediatric cardiac stepdown nursing experience.
• Two professional references required at time of submission; one must be a manager or supervisor (Charge RN acceptable). Peer references not accepted.
• Must have a current government-issued photo ID matching legal name on RN license and certifications.
• Background checks including 7-year criminal history, education verification, and state-specific searches required within 30 days of start.
• Ohio BCI/FBI fingerprinting required within 60 days of start and must be updated for each new contract.
• Required certifications:

  • ACLS (American Heart Association only)
  • BLS (American Heart Association only)
  • PALS (American Heart Association only)
  • NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) for NICU RNs
  • TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) as applicable
• Verification of RN license required within 30 days of start.
• Education verification required, including highest degree verification through National Student Clearinghouse or equivalent.
• Negative 9-panel drug screen within 60 days prior to start.
• Required immunizations and health documentation:

  • TDAP vaccine within last 10 years (no titer substitution)
  • TB testing (PPD or IGRA) within last 12 months; additional requirements if positive.
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) immunity via positive titer or 2 vaccines; boosters required if titers negative or equivocal.
  • Varicella immunity via positive titer or 2 vaccines; boosters required if negative/equivocal.
  • Hepatitis B immunity or declination documentation.
  • Annual flu vaccine required during flu season (Oct 31 - May 31); medical/religious exemptions require facility approval and mask-wearing during flu season.
• N95 fit testing required within 1 year of start and updated annually; specific mask models accepted. Onsite testing allowed if prior testing not completed.
• Completion of competency exams and medication/pharmacology tests as applicable.

Additional Requirements

• Must review and sign facility-specific Code of Conduct and Confidentiality Agreement prior to start.
• Affiliating Health Record must be completed and address must match legal documents exactly.
• Infection Control Policy review and signature required prior to start (replaces physical exam copy). Physical exam must be on file within 1 year per agency standards.
• Fit test proof of appointment required if completing onsite.
• TB Questionnaire required for all candidates; additional forms required if positive TB history.
• Fingerprint screening questions must be completed prior to start.
• Flu exemption policy applies to candidates with approved exemptions.
• Employment application and unit-specific skills checklist required; skills checklist updated annually.

Work Environment & Schedule

• Pediatric cardiac stepdown unit with complex cardiac patients including post-surgical and transplant care.
• Rotating 12-hour shifts (day and night) every 6 weeks.
• Every other weekend work required.

Notes

• Candidates with Ohio driver’s license address within 60 miles of the facility will be considered local and may not qualify for travel status.
• Legal name on all documents must match exactly (including middle name if applicable).
• Temporary IDs or paper driver’s licenses are not acceptable for compliance.
• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required for this position.

This position is ideal for experienced pediatric cardiac stepdown RNs seeking a travel contract opportunity with a specialized patient population and rotating shifts.