Telemetry Registered Nurse
Salisbury, North Carolina
Novant Health Rowan Medical Center

Registered Nurse - Telemetry (Travel/Contract)

Location: Salisbury, North Carolina
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Fast-paced cardiac and stroke unit with high patient turnover (78-90 patients weekly).
• Primary care for stable pre/post cardiac procedures including pacemaker implantation, cardiac catheterization, and peripheral vascular interventions.
• Manage patients on multiple cardiac drips (Cardizem, Dopamine, Amiodarone, etc.).
• Unit includes a COVID-positive side with patients on opti-flow and chronic BIPAP (no new BIPAP initiation).
• Target nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:5-6; travelers must be comfortable caring for up to 6 patients during surges.
• Shift: 12-hour nights (18:45 - 07:15), 36 hours per week.
• Call requirement varies with patient census.
• Float and weekend coverage required (every other weekend, plus 2 Mondays and 2 Fridays in a 6-week period).
• Self-scheduling with leadership oversight; no block scheduling allowed.
• Orientation: 36 hours, must be available daily during first week.

Patient Diagnoses & Care

• Cardiac and stroke patients including:

  • Stable pre/post pacemaker and ICD implantation
  • Post uncomplicated interventional peripheral vascular and cardiac procedures without sheaths
  • Non-rebreather mask use (palliative only)
  • Stable oxygen saturation on pulse oximetry
  • Unstable angina, low-risk chest pain evaluation, CHF, dysrhythmias
  • All new CVA and TIA patients
• Ability to titrate cardiac drips and manage telemetry monitoring required.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in North Carolina.
• Minimum 2 years of telemetry nursing experience, with telemetry experience within the last year.
• Experience working with patient ratios and acuity similar to 1:5-6.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification.

Licensure & Experience

• Registered Nurse license valid in North Carolina required.
• Prior travel experience is not required; first-time travelers are welcome.

Work Environment & Equipment

• Use of telemetry, pulse oximetry, high flow oxygen (stable patients), non-rebreather masks (palliative only), and chronic BIPAP.
• No new BIPAP initiation or unstable oxygen patients on BIPAP.
• Unit uses Pyxis medication system, EPIC Dimensions for documentation, and SBAR communication.
• Navy blue or white scrubs required; jackets must match uniform material and color; no crocs with holes allowed.

Scheduling & Time Off

• No Return to Office (RTO) after booking allowed; call-offs or additional RTO may lead to cancellation.
• Maximum 7 days RTO allowed for auto-offer.
• No block scheduling permitted.

Orientation & Onboarding

• 36-hour unit orientation mandatory, attendance required every day during the first week.
• Must complete hospital-specific onboarding including medication safety training and confidentiality agreements.
• Must complete required background checks, drug screening (9-panel within 6 months), and health screenings (TB, immunizations, flu vaccination or approved exemption).
• Must complete competency exams and color blindness testing within 1 year.

Additional Requirements

• Weekend and holiday coverage as specified.
• Must be comfortable with fast patient turnover and high acuity.
• Must complete all required facility-specific documents and training prior to start.
• Photo ID and passport-style photo required for badge creation.

Summary

This is a challenging, fast-paced telemetry nursing role on a cardiac/stroke unit requiring strong cardiac nursing skills, telemetry experience, and the ability to manage multiple complex patients. The position offers a 13-week travel contract with night shifts and requires flexibility for call, float, and weekend coverage. First-time travel nurses are welcome, but a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience is mandatory.