Step Down RN
Boone, North Carolina
Watauga Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Step Down Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract)

Location: Boone, North Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Position in Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU) Float Pool with night shifts (3 shifts per week, 12 hours each, 7pm-7am)
• Up to 2 weekends per month and holidays required
• Float to MedSurg unit as patient volume requires
• Blocked scheduling may be considered but is not guaranteed
• Patient-to-nurse ratio typically 5:1, aiming for 4:1; 24 beds with average daily census of 20-24
• Occasional pediatric patients; candidates must be comfortable caring for pediatric patients
• Electronic Medical Record system: EPIC (recent experience/proficiency required)
• Uniform: Scrubs must be all navy or all white

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in North Carolina
• Minimum 1 year of recent experience in Progressive Care Unit (PCU) or Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU)
• Minimum 2 years of travel nursing experience
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Certifications:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) issued by American Red Cross or American Heart Association
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) issued by American Red Cross or American Heart Association
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) issued by American Red Cross or American Heart Association
  • NIH Stroke Scale Certification (NIHSS)
• Experience with EPIC Electronic Medical Record system

Shift Details

• Night shift: 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM
• 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (36 hours/week)

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

• Proof of I-9 or attestation
• Government-issued photo ID (must be carried during hours of service)
• Background check: 7-year criminal history check within one year of start, updated annually, covering all locations lived/worked in past 7 years
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start and updated for contract renewals
• NURSYS verification required for RN license
• Drug screening: 10-panel including marijuana, completed within 90 days prior to start and updated annually
• Physical exam: Initial and annual updates attesting ability to meet physical demands
• Immunizations and titers required (must be current within 5 years or have approved medical/religious exemptions):

  • Measles (Rubeola)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Varicella (Zoster/Shringrix not accepted)
  • Hepatitis B (titer, vaccine series, or declination)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required during flu season (Oct 1 - Apr 30)
• Badge photo: Passport-style, shoulders up, front-facing, good lighting, plain background; must be submitted within 48 hours of signing contract
• Completion of facility-specific self-study orientation and post-test required
• Proof of 2 clinical references or hospital evaluations
• Skills checklist and competency exams as applicable, updated annually

Additional Notes

• Candidates must be comfortable with occasional pediatric patients despite low frequency
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) certification required for Behavioral Health, ER, ICU nurses (not specifically required for this role)
• Local candidates residing within 40 miles of the facility are not eligible for this travel assignment

This position is ideal for experienced Telemetry RNs with prior travel nursing experience seeking a night shift travel contract in North Carolina.