Telemetry Registered Nurse
Salem, Massachusetts
NSMC Salem Hospital

Job Opportunity: RN Telemetry I

Location: Salem, Massachusetts
Employment Type: Long-Term Assignment (LTA)
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit Overview

• Unit Name: Davenport 8 – Medical Telemetry Unit
• Unit Description:

  • 37-bed medical telemetry unit
  • Patients admitted from ED, other units, or directly by physicians
  • Common treatments include Cardizem, Nitroglycerin, Lasix, and Heparin drips
  • Patient types include NSTEMI, Post-Pacemaker, Post-Cardiac Cath Lab (with/without interventions)
• Patient Population:

  • CHF, Atrial Fibrillation, Pulmonary Embolism, Pneumonia
  • Patients with Alcohol use disorder (EtOH) and Dementia with cardiac co-morbidities
  • Occasional surgical patients

Job Details

• Shifts: Days, Evenings, Nights (rotating shifts and every other week rotation for days/eves; nights do not rotate)
• Hours: 36 hours per week
• Floating: Required to float to applicable units as needed
• RN to Patient Ratio:

  • Day/Evening shifts: 1:4 (max 5)
  • Night shift: 1:5-6
  • Day shift weekdays include a Charge RN without patient assignment
• Bed Configuration:

  • 10 semi-private rooms
  • 1 quadruple room
  • 1 triple room
  • 10 private rooms
  • 1 negative pressure room
• Census: 37 patients
• EMR System: EPIC

Experience & Skills Required

• Minimum 2 years of nursing experience
• Ability to read and interpret telemetry strips (Tele strips) is mandatory
• Knowledge of cardiac drips required
• Experience with post-cardiac catheterization and pacemaker patient care preferred but not required

Certifications Required

• Active BLS certification (AHA, Red Cross, CHSF, or Military accepted; AHA preferred)
• Telemetry Certification required
• ACLS preferred; required for RNs on Observation Unit

Additional Requirements for Onboarding

• Professional license verification (Primary Source Verification required; MA Conditional Licenses not accepted)
• Fit Test for N95 respirator within 365 days of start date, updated annually
• Passing scores on:

  • Medication Exam (80% passing within 365 days)
  • Dysrhythmia Exam (80% passing)
• Immunizations and health documentation:

  • MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination or proof of immunity
  • Influenza vaccine required during flu season (Sept 15 - April 30) with no exemptions
  • TB test documentation within 3 months of start date (skin test or blood test)
  • Health statement signed by MD/DO/NP/PA within 365 days
• Background checks and verifications:

  • Criminal background check within 45 days prior to start
  • Massachusetts CORI background check within 30 days prior to start
  • Social Security Number trace and National Sex Offender check within 30 days prior to start
  • Exclusion checks (OIG, GSA, MassHealth, NH Medicaid) within 30 days prior to start and annually
• Resume including past 7 years of work experience with city and state
• Two recent references (minimum one supervisor or above)
• Skills checklist and candidate submission coversheet required for submission
• Respirator Medical Clearance attestation if fit test required

This position offers an opportunity to work in a specialized telemetry unit with a diverse patient population requiring advanced cardiac monitoring skills. The role requires flexibility with rotating shifts and floating to other units as needed.