Telemetry Registered Nurse
Boise, Idaho
St. Luke's Boise Medical Center

Registered Nurse - Telemetry

Location: Boise, Idaho
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit Overview

• Telemetry units on 3rd and 7th floors pooled together for staffing.
• 3rd Floor: 20 beds, cardiac focus including post-op open heart, TAVRs, ablations, cath lab, pacemakers, and medical telemetry.
• 7th Floor: 35 beds, general telemetry including post-procedural overflow, CHF, sepsis, electrolyte imbalances, post-stroke care.
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:4
• CNAs available: 3 on 3rd floor, 5 on 7th floor (typical CNA ratio ~1:8 depending on census).

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in telemetry nursing.
• Must have post-procedural cardiac experience (cath lab, ablations, open heart).
• Preferred experience in PCU and Stepdown units.
• Ability to read, interpret, and document telemetry strips independently (twice per shift).
• Current BLS, ACLS, and NIHSS certifications required.
• Experience with titrating heparin drips required; insulin drip experience not required (training provided if needed).
• Familiarity with set rate cardiac drips such as amiodarone, cardizem, dopamine, and dobutamine.

Work Environment & Expectations

• Shifts: 7am–7pm, schedule typically made 6 weeks in advance.
• Weekend requirement: 5-6 weekend shifts per 6-week schedule.
• Holiday work may be required occasionally.
• No regular call or standby; floating is common.
• Travelers are first to float between telemetry units and sister facilities.
• Orientation: 2 shifts (1 on each telemetry floor).
• Scrub color: Any color allowed.
• Charge nurse present on each unit, generally does not take patient assignments.
• Respiratory therapists manage high respiratory needs; RNs may assist as needed.
• Remote telemetry techs support monitoring; nurses must interpret telemetry strips themselves.

Additional Notes

• Traveler-friendly environment with leadership supportive of travelers.
• Travelers often extend contracts.
• Flexibility and willingness to float are important.