ICU/Stepdown Telemetry RN
Winston Salem, North Carolina
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center

Registered Nurse - ICU

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

Job Overview

• Unit functions similarly to an ICU with a focus on stepdown/telemetry patients.
• Strong experience with vasoactive drip management is essential.
• Target nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:3-4.
• Shift: 12-hour nights.
• Weekend requirement: Every other weekend.
• Floating to a sister ICCU unit as needed.
• No block scheduling allowed.
• RTO (Request Time Off) after booking is not allowed and cannot be worked out onsite; excessive call-offs may lead to cancellation.

Patient Population & Diagnoses

• Average daily census: 18 patients, 20 beds.
• Patient ages: adolescent to geriatric.
• Common diagnoses: respiratory distress, unstable hemodynamics, GI bleeds, post-op (GYN, GU, GI, thoracotomies, neuro, ortho surgeries), pre/post OB with complications (e.g., Pitocin), post rapid response team patients.

Required Skills & Experience

• Valid RN license in North Carolina
• Minimum 2 years of ICU (Intensive Care Unit) experience, including ICU experience within the last year
• Experience in PCU (Progressive Care Unit), DOU (Direct Observation Unit), Intermediate Care, Stepdown, and Telemetry settings
• ACLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• BLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Experience working with adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients
• Proficient with arterial lines and titrating vasoactive drips
• Skilled in interpretation and management of dysrhythmias
• Experience with use of Rapid Response Teams
• Knowledge of IV insulin protocols and blood product administration

Required Certifications

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support)
• NIH Stroke Certification
• Experience with IV starts, telemetry, and conscious sedation.

Orientation & Testing

• Hospital orientation required during week one; attendance at daily classes mandatory.
• Must pass EKG competency testing prior to start.

Scheduling & Uniform

• Schedule created by Nurse Manager; no block scheduling.
• Scrubs: Navy, white, or a combination.

Compliance & Background Requirements

• Criminal background checks within 90 days for all locations lived in the last 7 years.
• Drug screening within 30 days of start (10-panel, negative result required).
• Physical exam within 1 year of start; if past positive TB, physical within 30 days required.
• Fit mask testing required (N95 or PAPR training).
• Immunizations and titers required: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B (or facility-specific declination), Flu vaccination or approved exemption.
• Negative TB test or chest x-ray per protocol.
• Education verification for highest degree earned.
• References: 2 professional references within 3 years for travel and acute care.

Additional Notes

• Floating to sister ICCU unit required as needed.
• No ventilators on unit; familiarity with chest tubes, tracheostomy, and non-invasive airway management essential.
• Must be comfortable working with telemetry and managing dysrhythmias.
• Flu vaccination or approved exemption required during flu season.
• Multiple facility-specific documents and compliance trainings required prior to start.

This position is ideal for a Registered Nurse with ICU or stepdown experience who is comfortable managing complex patients on vasoactive drips and telemetry monitoring in a fast-paced environment.