RN Step Down (IMCU)
Nashville, Tennessee
Saint Thomas West Hospital

Registered Nurse (RN) - Step Down Unit

Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Employment Type: Long-Term Assignment (13 weeks)
Shift: 06:45 AM – 07:15 PM

Unit Overview

• Fast-paced, high acuity Step Down unit with 14 beds
• Patient population includes those with:

  • Chest pain
  • Post kidney transplant
  • Acute renal failure
  • Congestive heart failure
  • GI bleed
  • Pneumonia
  • Myocardial infarction
  • Pulmonary disease (with or without mechanical ventilation)
  • Thoracic and other surgical procedures with comorbidities
  • Drug and/or alcohol withdrawal
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 3:1

Required Certifications & Skills

• Basic Life Support (BLS) – American Heart Association (AHA) certified
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) – AHA certified
• Successful completion of a proctored cardiac rhythm test
• National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Passing score (minimum 80%) on unit-specific EKG exam (two attempts allowed)
• Completion of core competencies including HIPAA, Joint Commission, NPSG, OSHA topics (updated every 3 years)

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Tennessee
• Minimum of 2 years of Step Down nursing experience, with Step Down experience within the last year
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Valid Driver's License

Health & Safety Requirements

• Completed health screenings and immunizations including:

  • MMR (two vaccines or positive titer; no declinations accepted)
  • Varicella immunity or vaccination (no declinations accepted)
  • Tdap within last 10 years (no declinations accepted)
  • Hepatitis B vaccination series or signed declination
  • Influenza vaccine recommended during flu season (mask required if declined)
• Tuberculosis screening:

  • 2-step PPD or IGRA within required timeframes
  • If positive, negative chest X-ray within last year and annual TB questionnaire
• Fit test for respiratory protection (preferred prior to start, can be completed onsite)
• Annual 12-panel drug screen prior to start and annually thereafter

Onboarding & Documentation

• Submission of professional resume/profile and two professional references prior to assignment
• Criminal background check including Social Security trace, OIG search, and National Sex Offender registry within 90 days of start
• Employment and education verifications completed within 90 days of start
• Signed assignment agreement and onboarding attestations completed onsite or prior to start
• Forward-facing badge photo with white or blue background (no alterations)
• Completion of unit-specific skills checklist and Cerner electronic health record test-out prior to or shortly after start

Additional Notes

• The role involves caring for critically ill patients transferred from various locations, requiring strong clinical judgment and ability to manage complex cases
• Ongoing competency and certification renewals are required to maintain assignment eligibility

This position is ideal for experienced RNs comfortable in a high-acuity step down environment seeking a 13-week long-term assignment with comprehensive onboarding and credentialing requirements.