Neuro Stepdown RN
Portland, Oregon
Oregon Health & Science University Hospital

Travel Registered Nurse – Stepdown Neuro

Location: Portland, Oregon
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

• Work in a newly opening Neuro Stepdown unit (opens 6/15)
• Shift: Day shift, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 AM – 7:30 PM)
• Patient ratio: 1 nurse to 3 patients
• Guaranteed 36 hours per week
• Floating within the Acute Care division may be required
• Locals and first-time travelers accepted
• Pending license accepted if application is submitted and received by licensing board (qualifies for 90-day license exemption)
• Weekend work requirements are variable
• No on-call duties

Patient Population & Unit Details

• Diagnoses include:

  • Ischemic Stroke
  • Hemorrhagic Stroke
  • Status Epilepticus
  • Post-Craniotomy / Neurosurgery
• Special procedures: Post-Thrombolytic Care
• Equipment used:

  • Stable Hamilton C1 Ventilators
  • Vasoactive medication management
  • External Ventricular Devices
  • Lumbar Drains

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 2 years of experience in Neuro PCU (Progressive Care Unit), DOU (Direct Observation Unit), Intermediate Care, or Stepdown units, with Neuro PCU experience within the last year
• Skills required:

  • Titration of vasoactive drips
  • Care of ventilated patients
• Epic charting experience preferred but not required

Required Certifications

• ACLS issued by the American Heart Association
• BLS issued by the American Heart Association

Licensure

• Valid Registered Nurse license in Oregon
• Pending license accepted if application is submitted and received by licensing board

Education

• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Background & Compliance Requirements

• Valid government-issued photo ID required on first day
• Background check within 6 months prior to start, including:

  • Education verification
  • Work history verification (last 2 employers, minimum 7 years work history required on application)
  • National sex offender search
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks
• Drug screen: Negative 10-panel including methamphetamines within 3 months prior to start (laboratory-based, SAMHSA certified lab)
• Two professional references from managers or supervisors within last 24 months required (charge RN references not accepted unless direct supervisor)
• Facility-specific compliance modules and policies must be reviewed and signed prior to start

Health & Immunization Requirements

• Fit mask test within 1 year prior to start (N95 or equivalent)
• Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 12 months prior to start
• Tdap vaccine or signed declination form
• Immunity or vaccination for:

  • Measles (Rubeola)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B (full vaccine series or signed declination)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or signed declination required by 12/01/2025
• TB questionnaire required for all candidates

Additional Information

• Maximum of 5 days of requested time off (RTO) approved for 13-week contract; more than 5 days requires extending contract length
• Parking: $16 daily pass (8 AM – 5 PM); public transportation encouraged
• Facility is a Magnet, Teaching, Level I Trauma Center, short-term acute care hospital
• Professional appearance policy must be reviewed and signed
• Completion of facility-specific online training modules prior to start is mandatory for badge issuance

This position offers an opportunity to work in a specialized neuro stepdown unit with a focus on stroke and neurosurgical patients, requiring strong critical care nursing skills and certifications.