RN - PCU

Cardiac Stepdown RN

Job Title: Cardiac Stepdown RN

Profession: Registered Nurse

Specialty: Med/Surg

Duration: 14 weeks

Shift: Nights

Hours per Shift: 12.5 hours

Experience: Minimum 2 years RN experience in Med Surg; Minimum 1 year of travel experience

License: Current Ohio RN license

Certifications: BLS required

Must-Have: Minimum 2 years RN experience in Med Surg; Minimum 1 year of travel experience; Current license by the Ohio State Board of Nursing; BLS required

Description: The Cardiac Stepdown RN is responsible for monitoring vital signs. They administer medications and manage cardiac devices. Collaboration with the healthcare team is essential for optimal recovery and patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cardiac Monitoring and Assessment: Continuously monitor patients' cardiovascular status. This includes heart rate, blood pressure, rhythm, and oxygen saturation. Utilize telemetry or other monitoring devices. Assess for signs of cardiac complications such as arrhythmias or ischemia. Respond appropriately to complications. Regularly evaluate patients' overall health and fluid balance. Conduct thorough assessments of patients' responses to treatments and interventions.
• Medication Administration and Management: Administer prescribed medications, including antiarrhythmics and anticoagulants. Monitor for adverse reactions to medications. Ensure accurate administration of IV medications and drips for cardiac support. Educate patients on their medications, dosages, timing, and side effects.
• Patient Care and Recovery Support: Provide post-surgical and post-procedural care to patients. Assist patients in managing post-operative pain with medications and non-pharmacological techniques. Monitor for and address common post-cardiac procedure complications. Assess wound sites and provide care as needed.
• Patient Education: Educate patients and their families on cardiac conditions and medications. Provide guidance on lifestyle modifications and long-term care strategies. Prepare patients for discharge by teaching home care needs and follow-up appointments. Address concerns about cardiac rehabilitation.
• Collaboration and Communication: Collaborate with healthcare providers to develop and implement comprehensive care plans. Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team. Participate in daily rounds to discuss patient progress and treatment strategies. Document patient care and interventions in electronic health records.
• Emergency Response and Critical Care: Respond to emergent situations such as arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. Provide immediate interventions like CPR or defibrillation. Assist in resuscitation efforts and coordinate with the team to stabilize patients.
• Infection Control and Safety: Follow infection control protocols to prevent hospital-acquired infections. Ensure patient safety by monitoring for signs of complications. Adhere to all safety guidelines for handling medications and equipment.

Qualifications:

• Education: Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid state nursing license.
• Experience: Previous experience in cardiac care, critical care, or telemetry nursing is required. Knowledge of cardiac medications and arrhythmia management is highly desirable.
• Certifications and Skills: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification are required. Cardiac nursing certification may be preferred. Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills are essential. Proficiency in using cardiac monitoring equipment and medical devices is necessary. Ability to recognize and manage emergency situations. Excellent communication skills are required for interacting with patients and healthcare teams.

Working Conditions: This role involves working in a fast-paced environment. It includes long shifts, weekends, and holidays. Physical demands may include standing or walking for long periods. The nurse may be exposed to infectious diseases.