Cardiac Stepdown | Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse (RN) – Cardiac Stepdown / Intermediate Care (IMC) – Travel Nursing Contract in Madison, WI

Join a high-acuity adult cardiac stepdown and intermediate care nursing team in Madison, Wisconsin. This 13-week travel RN assignment offers experienced acute-care nurses the opportunity to provide exceptional care in a collaborative academic Level I trauma center while caring for medically complex and hemodynamically unstable patients.

Travel RN Job Details

• Weekly Estimated Pay: $2,250–$2,370
• Location: On-site in Madison, Wisconsin
• Assignment Type: 13-week Registered Nurse travel contract
• Start Date: November 16, 2026
• End Date: February 15, 2027
• Hours: 36 hours per week
• Schedule: 3 shifts per week; 12-hour night shifts from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.
• Alternative Schedule: A 4x12-hour schedule may be available based on unit needs
• Weekend Coverage: Every other weekend and additional coverage as needed
• Patient Population: Adults with complex medical, cardiac, pulmonary, surgical, trauma, and transplant needs
• Typical Ratios: Approximately 1:4 for general care and 1:2 for intermediate-care patients
• Floating: Travelers may be required to float based on unit needs
• Holiday Requirement: Holiday coverage is required, including December 24 and December 25; limited time-off availability applies during the December 22–January 5 period

Cardiac Stepdown RN Job Requirements

• Current Registered Nurse license in Wisconsin or a compact state
• At least 2 years of acute-care nursing experience within the past 3 years in the submitted specialty
• Recent experience in cardiac stepdown, progressive care unit (PCU), documented observation unit (DOU), intermediate care unit (IMC), telemetry, or telemetry oncology nursing
• Strong proficiency caring for mechanically ventilated patients and post-transplant patients
• Experience in an academic Level I or Level II trauma center, or a comparable high-acuity hospital
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications through the American Heart Association
• Epic electronic health record (EHR) charting experience
• Ability to successfully complete a telemetry examination before clearance to begin the assignment
• Current influenza vaccination, with medical or religious exemptions considered according to policy
• Ability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and float as needed

Cardiac Stepdown Nurse Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive nursing care to acutely ill adult patients with multiple comorbidities and potential hemodynamic instability
• Monitor and interpret cardiac rhythms, recognize dysrhythmias, and respond promptly to changes in patient condition
• Care for patients requiring ventilator support, BiPAP/CPAP, high-flow nasal cannula, tracheostomy management, and other advanced respiratory therapies
• Deliver post-transplant care, including care for patients with pulmonary hypertension and cystic fibrosis
• Manage arterial lines, central lines, PICC lines, chest tubes, surgical drains, ports, feeding tubes, and wound or vacuum-assisted closure therapies
• Administer blood products, manage heparin and insulin protocols, and titrate cardiac and other critical-care infusions within scope of practice
• Perform medication administration, IV initiation and maintenance, phlebotomy, patient assessment, clinical documentation, and patient education
• Collaborate with physicians, respiratory therapy, pharmacy, rehabilitation, rapid response teams, and other interdisciplinary partners
• Recognize changes in patient status and activate rapid response or emergency interventions when indicated
• Support safe transitions of care and advocate for quality outcomes in a fast-paced cardiac stepdown environment

Why Work in Madison, Wisconsin?

Madison is a vibrant, welcoming city known for its lakes, outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and lively dining scene. Explore this Wisconsin travel nursing opportunity and join a collaborative healthcare team in a leading academic trauma center.

Apply now for this Registered Nurse travel contract in Madison, Wisconsin.

Benefits

401K with Matching, Healthcare, Dental and Vision

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity across our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.