RN Med Surg Stepdown

Job Title: Level 2 RN Med Surg Stepdown

Location: Middleburg Heights,OH

Duration: 13 weeks

Pay rate: $51-$57 hr on W2

Scheduled Notes: Straight Days 7A-7:30P EOW and Holiday

Required:

• BLS
• 1 Yr of RN Oncology Experience
• RN License

The Cardiac Stepdown RN is responsible for monitoring vitalsigns, administering medications, managing cardiac devices, and collaboratingwith the healthcare team to ensure optimal recovery and patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Cardiac Monitoring and Assessment:
   • Continuously monitor patients’ cardiovascular status, including heart rate, blood pressure, rhythm, and oxygen saturation, using telemetry or other monitoring devices.
   • Assess for signs of cardiac complications, such as arrhythmias, ischemia, heart failure, or myocardial infarction, and respond appropriately.
   • Regularly evaluate patients’ overall health, including fluid balance, respiratory function, and vital signs.
   • Conduct thorough assessments of patients’ response to cardiac treatments and interventions.
2. Medication Administration and Management:
   • Administer prescribed medications, including antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants, pain management, and other cardiac medications.
   • Monitor for adverse reactions to medications, such as hypotension, bradycardia, or bleeding, and adjust care accordingly.
   • Ensure accurate administration of IV medications, including drips for cardiac support (e.g., vasopressors, antiarrhythmic drugs).
   • Educate patients on their medications, including dosages, timing, and potential side effects.
3. Patient Care and Recovery Support:
   • Provide post-surgical and post-procedural care to patients recovering from heart surgeries, stent placements, pacemaker implantation, and other cardiac interventions.
   • Assist patients in managing post-operative pain, including administering pain medications and helping with non-pharmacological pain management techniques.
   • Monitor for and address common post-cardiac procedure complications, such as bleeding, infection, or graft failure.

• Assess wound sites, including those from catheter insertion, pacemaker implantation, or heart surgery, and provide care as needed.
• Post-Cath lab patient management skills such as pacer management, post ablation management, femoral site management post sheath removal, and TR band management.

4.Patient Education:

1. • Educate patients and their families on cardiac conditions, medications, lifestyle modifications, and long-term care strategies to prevent further cardiac events.
   • Provide guidance on diet, exercise, stress management, and other factors contributing to cardiovascular health.
   • Prepare patients for discharge by teaching them about home care needs, follow-up appointments, and when to seek medical attention.
   • Address concerns about cardiac rehabilitation and support the transition to outpatient care.
2. Collaboration and Communication:
   • Collaborate with cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers to develop and implement comprehensive care plans.
   • Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team regarding the patient’s progress, treatment plan, and any changes in condition.
   • Participate in daily rounds to discuss patient progress, treatment strategies, and next steps in care.
   • Document patient care, interventions, and progress in electronic health records (EHRs) in a timely and accurate manner.
3. Emergency Response and Critical Care:
   • Respond to emergent situations such as arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, or respiratory failure by providing immediate interventions like CPR or defibrillation.
   • Assist in resuscitation efforts and coordinate with the team to stabilize the patient.
   • Monitor and manage patients on life-support equipment (e.g., ventilators, intra-aortic balloon pumps) when necessary.
4. Infection Control and Safety:
   • Follow infection control protocols to prevent hospital-acquired infections, particularly in patients with cardiac devices or post-surgical wounds.
   • Ensure patient safety by monitoring for signs of complications such as pressure ulcers, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and falls.
   • Adhere to all safety guidelines for handling medications, equipment, and sterile procedures.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid state nursing license.
• Experience:
  • Previous experience in cardiac care, critical care, or telemetry nursing is required
  • Experience working with post-cardiac surgery or interventional cardiology patients is beneficial.
  • Knowledge of cardiac medications, arrhythmia management, and cardiac monitoring is highly desirable.
• Certifications and Skills:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification are required.
  • Cardiac nursing certification (e.g., CCRN, CNOR) may be preferred
  • Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
  • Proficient in using cardiac monitoring equipment, telemetry, and medical devices.
  • Ability to recognize and manage emergency situations with swift decision-making.
  • Excellent communication skills for interacting with patients, families, and healthcare teams.

Working Conditions:

• Cardiac Stepdown RNs typically work in a hospital's stepdown or telemetry unit, providing care for patients recovering from serious cardiac conditions or surgeries.
• The role involves working in a fast-paced environment with fluctuating patient acuity and long shifts, which may include weekends, and holidays.
• Physical demands may include standing or walking for long periods, lifting or assisting patients, and handling medical equipment.
• The nurse may be exposed to infectious diseases, requiring adherence to safety protocols and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).