What are the responsibilities and job description for the Registered Nurse (RN) – Step-Down Unit (SDU) position at Full Circle Recruiting?
Position Summary
The Registered Nurse (RN) in the Step-Down Unit (SDU) delivers high-acuity nursing care to patients requiring continuous monitoring and advanced clinical support, but not intensive care unit (ICU) level treatment. This role focuses on patients transitioning from critical care or those at elevated risk for rapid clinical deterioration.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide direct, patient-centered care in a high-acuity Step-Down Unit
- Perform continuous cardiac monitoring (telemetry) and interpret rhythms
- Conduct frequent and detailed patient assessments; escalate care as needed
- Administer medications, including titratable IV drips within SDU scope (e.g., cardiac, electrolyte, anticoagulation)
- Manage patients requiring non-invasive respiratory support (BiPAP/CPAP, high-flow oxygen where applicable)
- Collaborate with physicians, respiratory therapists, and interdisciplinary teams on care plans
- Recognize early signs of deterioration and initiate rapid response protocols
- Educate patients and families on conditions, treatments, and discharge planning
- Document care accurately in the EMR in compliance with regulatory standards
Patient Population
- Cardiac: arrhythmias, post-cardiac events, CHF exacerbations
- Respiratory: COPD exacerbation, pneumonia, non-invasive ventilation support
- Post-ICU step-down patients
- Sepsis (hemodynamically stable or improving)
- Neurological: stroke monitoring, post-TIA care
- Post-surgical patients requiring elevated monitoring
Qualifications
Required:
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license (state-specific or compact)
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
- Minimum 1 year of acute care experience (telemetry, SDU, PCU, or ICU)
Preferred:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
- Prior Step-Down / Progressive Care experience
- Strong telemetry and rhythm interpretation skills
Work Environment & Schedule
- 12-hour shifts (days, nights, or rotating)
- Typical nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:3 to 1:4 (acuity dependent)
- Fast-paced, high-acuity inpatient environment
- Weekend and holiday requirements
Salary : $39 - $47