Ortho Neuro Surgical RN - Telemetry and PCU
Rapid City, South Dakota
Rapid City Regional Hospital

Job Overview for Healthcare Recruiters and Workers

Position Details

• Specialty: Ortho Neuro Surgical (ONS)
• Location: Rapid City, South Dakota
• Facility: Rapid City Hospital, part of Monument Health
• Contract Length: 13 weeks

Patient Care Information

• Patient Types: Adults with various diagnoses including CHF, ARF, hepatitis, ESLD, DM, DKA, pneumonia, sepsis, GI bleed, syncope, chest pain, pulmonary emboli, respiratory failure, COPD, arrhythmias, seizure disorders, overdose, and delirium tremors.

Staffing and Ratios

• Beds: 56
• Patient Ratios:

  • RN:

    • PCU/Tele: 1:4 (Days & Nights)
    • Med/Surg: 1:5 (Days & Nights)
  • CNA: 1:8 (Days & Nights)

Required Experience

• PCU RN: Minimum 1 year experience (approval needed for less than 1.5 years)
• Tele RN: Minimum 1 year experience (approval needed for less than 1.5 years)
• LPN: Minimum 1 year experience with telemetry experience (approval needed for less than 1.5 years)
• First-time Travelers:

  • RN: Accepted with greater than 2 years’ experience
  • LPN: Not accepted

Required Certifications

• RN: BLS, ACLS (for PCU & Tele)
• LPN: BLS required; ACLS preferred
• CNA: Certified CNA; BLS not required

Required Education

• Completion of a nursing education program approved by the South Dakota Board of Nursing.

Skills and Competencies

• PCU RN: Cardiac and vasoactive drip titration, cardiac rhythm interpretation, IV starts, blood product administration, CIWA, drain/tube management, catheter management, insulin drips, effective communication, strong clinical judgment, teamwork, adaptability.
• Tele RN: Similar skills as PCU RN but focused on non-DKA insulin drips.
• LPN: Acute care telemetry experience, wound care, effective communication, strong clinical judgment, teamwork, adaptability.
• CNA: Professional bedside manner, strong team player, adaptability.

Support on the Unit

• CNA: 1:8 ratio (Days & Nights)
• Charge Nurse: 2 for the unit (free-floating), available 24/7
• Phlebotomy: Available 24/7 for peripheral blood draws
• Resource Nurse: Available as staffing allows
• RT: Available 24/7
• Hospitalist: In-house 24/7

Orientation and Scheduling

• Orientation: 2 days of in-class/online education followed by 2 shifts with a preceptor.
• Weekend Rotation: Every other or 50% weekends per 4-week schedule.
• Holiday Expectations: Every other holiday minimum during the contracted timeframe.
• Time Off: Up to 7 days; must extend contract if unable to work a full week.

Additional Notes

• Charting System: Epic preferred; approval needed for travelers without Epic experience.
• Floating: Possible to float to adult inpatient units including Med Surg, Ortho/Neuro/Surgical, Heart and Vascular Unit, Oncology, ICU (depending on experience).
• Scrub Color:

  • RN: Navy Blue
  • CNA: Cement/Light Grey
• Free Parking: Yes

Compliance and Documentation

• Monthly audits for Pre/Post Pain Scoring must meet 90% compliance.
• Required documentation includes various certifications, background checks, and health screenings.