Cardiac Stepdown | Registered Nurse

Cardiac Stepdown Travel Registered Nurse (RN) – 13-Week Contract in Madison, Wisconsin

Take your cardiac stepdown and telemetry nursing expertise to Madison, Wisconsin, in a 13-week Travel RN contract caring for high-acuity adult and geriatric patients. Join a 15-bed Heart and Vascular Intermediate Care Unit and expand your experience with complex cardiac, cardiothoracic, and vascular surgical populations. Madison is a vibrant lakeside community known for welcoming neighborhoods, outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and a strong healthcare environment.

Travel RN Job Details

• Weekly Estimated Pay: $2,360–$2,480
• Assignment Length: 13 weeks
• Start Date: November 30, 2026
• Shift: Night shift, 7:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m.
• Schedule: Three 12-hour shifts per week; every other weekend and some holidays required
• Scheduling Options: Four 12-hour shifts and weekend block scheduling may be considered
• Patient Population: Adult and geriatric patients
• Patient Ratio: Approximately 1:4 on days, nights, and weekends
• Unit Profile: 15-bed cardiac and vascular intermediate care unit with an average daily census of approximately 15
• Additional Expectations: Travel nurses may float as needed and must complete a telemetry competency exam before starting

Cardiac Stepdown RN Job Requirements

• At least 2 years of acute-care Registered Nurse experience in a medical-surgical, telemetry, intermediate care, or cardiac stepdown setting within the past 3 years
• Active Wisconsin RN license or compact RN license
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications from the American Heart Association
• Epic electronic health record charting experience required
• Demonstrated telemetry monitoring and dysrhythmia interpretation proficiency
• Trauma Level II experience required; Trauma Level I experience preferred
• Successful completion of a pre-start telemetry exam, including recognition of lethal rhythms and third-degree heart blocks
• Ability to meet a 50-mile local eligibility requirement; candidates who live within 50 miles are not eligible
• Comfort working night shifts, every other weekend, occasional holidays, and floating as needed

Cardiac Stepdown Travel RN Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive nursing care for cardiac surgery, cardiology, and vascular surgery stepdown patients
• Care for patients recovering from abdominal and thoracic aneurysm repairs, carotid endarterectomies, lower-extremity bypasses, limb-saving lytic therapies, amputations, and first-rib resections
• Monitor telemetry and recognize changes in cardiac rhythm, including life-threatening dysrhythmias
• Manage arterial lines, central lines, PICC lines, peripheral IVs, chest tubes, temporary external pacing wires, feeding tubes, surgical drains, and wound vacs
• Administer and titrate heparin, insulin, and vasoactive infusions according to protocol
• Provide care involving BiPAP/CPAP, high-flow nasal cannula, oxygen therapy, PCA pumps, blood products, and cardiac angiogram recovery
• Interpret arterial blood gases and support patients requiring complex cardiopulmonary monitoring
• Use evidence-based practice and participate in a patient- and family-centered plan of care
• Collaborate with respiratory therapy, pharmacy, radiology, physical therapy, IV services, rapid response teams, and other interdisciplinary partners
• Contribute to quality improvement and shared governance initiatives while supporting a collaborative unit culture

Apply now for this cardiac stepdown Travel Registered Nurse opportunity in Madison, Wisconsin, and bring your telemetry and acute-care nursing skills to a high-acuity heart and vascular team.

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.