Cardiac Stepdown | Registered Nurse

Travel Registered Nurse (RN) – Cardiac Stepdown / Thoracic IMC

13-Week Travel Nursing Contract | Night Shift | Madison, Wisconsin

Experienced Registered Nurse (RN) sought for a cardiac stepdown and thoracic intermediate care (IMC) travel nursing job in Madison, WI. Join a collaborative progressive care team caring for adult and geriatric patients recovering from complex cardiac and thoracic procedures. This assignment offers the opportunity to provide high-acuity nursing care in a dynamic cardiac stepdown, progressive care, and thoracic IMC environment while supporting patients with cardiac, pulmonary, oncology, and postoperative needs. Located in Madison, Wisconsin, a vibrant lakeside city known for its welcoming community, cultural attractions, and outstanding quality of life, this assignment is an excellent opportunity for an experienced travel nurse.

Travel RN Job Details

• Contract Type: 13-week travel nursing contract
• Start Date: November 9, 2026
• End Date: February 8, 2027
• Weekly Estimated Pay: $2,250–$2,370
• Schedule: 36 hours per week
• Nursing Shift: 12-hour nights, approximately 7:00 p.m.–7:30 a.m.
• Weekend Coverage: Every other weekend and some holidays required
• Patient Ratio: Approximately 1:3
• Patient Population: Adult and geriatric patients
• Unit Environment: Cardiac stepdown, progressive care, acute medical, and thoracic care
• Floating: Travelers may float to other appropriate units as needed
• Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Registered Nurse Job Requirements

• At least 2 years of acute care registered nursing experience within the past 3 years, preferably in cardiac stepdown, progressive care, IMC, ICU, telemetry, or thoracic surgery
• Active Wisconsin RN license or compact RN license
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications through the American Heart Association
• Telemetry, cardiac rhythm interpretation, and dysrhythmia management experience
• Experience caring for ventilated patients and transplant patients
• Experience with thoracic or surgical postoperative patients preferred
• Trauma Level II experience required; Trauma Level I experience preferred
• Epic electronic health record (EHR) charting experience required
• Ability to successfully complete a telemetry assessment before the start of the assignment
• Applicants must live more than 50 miles from the assignment location; local candidates are not eligible

Travel RN Responsibilities

• Deliver safe, compassionate nursing care to cardiac stepdown, progressive care, acute medical, and thoracic surgical patients
• Monitor telemetry and accurately interpret cardiac rhythms, including lethal dysrhythmias and advanced heart blocks
• Care for patients recovering from lobectomies, esophagectomies, decortications, wedge resections, lung volume reduction procedures, and other thoracic surgeries
• Manage chest tubes, surgical drains, central lines, ports, PICC lines, arterial lines, feeding tubes, and peripheral IV access
• Provide respiratory support, including oxygen therapy, high-flow nasal cannula, BiPAP, CPAP, and noninvasive airway management
• Administer blood products and manage heparin, insulin, vasoactive, and other high-risk medication protocols according to policy
• Perform pre- and postoperative cardiac and thoracic assessments and recognize changes in patient condition
• Collaborate with respiratory therapy, pharmacy, radiology, physical therapy, rapid response teams, IV services, and other interdisciplinary partners
• Use clinical judgment, evidence-based practice, and strong teamwork to promote positive patient outcomes
• Participate in unit-based procedures, including assistance with chest tube placement in the procedure area
• Float to comparable patient care areas as assigned and maintain consistent standards of care across units

Apply now for this cardiac stepdown and thoracic IMC travel nursing opportunity 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.