Description

American Traveler is seeking an experienced RN for a cardiac stepdown Progressive Care Unit (PCU) position requiring at least 2 years of stepdown experience and the ability to manage complex cardiovascular patients on night shifts.

Details

• Cardiac stepdown unit (4A/4B) in an acute care hospital setting — 44 beds total including 8 semiprivate rooms
• 4A focuses on cardiothoracic and cardiovascular surgery; 4B manages smaller procedures, drips, and CHF patients
• Common diagnoses include post-op CABG, femoral-popliteal bypass, arteriograms, CEA, thoracotomy, VATS, EVAR, AAA repair, carotid endarterectomy, stents, pacemakers, ablations, AICD, CHF, atrial fibrillation with RVR, and chest tubes
• Nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:5 with nurse aide support at a 1:10 ratio
• Telemetry monitoring required using Philips equipment; nurses are expected to read and interpret rhythm strips
• Drips managed on unit include Cardizem (titrated), amiodarone, dobutamine, dopamine (renal dose), Lasix, Bumex, heparin, Primacor, and Vasopresol
• Ventilatory support on unit includes BiPAP, CPAP, Vapotherm, and high-flow oxygen (no full mechanical ventilators)
• Charting performed in MEDITECH
• Night shift, 12-hour shifts starting at 6:45 PM
• Every other weekend required
• Floating to the ICU is possible; travelers without ICU experience will only take stepdown-level patients or may be asked to assist with tasks in the ICU
• In-house hospitalist/intensivist, RT, and pharmacy available 24/7; PICC team on site

Requirements

• Active RN license — Georgia (GA) or Compact license required
• Current certifications required: BLS (AHA), ACLS, and NIHSS
• Minimum 2 years of stepdown experience in an acute care setting required — no exceptions
• Ability to read and interpret cardiac telemetry strips required
• Experience managing cardiovascular drips and post-surgical cardiac patients required
• Copy of driver's license required for consideration
• Candidates must reside more than 75 miles from the facility (measured to the address on the driver's license) to be eligible for placement

Additional Information

• 17-week contract
• Preference given to candidates who can pull pacer wires; orientation to the skill will be provided for those who cannot
• Unit is fast-paced with high patient turnover — average census of 32–38 patients, with 12–16 discharges and admissions possible on a busy shift
• Floor-specific orientation consists of 3 shifts
• Reliability and attendance are strongly emphasized; candidates should be comfortable with floating requirements before applying
• Holiday flexibility is required, including working holidays and days surrounding them
• Dress code: Caribbean Blue scrubs; natural hair color only, no fake or shellac nails, no facial piercings, and no visible tattoos
• Candidates who have been employed by the facility within the last 12 months are not eligible for placement
• Any scheduling or time-off requests must be disclosed upfront at the time of assignment confirmation