Description

American Traveler is seeking an experienced RN for a cardiac stepdown Progressive Care Unit (PCU) position in Albany, GA, requiring a minimum of 2 years of stepdown experience and the ability to manage complex cardiovascular patients.

Details

• Cardiac stepdown unit (4A/4B) in an acute care hospital setting
• Unit 4A focuses on cardiothoracic and cardiovascular surgery patients; Unit 4B cares for patients undergoing smaller procedures, on drips, and managing CHF
• Common diagnoses and procedures include post-op CABG, fem-pop bypass, arteriograms, CEA, thoracotomy, VATS, EVAR, AAA repair, stents, pacemakers, ablations, AICD, CHF, and A-fib with RVR
• Nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:5, with nurse aides supporting at a 1:10 ratio
• 44-bed unit including 8 semi-private rooms (16 beds); average census of 32–38 patients
• Telemetry monitoring using Philips equipment; nurses are required to read and interpret rhythm strips
• Active drips managed include Cardizem (titrated), amiodarone, dobutamine, dopamine (renal dose), Lasix, Bumex, heparin, Primacor, and Vasopressin
• Respiratory support includes BiPAP, CPAP, Vapotherm, and high-flow oxygen (no full vents)
• In-house hospitalist/intensivist coverage 24/7; RT and pharmacy available 24/7; PICC team on site
• EMR: MEDITECH
• 12-hour night shifts (start time 6:45 PM)
• Every other weekend requirement
• Holiday flexibility required; must be available to work holidays and surrounding days
• Floating to ICU is possible; travelers without ICU experience will be assigned stepdown-level patients only
• 17-week contract

Requirements

• Active GA RN license or compact RN license (currently in hand) required
• Current certifications required: BLS (AHA), ACLS, and NIHSS
• Minimum 2 years of stepdown experience in an acute care setting required, no exceptions
• BSN not required
• Ability to read and interpret cardiac rhythm strips required
• Experience with cardiac drips and post-surgical cardiovascular patient care required
• Must reside more than 75 miles from the facility (measured to the address on the candidate's driver's license) to be eligible for placement
• Driver's license required for consideration
• Must not have been employed by this facility within the last 12 months

Additional Information

• Provide direct nursing care to complex cardiac and post-surgical patients, including management of titrated drips, chest tubes, and pacer wires
• Ability to pull pacer wires is preferred; orientation to the skill will be provided if needed
• Fast-paced environment with high patient turnover — up to 12–16 discharges and admissions per shift on busy days
• Charge nurse (Clinical Supervisor) present on unit
• Floor-specific orientation consists of 3 shifts
• Scrub color: Caribbean Blue
• Dress code: natural hair color required; no fake or shellac nails, no facial piercings, no visible tattoos
• Any requested time off must be communicated prior to the start of the assignment to be considered
• Albany, GA is a city of approximately 80,000 residents, located 175 miles from Atlanta, 88 miles from Tallahassee, FL, and 134 miles from Shell Point Beach, FL