PCU Cardiac Stepdown RN
Albany, GA
American Traveler
3x12 hrs, Days

Assignment Overview

• Shift: Days, 3x12hrs
• Hours: 36 hrs/wk
• Start Date: May 11, 2026
• Length: 17 weeks
• Openings: 1

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 GA or compact RN licensure.

Details

• Acute care hospital setting in Albany, GA (population ~80,000), approximately 175 miles from Atlanta
• Cardiac stepdown unit (4A/4B): 4A focuses on cardiothoracic and cardiovascular surgery; 4B handles smaller procedures, drips, and CHF patients
• 44-bed unit with 8 semi-private rooms (16 beds); nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:5 with nurse aide support (1:10)
• Common diagnoses and procedures include post-op CABG, cardiovascular surgery (fem-pop, CEA, EVARS, AAA repair), thoracotomy, VATS, stents, pacemakers, ablations, AICD, CHF, A-fib with RVR, and chest tubes
• Telemetry monitoring via Philips; nurses are required to read and interpret telemetry strips
• Drips managed on this unit include Cardizem (titrated), amiodarone, dobutamine, dopamine (renal dose), Lasix, Bumex, heparin, Primacor, and Vasopressin
• Ventilatory support includes BiPAP, CPAP, Vapotherm, and high-flow oxygen (no full vents)
• EMR: MEDITECH
• 12-hour day shifts (6:45 AM start)
• 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
• Hospitalist in-house 24/7; RT available 24/7; Pharmacy available 24/7; PICC team on site

Requirements

• Active GA or compact RN license required
• Certifications required: BLS (AHA), ACLS, and NIHSS
• Minimum 2 years of stepdown experience in an acute care setting required — no exceptions
• Experience with cardiac telemetry monitoring including strip reading and interpretation
• Experience managing cardiac drips (e.g., Cardizem, amiodarone, heparin)
• A copy of a valid driver's license is required for consideration
• Candidates must reside more than 75 miles from the facility (measured from the address on the driver's license) to be eligible

Additional Information

• Unit orientation consists of 3 shifts
• Ability to pull pacer wires is preferred; orientation to the skill will be provided if needed
• Fast-paced unit with high patient turnover; average census of 32–38 patients with 12–16 discharges and admissions possible on a busy shift
• Must be flexible with holiday scheduling, including days around holidays
• Candidates who have been employed by this facility within the last 12 months are not eligible
• Dress code: Caribbean Blue scrubs required; natural hair color only; no fake or shellac nails; no facial piercings; no visible tattoos
• Strong attendance is expected — attendance reliability will be discussed during the hiring process
• Any approved time-off requests must be submitted at the start of the assignment