Progressive Care Cardiac Stepdown RN
Albany, GA
GHR Healthcare - PH Division
3x12 hrs

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (RN) – Progressive Care Unit (Cardiac Step Down)

Location: Albany, Georgia
Contract Length: 17 weeks

Unit & Patient Care Details

• Unit: Cardiology Stepdown (4A/4B)

  • 4A: Cardiothoracic and cardiovascular surgery patients
  • 4B: Smaller procedures, drips, CHF patients
• Patient Ratios: 1:4
• Beds: 44 total (8 semi-private rooms)
• Nurse Aides: 1 per 10 patients
• Common Diagnoses/Procedures:

  • Post-op day 1 CABG
  • Cardiovascular surgeries (femoral-popliteal bypass, arteriograms, carotid endarterectomies, thoracotomy, VATS, EVARs, AAA repairs)
  • Pacemakers, AICD, ablations, CHF, afib with RVR, adenosine cardioversions
  • Chest tubes management
• Drips managed: Cardizem, amiodarone, dobutamine, dopamine (renal dose), lasix, bumex, heparin, primacor, vaprosol
• Ventilation: BiPAP, CPAP (only during sleep), vapotherm, no full vents, high flow oxygen
• Telemetry: Yes (Phillips system)
• Nurse responsibilities include reading and interpreting strips and potentially pulling pacer wires (orientation provided if needed)
• Floating: May float to ICU but only with ICU experience noted; otherwise, float only to stepdown patients
• Orientation: 3 shifts floor-specific
• Shifts: 6:45 AM and 6:45 PM
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend
• Holidays: Must be flexible to work holidays and days around holidays

Required Qualifications

• License: Georgia RN license
• Certifications: ACLS, BLS (AHA), NIHSS preferred
• Experience:

  • Minimum 2 full years working in a Progressive Care Unit/Stepdown unit in a large hospital setting
  • At least 1 successful prior travel assignment required (NO first-time travelers)
• Prior Travel Experience: Required (must have completed at least one prior travel contract)

Additional Requirements & Notes

• Must comply with a strict 75-mile radius rule from the facility to the traveler’s driver’s license address
• Dress Code:

  • Natural hair color only
  • No fake nails or shellac
  • No facial piercings or visible tattoos
• Hospital Support:

  • Hospitalist or Intensivist in-house 24/7
  • Respiratory Therapy available 24/7
  • Pharmacy available 24/7
  • IV/PICC team support
• Work Environment:

  • Fast patient turnover with 12-16 discharges/admissions on busy days
  • Average census 32-38 patients
• Location Notes: Albany, GA (population ~80,000)

  • 175 miles to Atlanta, GA
  • 88 miles to Tallahassee, FL
  • 134 miles to Shell Point Beach, FL

This position is ideal for experienced PCU/Stepdown RNs with prior travel experience looking to work in a cardiac-focused progressive care setting with a supportive team and fast-paced environment.