PCU RN - Cardiac Stepdown
Albany, GA
Host Healthcare
4x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

Registered Nurse (Progressive Care Unit) - Cardiac Step Down

Location: Albany, Georgia
Contract Length: 17 weeks
Shift: Nights
Hours: 12-hour shifts, 48 hours per week

Unit Overview

• Cardiac Step Down Unit (44 beds; 8 semiprivate rooms)
• Patient ratio: 1 nurse to 4 patients (unit ratio 1:5)
• Nurse aides ratio: 1 to 10
• Unit split:

  • 4A: Cardiothoracic and cardiovascular surgery patients
  • 4B: Smaller procedures, drips, CHF patients
• Common patient diagnoses:

  • Post-op day 1 CABG
  • Cardiovascular surgeries including femoral-popliteal bypass, arteriograms, carotid endarterectomies, thoracotomy, VATS, EVARs, AAA repairs
  • Pacemakers, AICD, ablations, afib with RVR, adenosine cardioversions
  • Chest tubes management
• Ventilation: BiPAP, CPAP (only during sleep), Vapotherm, no full ventilators, high flow oxygen
• Drips managed: Cardizem (titrated), amiodarone, dobutamine, dopamine (renal dose), lasix, bumex, heparin, primacor, vaprosol
• Must be able to read and interpret telemetry strips (Phillips system)
• Fast patient turnover: average census 32-38, with 12-16 admissions/discharges on busy days
• Floating: Primarily to ICU with stepdown patients; ICU experience required to float on full ICU patients

Required Qualifications

• Active Georgia RN license
• Minimum 2 years of experience in Stepdown or Progressive Care in an acute care setting (no exceptions)
• Certifications: ACLS, BLS (AHA), NIHSS preferred
• Ability to pull pacer wires preferred; orientation provided if unable
• Must be flexible to work every other weekend and holidays as needed
• Must comply with dress code: natural hair color, no fake nails or shellac, no facial piercings, no visible tattoos

Orientation & Support

• Floor-specific orientation: 3 shifts
• 24/7 in-house hospitalist or intensivist coverage
• 24/7 respiratory therapy and pharmacy support
• IV/PICC team available

Additional Notes

• Strict 75-mile radius rule: traveler’s driver’s license address must be at least 75 miles from the facility
• Must be comfortable with attendance expectations and floating requirements
• EMR system: Meditech
• Charge nurse available as clinical supervisor
• Scrub color: Caribbean Blue

This position is ideal for experienced cardiac stepdown nurses seeking a progressive care role with a focus on cardiovascular patients in a fast-paced acute care environment.