CVU 5E Stepdown Registered Nurse
Omaha, Nebraska
CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center Bergan Mercy

Registered Nurse (RN) – CVU 5E Unit

Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit Description

• Combined unit including Cardio/General ICU, PCU, and MedSurg patients
• 18 beds total
• Nurse-to-patient ratios: 1:4 generally, 1:3 for post-surgical patients in the first 24 hours
• Patient population includes intermediate care and downgraded CVICU patients
• Unit supports thoracic program, electrophysiology, cath lab, and structural heart services
• Common diagnoses: CVAs, CHF, A-fib with RVR, and other cardiac/vascular conditions

Required Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
• NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale)

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of experience with this patient population (cardiac/vascular intermediate care)
• General ICU and PCU experience accepted
• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required

Clinical Responsibilities

• RNs are required to titrate drips (e.g., amiodarone, nitroglycerin, nicardipine, epinephrine, diltiazem)
• Must read and interpret telemetry strips independently
• Work with respiratory therapy equipment such as BiPAP, CPAP, and nasal cannula (troubleshooting only)
• Charge nurse present on each shift, rarely takes patient assignments
• Support from hospitalists and intensivists 24/7; cardiology on call after hours
• Respiratory therapists available in ICU 24/7
• Telemetry techs monitor remotely

Orientation & Training

• Tailored orientation based on experience, typically 1-2 shifts on unit
• Pass/fail exam during orientation requiring 90% to pass (open book, skills-based)

Scheduling & Work Environment

• 12-hour shifts: 0630-1900 and 1830-0700
• Weekend work every other weekend required
• No call or standby requirements
• Floating to same or lower acuity units expected
• Dress code: Navy blue scrubs
• Fingernail policy: Artificial nails prohibited; refusal to comply may result in contract termination

Additional Notes

• Driver’s license required at submission to verify candidate location (must be outside a 50-mile radius of certain affiliated facilities)
• Rapid turnaround time for start (7 days or less from contract start)
• Nurse aides/patient care techs available at a ratio of 1:18

This position is ideal for RNs with cardiac intermediate care experience seeking a 13-week travel assignment in a supportive, multidisciplinary cardiac unit.