PCU RN - Cardiac Stepdown
Albany, Georgia
Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital

Registered Nurse – Progressive Care Unit (Cardiac Step Down)

Location: Albany, Georgia
Contract Length: 17 weeks

Unit & Patient Care Details

• Unit: Cardiology Stepdown (Cardiac Step Down)
• Patient Ratio: 1:4
• Nurse Aides Ratio: 1:10
• Beds: 44 total (8 semi-private rooms)
• Common Diagnoses/Patients:

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

Schedule & Work Environment

• Shifts: 6:45 AM – 7:00 PM (12-hour day shifts)
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend
• Holidays: Must be flexible to work holidays and days around holidays
• Orientation: 3 shifts floor-specific orientation
• Charge Nurse: Clinical Supervisor available
• EMR System: Meditech
• In-house Support: Hospitalist or intensivist 24/7, respiratory therapy 24/7, pharmacy 24/7, PICC/IV team available

Required Qualifications

• License: Georgia RN license required
• Certifications: ACLS, BLS (AHA), NIHSS preferred
• Experience: Minimum 2 years in Stepdown nursing in an acute care setting (no exceptions)
• Must be able to pull pacer wires or willing to be oriented to do so
• Must comply with dress code: natural hair color, no fake nails or shellac, no facial piercings, no visible tattoos
• Must live at least 75 miles from the facility (driver’s license address verification required)

Additional Notes

• Unit 4A focuses on cardiothoracic and cardiovascular surgery patients
• Unit 4B manages smaller procedures, drips, and CHF patients
• Nurse aides support the unit with a 1:10 ratio
• Staff must be comfortable with attendance expectations and floating requirements
• Albany, GA population approx. 80,000; proximity to Atlanta (175 miles), Tallahassee (88 miles), and Shell Point Beach, FL (134 miles)

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