PCU Stepdown Registered Nurse
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center

Registered Nurse - PCU

Location: Winston Salem, North Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Work in a PCU/Stepdown unit functioning similarly to an ICU.
• Strong experience with vasoactive drip management required.
• Patient population includes adolescent to geriatric with diagnoses such as respiratory distress, unstable hemodynamics, GI bleeds, post-op surgeries (GYN, GU, GI, thoracotomies, neuro, ortho), and complicated OB cases.
• Unit acuity: ICU stepdown with average daily census of 18 patients in a 20-bed unit.
• Target nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:3-4.
• Shift: 12-hour day shifts (6:45 AM - 7:15 PM), 36 hours per week (3 shifts).
• Weekend requirement: every other weekend.
• Floating required as needed to a sister ICCU unit.
• No block scheduling allowed.
• Only one pressor drip per patient allowed on the unit; more than one requires transfer to ICU.

Required Skills & Experience

• Valid RN license in North Carolina
• Minimum 2 years of experience in a Progressive Care Unit (PCU), with PCU experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Strong experience with arterial lines and titrating vasoactive drips, including strong drip management skills
• Experience interpreting and managing dysrhythmias
• Experience with conscious sedation
• Experience using Rapid Response Teams
• Experience with IV insulin protocols
• Experience with blood product administration
• Experience with central line care and management
• Experience with PICC line management

Certifications Required

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• BCLS/BLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support)
• NIH Stroke Certification
• Must pass EKG/Dysrhythmia competency testing prior to start (minimum 82% score required, with remediation process if needed).

Orientation & Testing

• Hospital orientation required during the first week; attendance at all classes mandatory.
• Must pass EKG competency testing before starting the assignment.

Equipment & Systems

• Use of bedside telemetry monitors with remote backup.
• Unit uses Pyxis medication dispensing system and Epic electronic health record.

Scheduling & Shift Details

• Schedule created by Nurse Manager; no block scheduling allowed.
• 12-hour day shifts, 3 shifts per week (36 hours).
• Weekend shifts every other weekend.
• Floating to sister ICCU unit as needed.

Patient Care Environment

• Patients include post rapid response team, respiratory distress, unstable hemodynamics, withdrawal, GI bleeds, post-op surgeries, and complicated OB cases.
• No ventilators on unit.

Health & Compliance Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year of start; if past positive TB, physical within 30 days required and updated annually.
• Fit testing required (N95 or PAPR training accepted except at Ashe Memorial).
• Negative TB test or chest x-ray per protocol.
• Drug screening within 30 days of start (10-panel, negative results required).
• Required immunizations or titers: Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B (or facility-specific declination).
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption required.
• Background checks including local, federal, national criminal, sex offender, education verification, and others as per facility policy.

Additional Requirements

• Must complete medication safety training and provide certificate of completion.
• Must complete facility-specific education modules and orientation checklists.
• Must provide a passport-style photo for badge creation (white background, no headwear except glasses, business attire).
• Must complete confidentiality agreement and hospital policies acknowledgment.
• Must complete annual compliance training.
• Must provide employment application and professional references as applicable.

Dress Code

• Scrubs in navy, white, or a combination of the two.

Notes

• No call-offs or additional RTO (return to office) allowed after booking; violations may result in cancellation.
• RTO maximum of 7 days allowed for auto-offer.
• Internal notes emphasize strict adherence to orientation and testing requirements.

This position is ideal for a Registered Nurse with strong critical care and telemetry skills seeking a travel assignment in a high-acuity PCU/Stepdown environment.