CVU Stepdown RN
Omaha, Nebraska
CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center Bergan Mercy

Registered Nurse (RN) – CVU 5E Unit

Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Days (12-hour shifts, 0630-1900)
Hours per Week: 36
Unit Type: Combined Cardio/General ICU, PCU, MedSurg (HVI Unit)
Number of Beds: 18

Job Description

• Provide nursing care for patients requiring intermediate care and downgraded CVICU patients.
• Patient population includes thoracic program, electrophysiology, cath lab, structural heart, CVAs, CHF, A fib RVR, and other cardiac/vascular diagnoses.
• Nurse-to-patient ratios: 1:4 generally, 1:3 for post-surgical patients in the first 24 hours.
• RNs are required to titrate drips such as amiodarone, nitroglycerin, nicardipine, epinephrine, cardizem, and other blood pressure management medications.
• RNs must read and interpret telemetry strips; remote tele techs support the unit.
• Unit has hospitalists and intensivists in-house 24/7; cardiology is on call after hours.
• Respiratory therapists are available 24/7; RNs troubleshoot BiPAP, CPAP, and nasal cannula equipment.
• Charge nurse present on each shift, rarely takes patient assignments.
• Patient care techs/nurse aides support the unit at a ratio of 1:18.
• Floating to same or lower acuity units is required.
• Dress code: Navy blue scrubs.
• Orientation tailored to experience, typically 1-2 shifts on unit.
• Weekend work required every other weekend.
• No call or standby requirements.
• Scheduling managed by unit manager; no block or self-scheduling.

Required Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)

Required Experience

• Minimum 1 year of experience caring for this patient population (cardiac/vascular intermediate care or CVICU patients).

Additional Requirements and Policies

• Must pass a 90% score on a pass/fail open book exam during orientation (skills learned on unit).
• Artificial nails are prohibited in all patient care areas; refusal to comply results in contract termination.
• Driver’s license required at time of submission to verify candidate is outside a 50-mile radius.
• Candidates may not be currently employed full time, part time, or PRN with any facility associated with a specific large healthcare system within 50 miles.
• Return to work (RTO) required within 7 days of contract start; no additional RTO extensions allowed.

Summary

This is an immediate need for a travel RN with cardiac and intermediate care experience to work in a combined ICU/PCU/MedSurg unit. The role requires strong cardiac nursing skills, ability to titrate drips, interpret telemetry, and work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team in a fast-paced environment. Compliance with strict orientation, certification, and facility policies is mandatory.