PCU Stepdown RN
Council Bluffs, Iowa
CHI Health Mercy Council Bluffs

Registered Nurse (RN) – Stepdown / PCU

Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Nights
Hours per Day: 12
Hours per Week: 36

Unit Details

• Unit Type: Stepdown / Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
• Number of Beds: 22
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:4
• Patient Types: Heart failure, Atrial fibrillation, Respiratory distress, Stroke
• Fast-paced unit with frequent admissions and discharges
• Positive attitude, teamwork, and patient-centered care are essential for success

Clinical Responsibilities

• RNs are required to titrate drips (e.g., Cardizem, amiodarone, nitro)
• RNs must read and interpret telemetry strips independently
• CPAP troubleshooting required; no other respiratory equipment management expected
• Charge nurse present on each shift and takes a full patient assignment
• Nurse aides/patient care techs support the unit at a ratio of 1:10
• Floating to ICU may be required if appropriate and experienced

Orientation & Scheduling

• Orientation: One 12-hour shift on the unit
• Scheduling: Cyclic scheduling with shifts from 0630-1900 and 1830-0700
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend
• Holiday Requirement: One major and one minor holiday per contract

Required Certifications & Qualifications

• Current RN license
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) certification
• NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) certification
• Must pass a pass/fail open book exam during orientation with a minimum score of 90% (failure results in termination)

Additional Requirements & Policies

• Must have a valid driver’s license at time of application
• Candidates must live within 50 miles of the facility
• Candidates cannot be currently or recently employed (full-time, part-time, or PRN) with any facility associated with certain large healthcare systems within the past year
• Artificial nails are prohibited in all patient care areas; refusal to comply will result in contract termination

Experience

• Specialty: PCU / Stepdown RN
• Required Years of Experience: Not explicitly stated; assume minimum experience appropriate for PCU stepdown nursing
• Prior travel experience: Not required

Summary

This is a 13-week night shift contract for an RN in a 22-bed stepdown unit caring for cardiac and stroke patients. The role requires strong clinical skills in telemetry interpretation, drip titration, and CPAP troubleshooting. Candidates must hold current BLS, ACLS, and NIHSS certifications and pass a skills exam during orientation. The position demands flexibility for weekend and holiday coverage, with potential ICU float. Compliance with strict facility policies, including a 50-mile radius rule and nail policy, is mandatory.