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

Registered Nurse (RN) – Cardiac/Vascular Unit (CVU)

Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Nights (12-hour shifts, 1830-0700)
Hours per Week: 36 hours

Unit Overview

• Work in a combined Cardio/General ICU, PCU, and MedSurg unit with 18 beds.
• Patient population includes intermediate care and downgraded CVICU patients.
• Unit supports thoracic program, electrophysiology (EP), cath lab, and structural heart cases.
• Common diagnoses: CVAs, CHF, A-fib with RVR, and other cardiac/vascular conditions.
• Nurse-to-patient ratios: 1:4 generally, 1:3 for post-surgical patients in the first 24 hours.
• Charge nurse present on each shift, rarely takes patient assignments.
• Patient care techs/aides available at a ratio of 1:18.
• Hospitalist and intensivist coverage 24/7; cardiology on call after hours.
• Respiratory therapists available 24/7; RNs troubleshoot BiPAP, CPAP, and nasal cannula equipment.
• Remote telemetry techs monitor patients; RNs must read and interpret cardiac strips.

Required Qualifications

• Current RN license valid in Nebraska.
• Minimum 1 year of experience caring for cardiac/vascular patient population in ICU/PCU settings.
• Certifications: BLS, ACLS, NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS).
• Ability to titrate drips including amiodarone, nitroglycerin, nicardipine, epinephrine, diltiazem, and other blood pressure medications.
• Must pass a 90% score on an open-book skills exam during orientation (resources provided).
• Valid driver’s license required at time of submission.

Scheduling & Work Conditions

• 12-hour night shifts: 1830-0700.
• Weekend work required every other weekend.
• No call or standby requirements.
• Floating required to units of same or lower acuity.
• Orientation tailored to experience, typically 1-2 shifts on unit.
• Dress code: Navy blue scrubs.

Additional Information

• Artificial nails are prohibited in all patient care areas; refusal to comply may result in contract termination.
• Candidates must live within a 50-mile radius and cannot be currently employed full-time, part-time, or PRN with certain affiliated health systems.
• Rapid turnaround time for onboarding required (7 days or less).

Summary

This is an immediate need for an experienced cardiac/vascular ICU RN with strong telemetry skills and the ability to manage complex cardiac patients and titrate multiple drips. The role requires night shift availability, adherence to strict clinical and facility policies, and flexibility to float within similar acuity units.