Job info

Registered Nurse (Stepdown/PCU)

Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

Seeking a Progressive Care/Stepdown RN for a travel assignment at a busy, fast-paced unit with a friendly and welcoming staff. The unit specializes in cardiac and higher acuity patients with quick turnovers.

Unit Details

Unit: Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
Beds: 24 (including 2 double rooms for Chest Pain Center)
Nurse-to-patient Ratios:
- Days: 1:4
- Nights: 1:4-5
Shifts: 3 shifts of 12 hours (7:00 AM - 7:30 PM / 7:00 PM - 7:30 AM)
Weekend Requirement: Every 3rd weekend
Holiday Requirement: Rotated with permanent staff
Floating: Required (may float to Med-Surg, Ortho, Oncology, ICU for overflow)
Orientation: 2 days unit/department specific
Dress Code: Pewter Gray scrubs

Patient Population & Common Diagnoses

COPD, CHF
Post cardiac catheterization, pacemaker, ablation
Atrial Fibrillation with Rapid Ventricular Response (A-Fib RVR)
Transesophageal Echocardiogram (TEE) Cardioversions bedside
Pulmonary Embolism (PE), COVID, Sepsis
Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA), Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
STEMI, Non-STEMI, Hypertensive urgency
Head injury
Dedicated Chest Pain Center with stress test and chest pain rule-out

Required Certifications

BLS (Basic Life Support)
ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale)

Required Experience & Skills

Minimum 1 year of PCU experience
Experience titrating drips (heparin, nitro, cardizem, amiodarone, precedex, dopamine, dobutamine)
Competent in cardiac rhythm strip interpretation (monitor techs assist, but nurses must be able to read strips)
Must be a team player and demonstrate kindness

Additional Information

Charge nurse/house supervisor role available
Nurse aides present on unit
Respiratory therapy equipment includes BiPAP and CPAP
No call or standby requirement
Important to return all unit equipment (Vocera, locator badge) at end of each shift to avoid charges
Block scheduling may be considered but not guaranteed

Required Qualifications

Current RN license in the state of Iowa
Required certifications as listed above
At least 1 year of PCU nursing experience

This position offers an opportunity to work in a specialized cardiac and progressive care environment with a supportive team and varied patient population.

Facility

Methodist Jennie Edmundson

DetailsVerification data is contributed by healthcare professionals like you, who leave reviews on Vivian.

Short Term Acute Care
110 beds

ADDRESS933 East Pierce StreetCouncil Bluffs, IA 51503

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About Council Bluffs, IA

As a Travel Cardiac Stepdown Nurse in Council Bluffs, IA here's what you should know:

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Council Bluffs is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
Wages generally match up with the lower cost of living.

Weather

In the summer, average highs are around 85°F, and average lows are around 65°F.
In the winter, average highs are around 32°F, and average lows are around 13°F.

Furnished Housing

Short term rentals are available in Council Bluffs and can be found with relative ease.

Transportation

Council Bluffs is car-friendly, with easy access to major highways.
Public transportation options are available as well.

Demographics

The population in Council Bluffs is diverse, with a wide age range.
Common health issues may include obesity and heart disease.
There is a growing population of travel nurses in the area.

Things to Do

Council Bluffs offers a variety of restaurants, including local eateries and popular chains.
There are opportunities to enjoy art, music, and sports, as well as outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.

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