Cardiovascular 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

Unit Overview

• Combined unit: Cardio/General ICU, PCU, MedSurg
• 18 beds
• Nurse-to-patient ratios:

  • 1:4 generally
  • 1:3 for post-surgical patients in the first 24 hours
• Patient population includes intermediate care and downgraded CVICU patients
• Unit supports thoracic program, electrophysiology, cath lab, and structural heart services
• Common diagnoses: Cath lab patients, CVAs, CHF, A-fib with RVR, and other cardiac/vascular conditions

Required Certifications

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

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of experience with this patient population (cardiac/PCU/ICU)
• Generalist ICU and PCU experience accepted
• RNs must be able to titrate drips (e.g., Amiodarone, Nitro, Nicardipine, Epinephrine, Cardizem, and other BP management meds)

Clinical and Operational Details

• RNs must read and interpret telemetry strips
• Respiratory therapy available 24/7; RNs troubleshoot BiPAP, CPAP, and nasal cannula equipment
• Hospitalist and intensivist coverage 24/7; cardiology on call after hours
• Charge nurse present on each shift, rarely takes patient assignment
• Patient care techs/nurse aides available at a ratio of 1:18
• Floating required to same or lower acuity units
• Orientation tailored to experience, typically 1-2 shifts on unit
• Pass/fail open book exam during orientation; 90% required to pass

Scheduling

• Shifts: 0630-1900 and 1830-0700 (12-hour shifts)
• Weekend requirement: every other weekend
• No call or standby requirement
• Scheduling managed by unit manager (no self-scheduling or block scheduling)

Additional Information

• Artificial nails prohibited in all patient care areas
• Driver’s license required at submission to verify distance compliance (within 50 miles radius)
• Candidates may not currently be employed full time, part time, or PRN with certain affiliated facilities
• Scrub color: Navy blue

Required Qualifications Summary

• Registered Nurse license in Nebraska
• Minimum 1 year cardiac/ICU/PCU nursing experience
• BLS, ACLS, NIHSS certifications current
• Ability to titrate drips and interpret telemetry
• Pass orientation exam with 90% or higher

Prior travel experience is not explicitly required for this position.