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 hours
Unit Type: Combined Cardio/General ICU, PCU, MedSurg (HVI Unit)
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 cases, 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 hospitalist and intensivist coverage 24/7; cardiology is on call after hours.
• Respiratory therapists are present 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.
• Weekend work every other weekend.
• No call or standby requirements.
• Dress code: Navy blue scrubs.
• Orientation tailored to experience, typically 1-2 shifts on unit.
• Pass/fail RN exam during orientation requiring 90% to pass (open book).

Required Certifications

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

Required Experience

• Minimum 1 year of experience with this patient population (cardiac/critical care/PCU).

Additional Requirements & Policies

• Must have a valid driver’s license at time of submission.
• Candidates must live within a 50-mile radius of the facility.
• Candidates may not be currently employed full-time, part-time, or PRN with any facility associated with certain large healthcare systems.
• Artificial nails are prohibited in all patient care areas; refusal to comply will result in contract termination.
• Return to work (RTO) required within 7 days of contract start; no additional RTO extensions allowed.
• Scheduling is managed by the unit manager; no self-scheduling or block scheduling.

Summary

This is an urgent travel RN opportunity in a specialized cardiac/critical care unit requiring strong cardiac nursing skills, telemetry interpretation, and the ability to titrate drips. The role demands flexibility with floating and weekend coverage, adherence to strict clinical and professional standards, and successful completion of a skills exam during orientation.