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

Registered Nurse (RN) – Stepdown Unit (PCU)

Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Nights (12-hour shifts)
Hours per Week: 36 hours

Unit Details

• Unit Type: Stepdown (Progressive Care Unit)
• Number of Beds: 22
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:4
• Patient Types: Heart failure, Atrial fibrillation, Respiratory distress, Stroke
• Common Drips to Titrate: Cardizem, Amiodarone, Nitro
• Charge Nurse: Yes, takes a full patient assignment
• Patient Care Techs: Yes, ratio 1:10
• Respiratory Equipment: CPAP (RNs troubleshoot only)
• Telemetry: RNs must read and interpret cardiac strips
• Orientation: One 12-hour shift on the unit
• Scheduling: Cyclic scheduling (0630-1900, 1830-0700)
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend
• Holiday Requirement: One major and one minor holiday
• Floating: May float to ICU if experienced and appropriate
• Work Environment: Fast-paced with frequent admissions and discharges; success attributes include positive attitude, teamwork, and patient-centered care

Required Certifications & Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license valid in Iowa
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
• NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) certification
• Valid driver’s license (used to verify candidate is within 50-mile radius)

Additional Requirements & Notes

• Must pass a pass/fail open book exam during orientation with a minimum score of 90%; failure results in termination
• Artificial nails are prohibited in all patient care areas; refusal to comply results in contract termination
• Candidates must not be currently or have been employed (full-time, part-time, or PRN) within the past year at any facility associated with certain large healthcare systems within a 50-mile radius
• One unit-specific orientation shift required upfront; no additional orientation time approved
• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required

Summary

This is a 13-week night shift contract for an experienced PCU RN in a fast-paced stepdown unit caring for cardiac and stroke patients. The role requires strong clinical skills in telemetry, drip titration, and patient care teamwork, along with required certifications and adherence to strict policies on licensure, appearance, and employment history.