PCU Stepdown RN
Omaha, Nebraska
CHI Health Lakeside

Registered Nurse (PCU)

Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Nights
Hours per Shift: 12 hours
Hours per Week: 36 hours

Unit & Patient Population

• Department: Progressive Care Unit (PCU)
• Unit Size: 28 beds
• Patient Types: Adults, mixed medical/surgical, cardiac, and stroke patients, often admitted through the ER
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:4
• Nurse Aide/Patient Care Tech Ratio: 1:14
• Common Drips Titrated: Heparin, octreotide, insulin, maintenance IV meds (non-titratable)
• Charge Nurse: Present on each shift and takes patient assignments
• Telemetry/Monitor Techs: Yes; RNs must be able to read and interpret telemetry

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Registered Nurse (RN) license required
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
• NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) certification

Orientation & Training

• Orientation: 1 week classroom, followed by 2 twelve-hour shifts on the unit
• Skills Exam: Pass/fail exam during orientation; open book with resources provided; minimum 90% required to pass or contract termination

Scheduling & Work Requirements

• Scheduling Cycle: 6-week rotation
• Weekend Shifts: 6 weekend shifts required per 6-week schedule (Friday and Saturday nights)
• Holiday Coverage: Rotates with permanent staff
• Floating: Required to float to Med/Surg, ICU, ED, and other hospital areas as needed based on skills
• Dress Code: Navy blue scrubs

Work Environment & Equipment

• High patient flow with frequent admissions, transfers, and discharges
• Specialty Equipment: Code carts, LUCAS machines, Hoyer lift, Sit and Stand devices
• Support Staff: Unit secretary 2-3 days/week, stocking clerk 3 days/week
• Fingernail Policy: Artificial nails prohibited; refusal to comply results in contract termination

Additional Requirements & Policies

• Driver’s license required at submission to verify candidate is within a 50-mile radius
• Candidates may not be currently employed full time, part time, or PRN with any facility associated with a specific large healthcare system within the 50-mile radius
• Return to Office (RTO) required within 7 days of contract start; no additional RTO extensions allowed

Summary

This is a fast-paced PCU nursing role requiring strong teamwork, clinical skills in telemetry and drip titration, and flexibility to float to various hospital units. Candidates must meet strict certification and orientation testing standards and comply with specific employment and radius restrictions.