PCU Stepdown Registered Nurse
Kearney, Nebraska
CHI Health Good Samaritan

PCU RN Opportunity - Kearney, Nebraska

Position Details

• Specialty: Progressive Care Unit (PCU) Registered Nurse
• Shift: 12-hour night shifts (1830-0630)
• Hours Guaranteed: 36 hours per week
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Orientation: 1 day of unit-specific orientation
• Schedule Requirements:

  • Every other weekend required
  • Minimum of 2 holidays during contract
  • Floating required to MedSurg or ICU for PCU acuity patients
  • Blocked scheduling generally not approved unless weekends only
  • No duo scheduling or shared care schedules allowed

Unit Information

• Beds: 40 beds, average daily census of 24
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:4-5 (days and nights)
• Nurse Aids/Patient Care Techs: Yes, ratio 1:12
• Charge Nurse: Present on each shift and takes patient assignments
• Patient Population: Adults with cardiac med/surg, dialysis, cancer, vascular issues, sepsis, respiratory conditions, stroke, post-stent, post-pacemaker placement, renal failure
• Common Procedures: RNs must titrate drips (Heparin, Nitro, Dopamine, Cardizem, Amiodarone, insulin)
• Respiratory Therapy Equipment: High flow oxygen; RNs troubleshoot but do not manage vents, CPAP, BiPAP
• Telemetry: RNs must read and interpret their own telemetry strips

Required Experience & Certifications

• Minimum 2 years of unit experience
• Competency in Arterial Lines required
• Certifications: BLS, ACLS, NIHSS

Additional Requirements & Policies

• Must pass a 90% score on a pass/fail open book exam during orientation (skills learned)
• Artificial nails prohibited in all patient care areas; refusal to comply results in contract termination
• Driver’s license required to verify candidate is within 50 miles radius
• RN dress code: Navy blue scrubs
• Return to Office (RTO) required within 7 days of contract start; no additional RTO approved

Work Environment & Culture

• Focus on patient experience, responsiveness, communication about medications, and hospital environment
• Team player, flexibility, adaptability, and good communication skills are essential
• Diverse patient population primarily Hispanic and Somalian
• Equipment includes overhead lifts in half the rooms, portable lifts, vein finders, bladder scanner

This role is ideal for a PCU RN who is experienced, adaptable, and committed to providing high-quality care in a diverse and dynamic environment.