RN Cardiac Progressive Care Unit

Job Summary:

The Registered Nurse in the Cardiac Progressive Care Unit (PCU) provides specialized nursing care to patients with cardiac conditions including myocardial infarction, post-open heart surgery, vascular surgery, and other complex cardiac cases. The role requires expertise in telemetry, cardiac monitoring, and advanced cardiac life support, with responsibilities encompassing patient assessments, medication administration, treatment planning, and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. Flexibility to float to like units and adherence to strict clinical protocols are essential. Responsibilities:

• Provide skilled nursing care for cardiac PCU patients including telemetry monitoring and management of myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, and post-operative cardiac surgery care.
• Manage vascular access including radial band management and care for chest tubes and sternal precautions.
• Administer medications, blood, and blood products, and perform treatments such as breathing treatments, CPAP/BiPAP, and tracheostomy care.
• Perform advanced cardiac procedures including cardioversion, defibrillation, epicardial pacer management, and LVAD care.
• Interpret telemetry and dysrhythmias, and provide timely interventions.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement individualized patient care plans.
• Utilize Epic electronic health record system for documentation and care coordination.
• Float to similar units as required and work every other weekend.

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Active Registered Nurse license with at least 2-3 years telemetry experience including surgical telemetry, open heart surgery, and vascular care.
• Certifications: ACLS, BLS, NIHSS.
• Proficient in Epic electronic health record system (hard stop requirement).
• Strong IV skills and experience with cardiac monitoring and interventions.
• Ability to manage complex cardiac patients including those with LVAD, TAVR, and other structural heart supports.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Experience with VAD and TAVR procedures.
• Knowledge of stroke patients with cardiac involvement.
• Familiarity with telemetry interpretation and specialized cardiac care protocols.

Special Considerations:

• Floating to like units is required; candidates must be flexible.
• Every other weekend work is mandatory.
• Patient-to-nurse ratio typically 1:4, can be 1:5 during midnight shifts.
• Experience with specialized cardiac equipment and procedures is critical.

Scheduling:

• Shift assignments include day and night shifts with floating responsibilities.
• Every other weekend work is required as part of the schedule.
• Scheduling is determined based on unit needs and patient acuity.