RN Clinical Nurse II - 5HV Cardiovascular Surgery Stepdown

RN Clinical Nurse II - 5HV Cardiovascular Surgery Stepdown

Are you a passionate nurse looking to advance your career in cardiovascular specialty care? Join our high-acuity Cardiovascular Surgery Stepdown Unit, where you'll care for complex cardiac and vascular surgery patients while working alongside an exceptional interdisciplinary team dedicated to delivering outstanding patient outcomes.

Located on the 5th floor of the Heart & Vascular Hospital, our Cardiovascular Surgery Stepdown Unit specializes in caring for patients recovering from complex cardiac, vascular, and structural heart procedures who require close monitoring and advanced nursing care after transitioning from the ICU.

This is the ideal unit for nurses who enjoy critical thinking, teamwork, and caring for high-acuity patients in a progressive care environment.

Our patients may require:

• Continuous cardiac monitoring
• Titration of inotropes and vasopressors
• Advanced non-invasive oxygen therapy
• Frequent hemodynamic assessments
• Care following cardiac, vascular, and structural heart surgery

The unit is thoughtfully designed to mirror the ICU layout, allowing quick access to equipment and resources. Every patient room is equipped with advanced bedside monitoring technology and bedside workstations, supporting efficient, high-quality patient care.

You'll work alongside an outstanding interdisciplinary team that includes:

• Clinical Nurses
• Physicians & Cardiothoracic Surgeons
• Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)
• Unit-based Pharmacists
• Respiratory Therapists
• Care Managers
• Chaplains
• Patient Care Technicians
• Telemetry Support Staff

Our leadership team is shared between the Cardiovascular Surgery ICU and the Stepdown Unit, creating a supportive environment that promotes mentorship, clinical excellence, and professional growth.

Deliver compassionate, patient-centered care to high-acuity cardiovascular surgery patients

Perform comprehensive cardiovascular assessments and recognize subtle changes in patient condition

Manage complex therapies, including vasoactive medication titration and advanced oxygen delivery systems

Collaborate closely with physicians, APPs, pharmacists, and respiratory therapists

Educate patients and families throughout their recovery journey

Participate in quality improvement initiatives and professional development

Support and mentor fellow team members while fostering a culture of teamwork

Strong teamwork and collaboration

Shared ICU and Stepdown leadership committed to your success

High-acuity patient population that builds advanced clinical skills

State-of-the-art Heart & Vascular Hospital

Opportunities for career growth and specialty development

Supportive culture focused on excellence, respect, and continuous learning

Current RN License

BLS Certification

At least one year of acute care nursing experience

Progressive Care (PCU), Stepdown, Telemetry, ICU, or Cardiovascular nursing experience

Experience caring for post-operative cardiac or vascular surgery patients

Strong assessment and critical thinking skills

Excellent teamwork and communication

Passion for cardiovascular nursing and professional growth

Specialized cardiovascular surgery patient population

Professional growth and advancement opportunities

Collaborative interdisciplinary team

State-of-the-art Heart & Vascular Hospital

Leadership that supports your development and success

This position qualifies for our UNC Rex Incentive Program, which includes:

Up to $20,000 commitment incentive (based on eligibility)

Up to $25,000 in tuition loan forgiveness (based on eligibility)

Up to $10,000 in relocation assistance (based on location)

Employee referral program

If you're looking to build your cardiovascular nursing career in a collaborative, high-acuity environment where your skills make a meaningful difference every day, we'd love to meet you.

Apply today and become part of the award-winning cardiovascular team at UNC Rex!