Cardiothoracic Surgery Stepdown / RN

Emory Healthcare

Be inspired. Be rewarded. Belong. At Emory Healthcare.

At Emory Healthcare we fuel your professional journey with better benefits, valuable resources, ongoing mentorship and leadership programs for all types of jobs, and a supportive environment that enables you to reach new heights in your career and be what you want to be. We provide:

• Comprehensive health benefits that start day 1
• Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs
• Family-focused benefits
• Wellness incentives
• Ongoing mentorship, development, and leadership programs
• And more

Do you want to be a part of a nationally acclaimed cardiac program? Do you want to thrive in a complex and fast-paced environment? Then 6E, a cardiovascular surgical unit, is the place for you! On 6E you will be working with chest tubes, surgical wounds, hanging blood, anti-arrhythmic drugs, inotropes, pacing wires, trachs and LVADs.

• Number of beds: 24
• Patient Population/Typical Diagnoses: heart transplantation, coronary bypass grafts (CABGs), valve repairs or replacement, thoracic aneurysm repair, congenital heart defect repair, and ventricular assist devices (VADs).
• Targeted Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:3-4

6E was recognized during the 2023 ANCC Magnet recertification as an Exemplar for supporting nurses' participation in inter-professional collaborative practices for daily in-person Interdisciplinary Rounds (IDRs) with our APPs, nutrition, social work, physical therapy, and nursing. Our staff raise the bar by providing clinical expertise and the highest quality care, in the most compassionate way. Come be a part of the team!

Job Description

Job Summary: The RN Clinician is an experienced healthcare professional with a strong understanding of patient care for a specific population. Using clinical knowledge, research, and experience, they adapt to changing situations and personalize care based on the AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care. They serve as a resource for colleagues and advocate for patients and families. Primary duties and responsibilities:

• Clinical Practice & Patient Care
• Delivers safe, effective, and independent nursing care using the nursing process.
• Performs thorough patient assessments and recognizes the impact of nursing care on outcomes.
• Develops and implements patient care plans, incorporating patient/family input and adjusting as needed.
• Documents care accurately and efficiently in electronic and physical records.
• Identifies patient and family learning needs, recommending appropriate resources.
• Recognizes cultural differences and individualizes care accordingly.
• Leadership & Team Collaboration
• Delegates appropriately using the Synergy Model of Care.
• Works effectively with the interdisciplinary team, patient, and family care partners.
• Functions in a developing leadership role, including Charge Nurse responsibilities when assigned.
• Assists in orienting staff and students in the absence of a designated preceptor.
• Demonstrates strong communication and conflict resolution skills.
• Quality Improvement & Professional Development
• Identifies the need for policy revisions based on evidence-based research.
• Engages in professional growth and actively applies the Synergy Model for Care in practice.
• Collects, reports, and analyzes data to improve patient care and meet organizational standards.
• Participates in surveys, interviews, and other methods to identify and resolve areas for improvement.
• Maintains required points and contact hours per the clinical lattice PLAN system.

Required Minimum Qualifications: Education / Experience: 1. Graduate of an accredited prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), AND A. 12 months of recent nursing experience within the past five years, OR B. Recent completion of a re-entry nursing program. OR, 2. Graduate of an accredited prelicensure Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with a minimum of 2 years of recent nursing experience within the past five years Exceptions: 1. Current LPNs employed within the Emory Healthcare (EHC) system who have completed an accredited RN program and obtain RN licensure are eligible to transition into this role while completing the RN Resident Program. 2. Emory LPNs enrolled in an Emory ADN program as of 3/30/2025 must sign an obligation agreement to complete an ADN-to-BSN program within two years of entering the RN Clinician role. 3. Emory Warner Robins, Perry and affiliated Physician Groups location RN Clinicians with an Associate's Degree in Nursing with less than 2 years experience as a new hire or transferring as of 3/29/2026, must sign an obligation agreement to complete an ADN-to-BSN program within two years of entering the RN Clinician role. Licensure: A valid, unencumbered Registered Nursing License approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing. Certification: 1. BLS certification 2. ACLS may be required for certain departments, post hire 3. Additional certifications may be required based on department and specialty 4. If completing virtual care activities that may include multi-state practice, an active compact/multistate license (eNLC) is required within 60 days of hire. Employees in role prior to 11/09/2025 will have until their next renewal date to achieve compact status. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (Medium-Heavy) 36-75 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 20-35 lbs, 34-66% of the workday; (frequently); 10-20 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 75 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 35 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking; Occasional sitting; Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing); Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environmental conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure; Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors; Communicable diseases; Electrical shock; Floor Surfaces; Hot/Cold Temperatures; Indoor/Outdoor conditions; Latex; Lighting; Patient care/handling injuries; Radiation; Shift work; Travel may be required; Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators; environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare's Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.