PCU / Stepdown
Cardiovascular Progressive Care Unit (CVPC) | Travel RN | Night Shift | Asheville, NC
This 13-week travel nursing assignment places you in a high-acuity cardiovascular progressive care unit managing complex post-surgical and medical cardiology patients.
Patient Population & Clinical Scope
The unit's primary population includes patients recovering from CV and vascular surgery — CABG, aortic/mitral valve replacement, Bentall procedures, TAVR, thoracic surgeries (lobectomy, thoracotomy), esophagogastrectomy, open and endovascular AAA repair, fem-pop bypass, and carotid endarterectomies. The unit also receives overflow medical cardiology patients presenting with heart failure, DKA, chest pain, sepsis, and heart block.
Procedures You'll Perform
- Epidural and chest tube management
- Tube feedings
- IV glucommander protocol
- Cardiac drip management (phenylephrine, dobutamine, dopamine, milrinone, cardizem, amiodarone, insulin, heparin, nitroglycerin, ketamine)
Shift & Schedule
- Nights: 18:45–07:15
- 36 guaranteed hours per week
- Minimum 6 weekend shifts (Saturday/Sunday) per 6-week scheduling period
- Holiday flexibility required; no on-call
Float Requirements
May float to other stepdown or med-surg units or ER inpatient holding area.
Required Qualifications
- Active RN license
- ACLS and BLS (required)
- Stepdown and telemetry experience (required)
- Preferred: CV/vascular surgery stepdown experience within the past year; CVICU background
Dress Code
All navy, white tops with navy bottoms, or all white scrubs.
Ideal candidates are team-oriented, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and bring flexibility to a collaborative, high-acuity team. Estimated start date: September 3, 2026.