PCU / Stepdown

Cardiovascular Progressive Care Unit (CVPC) | Travel RN | Asheville, NC

Night Shift | 13-Week Contract | 36 Guaranteed Hours/Week

This high-acuity cardiovascular progressive care unit specializes in post-surgical stepdown care for patients following complex CV and vascular procedures, including open heart surgery (CABG, AVR, MVR, Bentall, TAVR), thoracic lung surgery (lobectomy, thoracotomy), esophagogastrectomy, AAA repair (open and endovascular), 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.

Shift: 18:45–07:15 (Night)

Contract: 13 weeks | Start: September 3, 2026

Guaranteed Hours: 36/week

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Stepdown experience — required
• Telemetry experience — required
• ACLS and BLS — required
• Prior CV surgery/vascular surgery population experience preferred (within past year)
• CVICU background a plus

Clinical Procedures:

• Epidural and chest tube management
• Tube feedings and IV glucommander
• Cardiac drip management (phenylephrine, dobutamine, dopamine, milrinone, amiodarone, heparin, nitroglycerin, insulin, ketamine, and others)

Scheduling & Float:

• Minimum 6 weekend shifts (Saturday/Sunday) per 6-week period
• Holiday flexibility expected
• Float to other stepdown, med-surg, or ER inpatient holding units

Dress Code: All navy, white tops/navy bottoms, or all white

Ideal Candidate: A collaborative, flexible RN who thrives in a fast-paced surgical stepdown environment and is comfortable managing complex post-operative patients.