PCU / Stepdown

Cardiovascular Progressive Care Unit (PCU) — Asheville, NC

Night Shift | 13-Week Contract | 36 Hours Guaranteed

This cardiovascular progressive care unit specializes in post-surgical step-down care for a complex, high-acuity patient population. Primary admissions include patients recovering from open heart surgery (CABG, valve replacements, Bentall procedure, TAVR), thoracic procedures (lobectomy, thoracotomy), esophagogastrectomy, AAA repair (open and endovascular), fem-pop bypass, and carotid endarterectomy. The unit also receives overflow medical cardiology patients with diagnoses such as heart failure, DKA, chest pain, sepsis, and heart block.

Shift: 18:45–07:15 (night shift)

Contract Duration: 13 weeks

Guaranteed Hours: 36/week

Required Skills & Certifications

• Step-down experience — required
• Telemetry experience — required
• ACLS and BLS — required
• Prior CV surgery/vascular surgery population experience (within 1 year) — strongly preferred
• CVICU experience — preferred

Clinical Scope

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

Scheduling & Float

• No on-call required
• Minimum 6 weekend shifts (Saturday or Sunday) per 6-week scheduling period
• Holiday flexibility expected
• Float to other step-down, medical-surgical, or ER inpatient holding areas

Dress Code: All navy, white top/navy bottom, or all white

The ideal candidate is a team player who thrives in a fast-paced environment and adapts well to changing patient needs.