PCU / Stepdown
Stepdown / PCU RN — 12-Hour Nights | Council Bluffs, IA
Contract: 13 weeks | Start Date: November 9, 2026 | Guaranteed Hours: 48/week
Unit Overview
This fast-paced stepdown unit manages a high volume of admits and discharges, caring for patients with heart failure, atrial fibrillation, respiratory distress, and stroke. RNs must be comfortable titrating drips — commonly Cardizem, amiodarone, and nitroglycerin — and independently reading and interpreting telemetry strips.
Shift & Schedule
- 12-hour nights; shift times: 1830–0700
- Cyclic scheduling
- Every other weekend required
- Holiday requirement: 1 major, 1 minor
Team Structure
- Charge nurse present each shift (takes full patient assignment)
- Patient care techs on unit
- CPAP management may be required of RNs
- Float to ICU possible if candidate has appropriate experience
Orientation
One 12-hour department-specific orientation shift is provided. An open-book skills exam is administered during orientation; a minimum score of 90% is required to continue the assignment.
Requirements
- Active RN license (required at submittal)
- Certifications: BLS, ACLS, NIHSS
- BSN not required
- Artificial nails are strictly prohibited in all patient care areas
- Candidates must reside more than 50 miles from the facility and must not have held any employment (full-time, part-time, or PRN) with CommonSpirit, CHI, or Dignity Health within the past year
Ideal Candidate
Thrives in a high-acuity, high-throughput environment; brings a positive attitude, strong teamwork skills, and a genuine patient-first mindset.