Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse (RN)

Position Overview

The Cardiac Stepdown Registered Nurse is responsible for monitoring vital signs, administering medications, managing cardiac devices, and collaborating with the healthcare team to ensure optimal recovery and patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Cardiac Monitoring and Assessment:
  • Continuously monitor patients’ cardiovascular status, including heart rate, blood pressure, rhythm, and oxygen saturation, using telemetry or other monitoring devices.
  • Assess for signs of cardiac complications such as arrhythmias, ischemia, heart failure, or myocardial infarction, and respond appropriately.
  • Evaluate patients’ overall health, including fluid balance, respiratory function, and vital signs.
  • Conduct thorough assessments of patients’ response to cardiac treatments and interventions.
• Medication Administration and Management:
  • Administer prescribed medications, including antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants, pain management, and other cardiac medications.
  • Monitor for adverse reactions to medications and adjust care accordingly.
  • Ensure accurate administration of IV medications, including drips for cardiac support.
  • Educate patients about their medications, including dosages, timing, and potential side effects.
• Patient Care and Recovery Support:
  • Provide post-surgical and post-procedural care to patients recovering from heart surgeries and other cardiac interventions.
  • Assist patients in managing post-operative pain through medication and non-pharmacological techniques.
  • Monitor for common post-cardiac procedure complications and provide necessary care.
  • Assess wound sites and provide care as needed.
• Patient Education:
  • Educate patients and their families on cardiac conditions, medications, lifestyle modifications, and long-term care strategies.
  • Prepare patients for discharge by teaching about home care needs and follow-up appointments.
  • Address concerns regarding cardiac rehabilitation and support the transition to outpatient care.
• Collaboration and Communication:
  • Collaborate with healthcare providers to develop and implement comprehensive care plans.
  • Communicate effectively with patients, families, and the interdisciplinary team about patient progress and treatment plans.
  • Participate in daily rounds to discuss patient progress and strategies for care.
  • Document patient care, interventions, and progress in electronic health records in a timely manner.
• Emergency Response and Critical Care:
  • Respond to emergent situations such as arrhythmias or cardiac arrest by providing immediate interventions.
  • Assist in resuscitation efforts and coordinate with the team to stabilize patients.
  • Monitor and manage patients on life-support equipment when necessary.
• Infection Control and Safety:
  • Follow infection control protocols to prevent hospital-acquired infections.
  • Ensure patient safety by monitoring for complications and adhering to safety guidelines for handling medications and equipment.

Qualifications

• Education: Registered Nurse (RN) with a valid state nursing license.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 2 years of RN experience in Medical-Surgical care.
  • Minimum of 1 year of travel nursing experience.
  • Experience in cardiac care, critical care, or telemetry nursing is required.
  • Experience with post-cardiac surgery or interventional cardiology patients is beneficial.
• Certifications and Skills:
  • BLS and ACLS certification are required.
  • Cardiac nursing certification may be preferred.
  • Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
  • Proficient in using cardiac monitoring equipment