Cardiovascular Surgery Stepdown Nurse

CommonSpirit Health; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 44,083 - 59,236; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus up to $25,000

Clinical ladder participation

Referral bonuses

Relocation assistance

Tuition reimbursement

Excellent benefits

Job summary

CHI St. Vincent Infirmary seeks a Cardiovascular Surgery Stepdown Nurse to monitor patients who are critically ill and unstable after extensive injury, surgery, or life-threatening disease. These patients are out of CVICU but not ready for a regular room.

You will start shifts with report, deliver care per care plan, and guide staff. This role requires multitasking, advocacy, and rapid judgment. Eligible for sign-on bonus up to $25,000 and relocation assistance.

Qualifications

• Must hold valid RN license in AR or compact state before start.
• 12+ months acute care experience required; new grads may join residency program.
• Cardiac and/or ICU experience strongly preferred.
• BLS and ACLS certifications within 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Assesses, plans, and implements nursing care while ensuring patient comfort.
• Anticipates and responds to informational and emotional needs of patients and families.
• Guides and directs healthcare personnel in caring for patients.
• Maintains knowledge of equipment setup and usage (IV pumps, monitors, drainage devices).
• Initiates emergency support measures (CPR, protective actions).
• Assists with patient care duties (drainage, ambulating, hygiene).

Skills

Critical care

Cardiac ICU

Nursing assessment

Patient advocacy

Education

RN license (Arkansas or compact state)

Tools

IV pumps

Monitoring equipment

Drainage devices

Job description

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Cardiovascular Surgery Stepdown Nurse at CHI St Vincent Infirmary, you’ll monitor patients who are critically ill and unstable following extensive injury, surgery, or life‑threatening disease. Your patients are out of CVICU, but not quite well enough to transition to a regular hospital room.

You’ll begin each shift by taking report from a nursing teammate before making your rounds. You’ll provide continued care and perform procedures as detailed in the care plan. CV Stepdown Nurses deliver care to patients in critical condition who are suffering heart problems. These patients are often coming out of cardiac surgery and require a very specialized level of care.

To thrive in this role, you’ll heavily depend on your ability to multitask and react. You’ll clinically care for your patients–remaining focused and attentive as you continuously monitor your patients throughout your shift. You also serve as their advocate–supporting their best interests when they cannot. However, your sound judgment during an emergency and rapid response are impressive, putting you on the radar for advancement.

• Assesses, plans, and implements nursing care while ensuring patient comfort
• Anticipates, identifies, and responds to informational and emotional needs of patients and families
• Guides and directs healthcare personnel (i.e., Patient Care Technicians) in caring for patients
• Maintains knowledge of equipment setup, maintenance, and use (i.e., IV pumps, monitoring equipment, and drainage devices) Utilizes safeguards such as IV pump drug library and monitor alarms with necessary
• Initiates emergency support measures (i.e., cardiopulmonary resuscitation, protecting patient from injury)
• Assists with patient care duties/tasks (i.e., emptying drainage devices, ambulating, and hygiene)

We are offering a sign on bonus up to $25,000 and additional pay for participation in our clinical ladder as well as referral bonuses, excellent benefits, tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance.

Job Requirements

• Registered Nurse license in good standing, State of Arkansas or compact state license required prior to start date
• 12 months of acute care experience is required (new graduates or nurses who have never worked in an acute care setting are hired through our residency training program)
• Previous Cardiac and/or ICU experience strongly preferred
• BLS through the American Heart Association is required within 30 days
• ACLS through the American Heart Association is required within 30 days

Where You'll Work

CHI St. Vincent, a regional health network serving Arkansas, is part of CommonSpirit Health. We have served Arkansas since 1888 with a history of many firsts. Together with more than 4500 coworkers, 1000 medical staff and 500 volunteers we consistently receive praise for care advancements. CommonSpirit Health was formed by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health in 2019. With our combined resources CommonSpirit is committed to building healthy communities advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable and innovating how and where healing can happen both inside our hospitals and out in the community. CHI St. Vincent provides you with the same level of care you provide to others. We care about our team member well-being and offer benefits that complement and support your work/life balance.

Pay Range

$32.28 - $43.58 /hour