```htmlJob Opportunity – Progressive Care Unit (PCU) / ICU Stepdown Nurse – North Carolina
Start Date: October 12, 2026
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Compensation: Details provided to qualified applicants
Schedule: 12-hour night shifts, 36 or 48 hours per week, every other weekend required
Highlights:
- High-acuity ICU stepdown unit with 20 beds and average daily census of 18 patients
- Nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:3-4 with critical care focus on vasoactive drip management and hemodynamic monitoring
- Care for diverse patient population including post-rapid response, respiratory distress, GI bleeds, and complex post-operative cases
- Epic charting system with Pyxis medication management
- Contract length of 13 weeks or longer available through February 27
- Comprehensive orientation with 24 hours onsite training plus required pre-start modules
Requirements:
- Minimum 2 years of progressive care, stepdown, or telemetry nursing experience required
- Current ACLS, BLS, and NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certifications required
- Strong critical care skills including arterial line management and titration of vasoactive drips (Levophed, Cardene, Cardizem, Precedex, Dopamine, Dobutamine, Neosynephrine)
- Proficiency in telemetry monitoring, dysrhythmia interpretation and management
- Experience with BIPAP/CPAP, high-flow nasal cannula, chest tubes, tracheostomy care, and central line management
- Competency in blood product administration, IV insulin protocols, and heparin protocols
- Must successfully pass EKG testing prior to start date
- North Carolina RN license or current Compact state license
- Willingness to float to sister ICCU unit as needed
- Flu vaccination required (medical/religious exemptions considered)
Patient Population & Diagnoses:
- Adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations
- Post-rapid response patients requiring close monitoring
- Respiratory distress, unstable hemodynamics, withdrawal management
- GI bleeds and post-operative care (GYN, GU, GI, thoracotomies, neuro, orthopedic surgeries)
- Pre/post obstetric patients with complications requiring Pitocin management
Unit Specifics:
- Functions as a high-acuity stepdown unit with ICU-level drip experience required
- Patients managed on single vasoactive drips (multiple pressors require ICU transfer)
- Bedside telemetry monitoring with remote backup system
- Special equipment includes arterial lines, BIPAP, chest tubes, and tracheostomies (no ventilators on unit)
- Nurse manager creates schedule; block scheduling not permitted
- Scrub colors: navy, white, or combination of both
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
This position offers an excellent opportunity for experienced progressive care nurses to work in a dynamic, high-acuity environment that bridges critical care and medical-surgical nursing. You'll utilize advanced assessment skills and critical thinking while managing complex patients across the lifespan. The unit provides comprehensive interdisciplinary support including IV teams, respiratory services, rapid response teams, and pharmacy, ensuring collaborative, high-quality patient care. First-time travelers are welcome, making this an ideal opportunity to advance your career in a supportive teaching environment.
Additional Information:
- Hospital orientation scheduled for week one with required daily attendance
- Pre-start online modules (approximately 8-10 hours) must be completed prior to orientation
- Up to 7 days of pre-approved time off available (no holidays); must work 2 of 3 major holidays
- No additional time off requests permitted after contract signing
- Local candidates accepted with applicable rate adjustments
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