Job Opportunity – Progressive Care Unit (PCU) / Step-Down Nurse – North Carolina
Start Date: September 14, 2026
Location: North Carolina
Compensation: Details provided to qualified applicants
Schedule: 12-hour night shifts, 36 or 48 hours per week available. 1:3-4 nurse-to-patient ratio. Every other weekend required. Floating to sister ICCU unit as needed.
Highlights:
- ICU step-down unit managing post-rapid response patients, respiratory distress, unstable hemodynamics, GI bleeds, and post-operative cases across multiple specialties
- Advanced drip experience required including titration of vasoactive medications (Levophed, Dopamine, Cardizem, Precedex, Cardene, Nitro, Neo, Dobutamine)
- Epic charting system and Pyxis medication management
- 18-20 bed unit with bedside telemetry monitoring; operates similarly to ICU environment requiring strong critical thinking skills
- Contract length of 13 weeks or longer available through February 27th
- Comprehensive interdisciplinary support including IV teams, respiratory services, rapid response teams, pharmacy, and more
Requirements:
- Minimum 2 years of progressive care, step-down, or ICU nursing experience
- Current ACLS, BLS, and NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certifications required
- North Carolina or Compact state RN license
- Demonstrated competency with arterial line management and titration of vasoactive drips
- Strong telemetry interpretation and dysrhythmia management skills
- Experience with IV starts, central line care, PICC line management, blood product administration, and heparin protocols
- Proficiency with chest tubes, CPAP/BiPAP, high-flow nasal cannula, tracheostomy management, and non-invasive airway support
- Must pass EKG competency testing prior to start date
- Flu vaccination required (medical/religious exemptions considered)
- First-time travelers accepted; local candidates welcome
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
This position offers an excellent opportunity for experienced progressive care nurses to practice at the top of their skill set in a fast-paced, ICU-like environment. You'll care for a diverse patient population ranging from adolescents to geriatrics with complex medical and surgical conditions, while benefiting from robust interdisciplinary support and advanced monitoring technology. This role is ideal for clinicians who thrive in critical care settings and want to make a meaningful impact on high-acuity patients during their recovery journey.