# Job Opportunity – Registered Nurse, Cardiovascular Progressive Care – Western North Carolina**Start Date:** August 31, 2026 **Location:** Asheville, North Carolina **Compensation:** Details provided to qualified applicants **Schedule:** Day or night shift available; 1:5 nurse-to-patient ratio; minimum of 6 weekend shifts (Saturday/Sunday) per 6-week schedule period; no on-call required**Highlights:**- 40-bed cardiovascular progressive care stepdown unit specializing in cardiac surgery and vascular surgery patient populations- Primary patient population includes post-operative open heart surgery (CABG, AVR, MVR, Bentall, TAVR), thoracic lung surgery (lobectomy, thoracotomy), esophagogastrectomy, AAA repair (open and endovascular), fem-pop bypass, and carotid endarterectomies- Manage critical cardiac drips including phenylephrine, dobutamine, dopamine, milrinone, cardizem, amiodarone, insulin, heparin, nitroglycerin, and ketamine- Perform specialized procedures including epidural management, chest tube management, tube feedings, and IV glucommander protocols- Utilize Cerner EMR system with Baxter IV pumps and CADD epidural pumps- Day shift includes 1 charge RN, 13 RNs, 4 PCTs, and unit coordinator; night shift similarly staffed**Requirements:**- Active North Carolina RN license or eligibility- Current BLS and ACLS certifications required- Stepdown and telemetry experience required (candidates without these skills will not be considered)- Prior cardiovascular surgery and vascular surgery population experience strongly preferred (open heart, TAVR, lobectomy, AAA repair, fem-pop bypass within the past year)- CVICU experience preferred- Flexibility to float to other stepdown units (1:5 ratio), medical-surgical units (1:6-7 ratio), or emergency department inpatient holding area (1:6 ratio)- Dress code: Navy scrubs, white tops with navy bottoms, or all white scrubs**Why It's a Great Opportunity:**This position offers the chance to work with a diverse and challenging cardiovascular patient population in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment. You'll utilize advanced clinical skills in cardiac drip management and post-surgical care while working alongside approximately 100 dedicated cardiovascular specialists. Ideal for flexible, experienced stepdown nurses who thrive in collaborative settings and are passionate about delivering exceptional cardiac care.