Cardiothoracic Surgery Stepdown / Registered Nurse

Emory Healthcare•Atlanta, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This role is for a Registered Nurse Clinician on the 6E cardiovascular surgical unit, a 24-bed unit specializing in complex cardiac and thoracic surgeries. The unit is recognized for its inter-professional collaborative practices and commitment to high-quality, compassionate care. Nurses on this unit will manage patients with conditions such as heart transplantation, coronary bypass grafts (CABGs), valve repairs or replacement, thoracic aneurysm repair, congenital heart defect repair, and ventricular assist devices (VADs). The typical nurse-to-patient ratio is 1:3-4. The role involves working with various medical equipment and treatments including chest tubes, surgical wounds, blood transfusions, anti-arrhythmic drugs, inotropes, pacing wires, trachs, and LVADs.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) AND 12 months of recent nursing experience within the past five years, OR Recent completion of a re-entry nursing program.
OR Graduate of an accredited prelicensure Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with a minimum of 2 years of recent nursing experience within the past five years.
A valid, unencumbered Registered Nursing License approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
BLS certification.

Nice To Haves

ACLS may be required for certain departments, post hire.
Additional certifications may be required based on department and specialty.
If completing virtual care activities that may include multi-state practice, an active compact/multistate license (eNLC) is required within 60 days of hire. Employees in role prior to 11/09/2025 will have until their next renewal date to achieve compact status.

Responsibilities

Delivers safe, effective, and independent nursing care using the nursing process.
Performs thorough patient assessments and recognizes the impact of nursing care on outcomes.
Develops and implements patient care plans, incorporating patient/family input and adjusting as needed.
Documents care accurately and efficiently in electronic and physical records.
Identifies patient and family learning needs, recommending appropriate resources.
Recognizes cultural differences and individualizes care accordingly.
Delegates appropriately using the Synergy Model of Care.
Works effectively with the interdisciplinary team, patient, and family care partners.
Functions in a developing leadership role, including Charge Nurse responsibilities when assigned.
Assists in orienting staff and students in the absence of a designated preceptor.
Demonstrates strong communication and conflict resolution skills.
Identifies the need for policy revisions based on evidence-based research.
Engages in professional growth and actively applies the Synergy Model for Care in practice.
Collects, reports, and analyzes data to improve patient care and meet organizational standards.
Participates in surveys, interviews, and other methods to identify and resolve areas for improvement.
Maintains required points and contact hours per the clinical lattice PLAN system.