Cardiovascular Surgery Step-Down / Virtual Interview Day

Emory Healthcare • Atlanta, GA

4d • $43 - $50 • Onsite

About The Position

Join Emory University Hospital's Cardiovascular Surgery Step-Down Team (Unit 6E). This is an opportunity to be part of a nationally acclaimed cardiac program and thrive in a complex, fast-paced environment where clinical expertise makes a difference every day. As a registered nurse on our 24-bed cardiovascular surgery unit, you'll care for patients recovering from some of the most advanced cardiac and thoracic procedures while working alongside an exceptional interdisciplinary team committed to delivering outstanding patient outcomes. You will experience caring for patients with heart transplantation, coronary artery bypass grafts (CABGs), valve repairs and replacements, thoracic aneurysm repairs, congenital heart defect repairs, and Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs). You will manage complex post-operative cardiac patients, working with chest tubes, surgical wounds, blood transfusions, anti-arrhythmic medications, inotropes, temporary pacing wires, tracheostomies, and LVADs. Unit 6E is a 24-bed Cardiovascular Surgery Step-Down Unit with a target nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:3–4. It offers a collaborative, team-based culture focused on clinical excellence, with daily in-person interdisciplinary rounds with Advanced Practice Providers (APPs), nutrition, social work, physical therapy, and nursing. This role provides an opportunity to develop advanced cardiac nursing skills in one of the nation's premier academic healthcare systems. During the 2023 ANCC Magnet® recertification, Unit 6E was recognized as an Exemplar for supporting nurses' participation in interprofessional collaborative practice through its daily interdisciplinary rounds. The team is committed to raising the standard of cardiovascular care by combining clinical expertise with compassionate, patient-centered care. This role is for nurses looking to advance their careers while making a meaningful impact on patients recovering from life-saving cardiovascular procedures.

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.
• 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.
• Current LPNs employed within the Emory Healthcare (EHC) system who have completed an accredited RN program and obtain RN licensure are eligible to transition into this role while completing the RN Resident Program.
• Emory LPNs enrolled in an Emory ADN program as of 3/30/2025 must sign an obligation agreement to complete an ADN-to-BSN program within two years of entering the RN Clinician role.
• Emory Warner Robins, Perry and affiliated Physician Groups location RN Clinicians with an Associate's Degree in Nursing with less than 2 years experience as a new hire or transferring as of 3/29/2026, must sign an obligation agreement to complete an ADN-to-BSN program within two years of entering the RN Clinician role.
• A valid, unencumbered Registered Nursing License approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
• BLS certification.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• ACLS may be required for certain departments, post hire
• Additional certifications may be required based on department and specialty

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.

Benefits

• Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
• Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree