Cardiothoracic Surgery Stepdown / Registered Nurse

Emory Healthcare•Atlanta, GA

14h•$43 - $50

About The Position

Emory Healthcare is hiring an RN Clinician for its 6E cardiovascular surgical stepdown unit, a 24-bed unit caring for patients following heart transplantation, coronary artery bypass grafting, valve repair or replacement, thoracic aneurysm repair, congenital heart defect repair, and ventricular assist device procedures. The targeted nurse-to-patient ratio is 1:3. Nurses work with chest tubes, surgical wounds, blood products, anti-arrhythmic drugs, inotropes, pacing wires, tracheostomies, and LVADs. The unit was recognized as an exemplar during the 2023 ANCC Magnet recertification for supporting nurses’ participation in daily interdisciplinary rounds. The RN Clinician is an experienced healthcare professional who applies clinical knowledge, research, and experience to provide individualized care for patients and families. The role includes independent nursing practice, patient advocacy, collaboration with colleagues and care partners, and serving as a resource to others. The nurse may also take on developing leadership responsibilities, including charge duties when assigned, and precept staff or students.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited prelicensure BSN program and either 12 months of recent nursing experience within the past five years or recent completion of a re-entry nursing program; alternatively, graduate of an accredited prelicensure ADN program with at least two years of recent nursing experience within the past five years.
Valid, unencumbered Registered Nursing License approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.
Active compact/multistate eNLC license within 60 days of hire if performing virtual care that may involve multi-state practice. Employees already in the role before 11/09/2025 have until their next renewal date to achieve compact status.
BLS certification.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including lifting up to 75 pounds and carrying objects up to 35 pounds.

Nice To Haves

ACLS or PALS certification may be required for certain departments after hire.
Additional certifications may be required based on department and specialty.

Responsibilities

Deliver safe, effective, independent nursing care using the nursing process.
Perform thorough patient assessments and recognize how nursing care affects outcomes.
Develop and implement patient care plans with patient and family input, adjusting plans as needed.
Document care accurately and efficiently in electronic and physical records.
Identify patient and family learning needs and recommend appropriate resources.
Delegate appropriately based on patient acuity and team member competency.
Work effectively with the interdisciplinary team, patients, and family care partners.
Perform developing leadership duties, including Charge Nurse responsibilities when assigned.
Precept staff or students, including serving as a designated preceptor.
Identify potential policy revisions based on evidence-based research.
Participate in unit-based shared governance or practice council activities and raise workflow, equipment, or practice issues affecting patient care.
Use strong communication and conflict-resolution skills; recognize cultural differences and individualize care.
Maintain confidentiality and support open communication, psychological safety, and the One Emory Culture.
Engage in professional growth and apply evidence-based practice in daily care.
Collect, report, and analyze data to improve patient care and meet organizational standards.
Participate in surveys, interviews, and other methods of identifying and resolving areas for improvement.
Meet core standards, including performance, mandatory education, and annual competencies.