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Rn Cardiac Step Down Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Travel PCU RN

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$2.0K - $2.7K/wk

Work in the Medical Surgical Unit as an RN - PCU * Cardiac step-down patient population * Requires ability to manage vasoactive drips including nitro, levo, neo, anti-arrhythmics, and cleviprex

$39.69 - $58.17/hr

Presbyterian is hiring an RN for their Cardiac Step Down unit. We welcome applications from both new graduates and experienced RNs! New graduates have the opportunity to participate in our mandatory ...

$39.69 - $58.17/hr

Presbyterian is hiring an RN for their Cardiac Step Down unit. We welcome applications from both new graduates and experienced RNs! New graduates have the opportunity to participate in our mandatory ...

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Rn Cardiac Step Down information

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$16

$48

$88

How much do rn cardiac step down jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for rn cardiac step down in the United States is $48.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.69 and $61.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an RN Cardiac Step Down nurse?

An RN Cardiac Step Down nurse is a registered nurse who provides specialized care for patients recovering from serious heart conditions or procedures, but who do not require the intensive monitoring of a cardiac ICU. These nurses monitor vital signs, administer medications, and respond to changes in patient status, often using advanced cardiac monitoring equipment. They act as a bridge between intensive care and general medical-surgical units, ensuring patients are stable enough to move toward recovery. In addition to clinical care, they educate patients and families about heart health, recovery, and prevention strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RN Cardiac Step Down nurse?

To thrive as an RN Cardiac Step Down Nurse, you need strong cardiac assessment skills, knowledge of telemetry, and a valid RN license with experience in cardiac care. Proficiency with cardiac monitoring systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and possibly certifications like ACLS are typically required. Exceptional critical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, high-quality care for patients with complex cardiac needs and support rapid response to changes in patient conditions.

What are the typical challenges faced by an RN in a Cardiac Step Down unit and how can I prepare for them?

RNs in Cardiac Step Down units often manage patients who are transitioning from the Intensive Care Unit but still require close cardiac monitoring and frequent assessment. Common challenges include handling rapidly changing patient conditions, interpreting complex cardiac rhythms, and responding promptly to emergencies. To prepare, it’s helpful to strengthen your cardiac telemetry skills, stay up to date on cardiac medications and interventions, and practice effective communication with the interdisciplinary team. Building resilience and adaptability will also help you thrive in this fast-paced, high-acuity environment.

What is the difference between Rn Cardiac Step Down vs Rn Telemetry?

AspectRn Cardiac Step DownRn Telemetry
CertificationsRN license, ACLS, BLSRN license, ACLS, BLS
Work EnvironmentStep-down units, cardiac careTelemetry units, monitoring patients
Patient Care FocusPost-acute cardiac patients, complex casesMonitoring cardiac rhythms, less invasive care
Common UsageUsed interchangeably in hospitals for cardiac careFocuses on rhythm monitoring and data interpretation

Both Rn Cardiac Step Down and Rn Telemetry roles require similar certifications and are found in cardiac care units. The main difference lies in patient care focus: Rn Cardiac Step Down handles more complex, post-acute cardiac patients, while Rn Telemetry primarily monitors cardiac rhythms and less invasive cases. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right nursing role based on patient needs and work environment.

How much do Rn Cardiac Step Down nurses make?

Registered nurses working in cardiac step-down units typically earn an average annual salary between $70,000 and $90,000, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Salaries can vary based on hospital size, shift differentials, and additional skills such as telemetry monitoring or ACLS certification.

What does a registered nurse cardiac step down do?

A registered nurse in a cardiac step-down unit provides specialized care to patients recovering from cardiac events or surgeries, monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assessing patient conditions. They use tools like EKGs and work closely with healthcare teams to ensure patient stability and recovery, often requiring certification in cardiac life support. The role involves continuous patient assessment and documentation in a fast-paced environment.
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What job categories do people searching Rn Cardiac Step Down jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Rn Cardiac Step Down jobs are:

Infographic showing various Rn Cardiac Step Down job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,418 per year, or $48.8 per hour.

Travel PCU RN

American Traveler

Sioux Falls, SD • On-site

$2.0K - $2.7K/wk

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

American Traveler is seeking a travel nurse RN Cardiac Stepdown for a travel nursing job in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Cardiac Stepdown
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 09/28/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, rotating
  • Employment Type: Travel
Assignment Overview
  • Shift: Rotating, 3x12hrs
  • Hours: 36 hrs/wk
  • Start Date: Sep 28, 2026
  • Length: 13 weeks
  • Openings: 1
Description

American Traveler is hiring an experienced RN for a Progressive Care Unit (PCU) position requiring cardiac step-down experience and vasoactive drip management.

Details
  • Work in the Medical Surgical Unit as an RN - PCU
  • Cardiac step-down patient population
  • Requires ability to manage vasoactive drips including nitro, levo, neo, anti-arrhythmics, and cleviprex
  • Utilizes BiPAP, chest tube management, and telemetry monitoring
  • Rotating 12-hour day/night shifts (0700-1930 or 1900-0730) in a 6-week block, 3x12s totaling 36 hrs/week
  • Straight night shifts may be considered for interested candidates
  • No straight day positions available
  • Every other weekend and holiday rotation required, with straight weekend schedules welcomed
  • On-call is voluntary only
Requirements
  • Active RN license (SD or Compact) currently in hand
  • Current certifications: BLS and ACLS
  • Prior cardiac step-down nursing experience required
Additional Information
  • Provide nursing care to cardiac step-down patients requiring close monitoring and vasoactive medication management
  • No previous permanent employment with Avera or Sanford health systems allowed
  • Located in Sioux Falls, SD

American Traveler Job ID #P-747786. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Travel RN - Telemetry - Progressive Care Unit

About American Traveler

With over 25 years of experience, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. Our team ensures a smooth, worry-free experience for those starting on or expanding their travel nursing and allied careers.

With thousands of travel nursing and allied jobs nationwide, our attentive and approachable recruiters find positions that align perfectly with your career aspirations and personal requirements.

American Traveler offers exceptional benefits, including premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment, generous 401(k) match, substantial housing stipends, and more. Additionally, with 24/7 support and access to our in-house clinicians, you are assured confidence and comfort throughout your assignment.

With our team behind you, you can relax and enjoy a rewarding travel career.


American Traveler logo

About American Traveler

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

With over 20 years of success in healthcare staffing, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. Our full-service agency has earned top ratings from healthcare professionals in every specialty and setting. We offer travel assignments in the most sought-after locations and facilities in the country. We staff major medical centers, prestigious university teaching facilities, Magnet facilities, regional community hospitals, outpatient centers, rehab centers, skilled nursing facilities and more. With our expert team behind you every step of the way, you can enjoy a rewarding travel career that exceeds your expectations. With over 20 years of experience, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. With our team behind you, you can relax and enjoy a rewarding travel career.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Boca Raton, FL, US

Year founded

1999