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Critical Care Stepdown Registered Nurse

Emory Healthcare logo

Emory Healthcare

Decatur, Georgia

You'll work on a stepdown unit caring for patients who need 24-hour monitoring and a higher level of nursing care.

Posted Oct 18 · Applications close Nov 4, 2027 · 1 year of experience

Shift and hours
7a-7:30p day and 7p-7:30a night shifts Available Shifts: 7a-7:30p & 7p-7:30a
Unit and setting
ICU stepdown unit Our unit receives Critical as well as Rapid Response patients usually related to respiratory distress and arrythmia changes.Critical and Rapid Response patients
License
RN license A valid, unencumbered Registered Nursing License approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing.Unencumbered Georgia RN license
Term
Permanent

Do you qualify?

License
Unencumbered Georgia RN license A valid, unencumbered Registered Nursing License approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing. Check your license
License
eNLC compact license for virtual care, within 60 days of hireAfter hire · within 60 days of hire If completing virtual care activities that may include multi-state practice, an active compact/multistate license (eNLC) is required within 60 days of hire.
Certification
BLS BLS certification
Certification
ACLS Required: ACLS, BLS and NIHSS certifications.
Certification
NIHSS
Education
BSN, or ADN plus 2 years recent nursing experience
Experience
12 months recent nursing experience within past five years (BSN path) Graduate of an accredited prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), AND A. 12 months of recent nursing experience within the past five years
Experience
2 years recent nursing experience within past five years (ADN path) 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
Also asks
Recent completion of a re-entry nursing program (BSN path option) B. Recent completion of a re-entry nursing program.

What it pays

Eligibility
Health benefits start day one

Benefits

  • BenefitsComprehensive health benefits starting day oneComprehensive health benefits that start day one!
  • BenefitsStudent loan repayment assistance and reimbursement programsStudent Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs
  • BenefitsFamily-focused benefitsFamily-focused benefits
  • BenefitsWellness incentivesWellness incentives
  • BenefitsOngoing mentorship, development and leadership programsOngoing mentorship, development, and leadership programs… and more!
  • Comprehensive health benefits that start day one
  • Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs
  • Ongoing mentorship, development, and leadership programs

The role and schedule

Precepting
You would precept other nurses Assists in orienting staff and students in the absence of a designated preceptor.
Day to day
Titratable drips: Nicardipine, Nitroglycerine, Cardizem Intermediate care does take titratable drips including Nicardipine, Nitroglycerine (for BP) and Cardizem.
Day to day
Continuous BiPAP patients Patients can be on continuous bipap.
Care model
Care individualized using the AACN Synergy Model personalize care based on the AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care
Charge
Charge nurse duties when assigned Functions in a developing leadership role, including Charge Nurse responsibilities when assigned.
Unit size
22 beds, expanding to 33 in early 2027 Number of Beds: 22 ( Expansion to 33 beds early 2027! )
Start
Anticipated December 2026 start; interviews begin in October Interviews will begin in October for nurses selected to join our team with an anticipated December start date.
Details
4-week orientation There is an orientation period of 4 weeks.
Details
Unit will train acute care RNs Will Train Acute Care RNs
Details
Magnet-designated Magnet Designation!
Details
Lifting up to 75 lbs Lifting 75 lbs max

Support on this unit

Nurse to patient
1:3–1:4 stated in this posting
Orientation
4-week orientation

The workplace

Emory Healthcare logo
Emory Healthcare
Health system employer

Your fit

Questions to ask

  • Can you walk me through base pay range and differentials?
  • What should I expect for shifts, weekly hours, weekend, holiday, call, and rotation?
  • What preceptor time and ongoing unit support are included?
  • How are floating and staffing support handled day to day?
Build questions for this role

On your path

ICU / Critical Care is a specialty you move into. The classic route: base year, then transfer in.

Original listing

Posted on Emory Healthcare’s careers page.

Read full text

Overview Be inspired. Be rewarded. Belong.

At Emory Healthcare. At Emory Healthcare we fuel your professional journey with better benefits, valuable resources, ongoing mentorship and leadership programs for all types of jobs, and a supportive environment that enables you to reach new heights in your career and be what you want to be. We provide: Comprehensive health benefits that start day one!

Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs Family-focused benefits Wellness incentives Ongoing mentorship, development, and leadership programs… and more! Our stepdown unit cares for patients who require continuous 24-hour monitoring and a higher level of nursing care. Every shift brings opportunities to sharpen your assessment skills, strengthen your clinical judgment, and grow as a nurse.

This fast-paced, collaborative environment is where teamwork matters, critical thinking is essential, and every nurse has the opportunity to make an impact. Our unit receives Critical as well as Rapid Response patients usually related to respiratory distress and arrythmia changes. Number of Beds: 22 ( Expansion to 33 beds early 2027! ) Patient Population: Intermediate care does take titratable drips including Nicardipine, Nitroglycerine (for BP) and Cardizem.

Patients can be on continuous bipap. Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:3 with a maximum ratio is 1:4 Required: ACLS, BLS and NIHSS certifications. Other: There is an orientation period of 4 weeks.

We're Hiring for December 2026! Interviews will begin in October for nurses selected to join our team with an anticipated December start date. Available Shifts: 7a-7:30p & 7p-7:30a If you're ready to challenge yourself, grow your skills, and become part of a team that shows up for one another and our patients — we want to meet you!

Your next opportunity could be the one that takes your nursing career to the next level. Description Magnet Designation! ICU Stepdown Will Train Acute Care RNs The RN Clinician is an experienced healthcare professional with a strong understanding of patient care for a specific population.

Using clinical knowledge, research, and experience, they adapt to changing situations and personalize care based on the AACN Synergy Model for Patient Care. They serve as a resource for colleagues and advocate for patients and families. Primary duties and

responsibilities

Clinical Practice & Patient Care 1. Delivers safe, effective, and independent nursing care using the nursing process. 2. Performs thorough patient assessments and recognizes the impact of nursing care on outcomes. 3. Develops and implements patient care plans, incorporating patient/family input and adjusting as needed.

4. Documents care accurately and efficiently in electronic and physical records. 5. Identifies patient and family learning needs, recommending appropriate resources. 6. Recognizes cultural differences and individualizes care accordingly.

Leadership & Team Collaboration: 1. Delegates appropriately using the Synergy Model of Care. 2. Works effectively with the interdisciplinary team, patient, and family care partners. 3. Functions in a developing leadership role, including Charge Nurse responsibilities when assigned.

4. Assists in orienting staff and students in the absence of a designated preceptor. 5. Demonstrates strong communication and conflict resolution skills. Quality Improvement & Professional Development: 1. Identifies the need for policy revisions based on evidence-based research.

2. Engages in professional growth and actively applies the Synergy Model for Care in practice. 3. Collects, reports, and analyzes data to improve patient care and meet organizational standards. 4. Participates in surveys, interviews, and other methods to identify and resolve areas for improvement.

5. Maintains required points and contact hours per the clinical lattice PLAN system. Required

Minimum Qualifications

Graduate of an accredited prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), AND A. 12 months of recent nursing experience within the past five years, OR B. Recent completion of a re-entry nursing program. OR, 2. 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. Exceptions: 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. 3. Emory Warner Robins, Perry and affiliated Physician Groups location RN Clinicians with an Associate's Degree in Nursing with less than 2 year’s 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 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.

Physical

Requirements

(Medium-Heavy) 36-75 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 20-35 lbs, 34-66% of the workday; (frequently); 10-20 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 75 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 35 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking; Occasional sitting; Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing); Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environmental conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure; Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors; Communicable diseases; Electrical shock; Floor Surfaces; Hot/Cold Temperatures; Indoor/Outdoor conditions; Latex; Lighting; Patient care/handling injuries; Radiation; Shift work; Travel may be required; Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators; environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Additional Details

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. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.

Physical

Requirements

(Medium-Heavy) 36-75 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 20-35 lbs, 34-66% of the workday; (frequently); 10-20 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 75 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 35 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking; Occasional sitting; Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing); Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environmental conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure; Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors; Communicable diseases; Electrical shock; Floor Surfaces; Hot/Cold Temperatures; Indoor/Outdoor conditions; Latex; Lighting; Patient care/handling injuries; Radiation; Shift work; Travel may be required; Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators; environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

What's around it?

In Decatur, GA

Decatur, GAFrom Census ACS 2024.

Living costs about 4% below the US average

Median rent
$1,655/mo
Household income
$139,397/yr, all local households, not nurse pay

See Decatur, GA

Nurses on this role

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