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Critical Care Stepdown Registered Nurse

Emory Healthcare

Decatur, Georgia

$43–$49.84/hr

Posted pay

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RNHealthcare OccupationsPatient Care Nursing OccupationsNursing OccupationsRegistered Nurses

Posted Aug 11, 2026 · Last seen active Aug 12, 2026

What the posting states

Base pay
$43–$49.84/hr
Patient load & staffing
Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:3 with a maximum ratio is 1:4

About this role

Show full description
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! Join a team today! At Emory Decatur Hospital our Intermediate Care Unit takes care of patients that require continuous 24-hour monitoring. Our stepdown unit is fast paced and 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. 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.

Requirements

  • Acute care
  • Collaborate with healthcare professionals
  • Nursing
  • Wellness program
  • Magnet hospital
  • Patient monitoring
  • RN License
  • Bachelor of Science

About the employer

Emory Healthcare logo
Emory Healthcare
Academic Medical Center

Emory Healthcare, part of Emory University, is the most comprehensive academic health system in Georgia, dedicated to innovating medicine, teaching future caregivers, and supporting patient healthcare needs. The system comprises 11 hospitals and provider locations across Georgia. The Emory Healthcare…

3.8 Google rating

What reviewers appreciate

  • Comprehensive health benefits that start on day 1 of employment
  • Student loan repayment assistance and reimbursement programs
  • Ongoing mentorship, development, and leadership programs

What reviewers flag

  • Management received the lowest sub-rating at 3.3 out of 5 in nurse reviews
  • Work-life balance rated at 3.7 out of 5, indicating room for improvement
  • Culture rating of 3.6 out of 5 suggests some inconsistencies in workplace experience
welcomingsupportivebelonginginnovationacademiccompassionate

Living in Decatur, GA

Decatur sits just east of Atlanta with a walkable downtown square, indie restaurants, and a tight-knit community feel. Tree-lined streets and historic bungalows give this inner suburb its own identity, separate from the city it borders—an appealing option for nurses who want metro access with a slower pace.

Map showing the location of Decatur, GA
Decatur, GA on the map · © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap· Open the live map
State price level · Georgia
96.3
4% below the national average
Median gross rent
$1,655/mo
rent and tenant-paid utilities

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024 Regional Price Parities · Census ACS 2024

Browse open roles in Decatur

On your path

ICU / Critical Care is a first-year unit lane. The classic route: base year, then transfer in.

Worth asking

The posting doesn’t answer these. Good ones to ask a recruiter or in the interview.

  • Can you walk me through the 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?
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