Stepdown Registered Nurse | Kernersville, North Carolina

Company: Soliant
Location: Kernersville
Posted on: March 20, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Nursing degree, active registered nurse (RN) license and minimum 1 years Stepdown RN experience required. Applicants who do not meet these qualifications will not be considered. A specialized nursing opportunity is available for registered nurses with a background in stepdown or ICU care, ideally with cardiovascular intensive care experience. This role is based in Kernersville, NC, at a well-established academic medical center holding Level 1 Trauma designation, recognized as a Chest Pain and Stroke Center. Starting contract work in late September or early October 2026, candidates will be part of a newly opening Progressive Care Unit (PCU) that will evolve into an ICU by the end of 2026. This 10-12 bed unit will initially manage high acuity cardiac patients such as those with congestive heart failure, STEMI/NSTEMI, post-open heart surgery, heart transplants, and post-vascular surgeries. Patient-to-nurse ratios will average 1:3-4 initially and transition to 1:2-3 once the unit becomes an ICU. Key responsibilities include monitoring and managing cardiac patients requiring complex nursing skills: EKG interpretation, defibrillation, wound care and dressing changes, managing sheaths, chest tubes, trachs, and multiple infusion drips including pressors and sedation. Experience with Swan-Ganz catheters and Impella devices is required. Ventilator care will be part of duties after the units transition. While experience with LVAD and post-cardiac transplant patients is highly preferred, training is provided. The unit supports advanced cardiac care but does not include ECMO. Qualifications & Desired Experience: Minimum 2 years ICU or PCU experience; CVICU preferred (ICU-specific experience required by Oct 2026) Current BLS, ACLS, and NIHSS certifications Competency in general ICU nursing skills, cardiac patient management, and multiple critical care technologies Ability to manage fresh open-heart surgery patients after ICU transition Flexibility to float within the hospital as needed within the scope of practice Additional Role Details: Orientation includes two initial shifts on the assigned unit Support staff includes CNA, charge nurse (non-patient), phlebotomy, PICC team, respiratory therapists, hospitalists, intensivists, residents, and remote telemetry techs EMR system: EPIC; IV pumps: Alariso; Medication dispensing: Omnicell Scrub color: Royal Blue; Free parking provided Location Insight: Kernersville, NC, is a vibrant community located near Winston-Salem, offering a balanced lifestyle with easy access to quality healthcare facilities, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation opportunities. This setting provides an excellent environment for healthcare professionals seeking a rewarding career with a strong work-life balance. This contract role offers the chance to engage with complex cardiac cases in a teaching hospital environment during an exciting unit transition from PCU to ICU. Registered nurses interested in stepdown or cardiovascular critical care and looking for a dynamic, challenging assignment should consider applying. Apply now to contribute to high-level patient care in this advanced cardiac progressive care unit on the path to becoming a full ICU.

Keywords: Soliant, Winston-Salem , Stepdown Registered Nurse | Kernersville, North Carolina, Healthcare , Kernersville, North Carolina