Registered Nurse, Cardiac Surgery Stepdown, Night Shift; Shift Leader - VUH

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Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated.

It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

VUH 5S Cardiac Stepdown

Applies the nursing process to plan and implement the care of patients, including patient and family education and continuum of care planning. Effectively communicates pertinent patient/family information to the health care team. Collaborates in establishing patient goals and evaluates progress to ensure effective outcomes. Furthers professional growth by engaging in learning activities according to the Board of Nursing standards.

This position is a Registered Nurse
- Shift Leader
- Night Shift (7p – 7a) - with a minimum of 4 weekend shifts per 6-week schedule.

Step into a high-impact leadership opportunity on 5 South, a 24-bed Cardiology Stepdown Unit caring for adult patients recovering from complex cardiac surgery conditions. This role is ideal for experienced Cardiology Stepdown or acute care RNs who are ready to expand their influence, build leadership skills, and grow within a supportive, development-focused environment. As an additional benefit, Relief Staff Leaders participate in the first scheduling group during self-scheduling, allowing for earlier schedule selection each scheduling cycle.

• Coronary Artery Disease
• Heart Failure
• Arrhythmias
• Pre- and Post-Cardiac Procedures
• CABG and Surgical Valve procedures

• Preferred Scheduling Access: RSLs participate in the first scheduling group during self-scheduling, allowing for greater flexibility and earlier schedule selection each scheduling period.
• Emerging Leader Pathway:
  Serve as the Relief Shift Leader on night shift, gaining hands‑on leadership experience while guiding, coaching, and supporting bedside nurses.
• Mentorship & Development:
  Partner closely with Clinical Staff Leaders (CSLs) and nursing leadership who are invested in your growth and long‑term success.
• Skill Expansion:
  Strengthen competencies in clinical decision‑making, resource management, patient flow, and team coordination.
• Comprehensive Orientation: 6‑9 week onboarding program with cardiac‑specific education and dedicated precepted leadership shifts.
• Career Advancement Opportunities:
  Strong foundation for future roles such as CSL, Charge Nurse, or other nursing leadership pathways.
• Collaborative Culture:
  Join a team‑oriented unit that values communication, shared leadership, and continuous improvement.

• Collaborates in establishing the plan of care, coordinates and implements care delivery while anticipating patient care needs across the continuum.
• Analyzes comprehensive information pertinent to the patient's care and management to determine nursing diagnosis.
• Continually utilizes the nursing process to evaluate patient's progress towards goals and applies appropriate interventions to ensure effective outcomes.
• Employs strategies to promote health and a safe and healthy environment.
• The responsibilities listed are a general overview of the position and additional duties may be assigned.

• Care Planning (Novice):
  Demonstrates ability to anticipate resource needs, identify distinct tasks, set priorities, schedule activities, meet deadlines, and organize work within areas of direct responsibility. Competently handles multiple assignments often simultaneously by prioritizing work into manageable and measurable units. Ability to…