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Critical Care Step Down Nurse
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Hot Springs, AR, 71913-6406
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 32.38-43.68 HOUR
Date Posted : 15 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As our Stepdown Nurse at CHI St Vincent Hot Springs you’ll monitor patients who are critically ill and unstable following extensive injury, surgery, or life-threatening disease.
You’ll begin each shift by taking report from a nursing teammate before making your rounds. You’ll provide continued care and perform procedures as detailed in the care plan.
To thrive in this role, you’ll heavily depend on your ability to multitask and react. You’ll clinically care for your patients- remaining focused and attentive as you continuously monitor your patients throughout your shift. You also serve as their advocate- supporting their best interests when they cannot. However, your sound judgment during an emergency and rapid response are impressive, putting you on the radar for advancement.
- Assesses, plans, and implements nursing care while ensuring patient comfort
- Anticipates, identifies, and responds to informational and emotional needs of patients and families
- Guides and directs healthcare personnel (i.e., Patient Care Technicians) in caring for patients
- Maintains knowledge of equipment setup, maintenance, and use (i.e., IV pumps, monitoring equipment, and drainage devices) Utilizes safeguards such as IV pump drug library and monitor alarms with necessary
- Initiates emergency support measures (i.e., cardiopulmonary resuscitation, protecting patient from injury)
- Assists with patient care duties/tasks (i.e., emptying drainage devices, ambulating, and hygiene)
We are offering a sign on bonus up to $25,000 depending on shift to hires who meet the eligibility requirements. We also offer additional pay for participation in our clinical ladder as well as referral bonuses, excellent benefits, and relocation assistance.
Job Requirements
- Unencumbered license to practice in the State of Arkansas
- 6 months of acute care experience is required (new graduates or nurses who have never worked in an acute care setting are hired through our residency training program)
- Previous critical care experience is preferred, but not required
- BLS through the American Heart Association is required
- ACLS is required for critical care units
- While you’re busy impacting the healthcare industry, we’ll take care of you with benefits that include health/dental/vision, FSA, matching retirement plans, paid vacation, adoption assistance, and more!
CHI St Vincent Hot Springs is a 280 bed faith-based, non-profit, Magnet Accredited facility providing quality health care to patients and communities from all over the State of Arkansas. As the only level II trauma center in the southwest part of the state, CHI St Vincent Hot Springs is the regional referral center for cardiology, trauma, neuro, ortho, oncology and critical care/pulmonary. We have also been voted as one of Arkansas Best Places to Work by Arkansas Business since 2019. We have earned top patient safety ratings from Leapfrog and was recently named as one of the Nation’s 50 Top Cardiovascular Hospitals in Fortune and PINC AI.
If you are committed to social justice, health equity, and prepared to deliver care in new, innovative ways, you belong with us.
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Frequently asked questions
Nurses in Hot Springs often manage complex trauma and cardiology cases due to the area's status as a Level II trauma center. This means step down nurses must be skilled in rapid response and patient advocacy, tailoring care plans to a diverse patient base with acute and chronic illnesses common in the region.
While an Arkansas nursing license and BLS/ACLS certifications are required, Catholic Health Initiatives values candidates who pursue ongoing critical care education. Their clinical ladder program encourages nurses to advance skills, enhancing patient outcomes in specialized areas like cardiology and trauma care.
Working in a faith-driven environment means balancing clinical expertise with compassionate patient advocacy. Nurses often handle emotionally charged situations, requiring not only medical skills but also sensitivity towards patients’ spiritual and emotional needs during recovery phases.
Demand for skilled critical care nurses in Hot Springs is strong due to the hospital’s regional referral status. However, the local talent pool is limited, making experienced candidates particularly sought after, especially those comfortable with trauma and cardiac patient care.
Critical Care Step Down Nurses in Hot Springs typically earn between $65,000 and $80,000 annually, reflecting regional cost of living and hospital prestige. Catholic Health Initiatives enhances compensation with sign-on bonuses up to $25,000 and clinical ladder incentives.
CHI supports nurses through structured residency programs and a clinical ladder that rewards skill advancement. Nurses demonstrating strong clinical judgment and leadership skills may access pathways toward specialty certifications or leadership roles within critical care departments.
Step Down Nurses manage patients transitioning from intensive care, focusing on stabilizing conditions and preventing setbacks. Unlike ICU nurses, they balance acute monitoring with rehabilitation support, requiring multitasking and strong assessment skills tailored to evolving patient needs.
Yes, CHI offers attractive relocation assistance and referral bonuses to attract qualified nurses. These incentives help ease transitions and foster community among staff, supporting retention in a competitive healthcare market.
Daily responsibilities include assessing patient status, managing IV pumps, coordinating with healthcare teams, and performing emergency interventions. Attention to detail is critical as nurses balance technical equipment use with empathetic patient care in a fast-paced environment.
CHI emphasizes delivering care that respects diverse backgrounds and reduces disparities. Nurses are trained to advocate for underserved populations, ensuring equitable treatment and culturally sensitive practices that align with the hospital’s commitment to social justice.