Primary Population:The Cardiovascular Intermediate Unit patient population primarily consists of post- operative cardiac, thoracic and vascular patients. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:Cardiac Surgery Patients - CABG, Valve replacementThoracic Patients - Video-assisted thorascoscopic surgeries: lobectomy, wedge resection, pleurodesis, Pneumonectomy, Paraesophageal hernia repairs, EsophagectomyVascular Patients -Abdominal/Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm Repairs, Carotid Endarterectomy, Revascularizations, Peripheral Artery Bypasses, AmputationsRegistered nurses provide care in conjunction with the nursing assistant and medical team. Assignments are based on the patient’s needs, the geographical location of the patients, and the resources available. The charge nurse does not have a patient assignment. BLS is required upon hire; ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) is required to be obtained within one year. Skills that will be utilized are: interpretation of complex cardiac rhythms, IV start skills, peripheral lab draws, arterial blood draws, continuous infusion medication management (including but not limited to various vasoactive intravenous drips with titration, anti-hypertensive drips, insulin drips and heparin drips) and conscious sedation management, bedside procedures, complex dressing changes, management of: arterial lines, negative pressure wound therapy devices, central lines, chest tubes, J-tubes, external pacemakers, NG/PEG tubes with tube feeds, pacing wires, PCA’s and epidurals.