Is a Step Down Nurse?

Step-down/PCU jobs for Registered Nurses involve the care of patients who require close monitoring and frequent assessment, but who aren't unstable enough to need ICU care

. Many Step-down/PCU patients receive complex medications that may require titration based on the vital signs.

What type of patients are in step down?

The first is “stepdown” patients who were receiving intensive care (usually organ support) but who no longer have full intensive care needs. Patients may often be defined as “stepdown” by exclusion (i.e., that they no longer meet any criteria for full intensive care).

What is the difference between step down and ICU?

After the ICU, patients usually will stay at least a few more days in the hospital before they can be discharged. Most patients are transferred to what is called a step-down unit, where they are still very closely monitored before being transferred to a regular hospital floor and then hopefully home.