RN - ICU

ICU Registered Nurse (RN)

This position is located in a dynamic mixed ICU unit consisting of 39 beds, managing a variety of critical care patients in pods. Floating into the CVICU is reserved for nurses with specific experience and expertise.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of ICU experience, excluding travel experience; 1.5 years may be acceptable with substantial RN experience outside of ICU, subject to management approval.
• First-time travelers are not accepted; candidates must have completed at least one prior travel assignment.
• Candidates must reside at least 100 miles from any healthcare facility.
• Permanent staff must wait one year before returning as travelers.

Patient Types

The unit serves complex ICU patients with a variety of critical needs, including:

• Surgical, medical, cardiac (preferred), neuro, and trauma cases
• Common diagnoses: ARDS, myocardial infarction (MI), cerebrovascular accident/transient ischemic attack (CVA/TIA), COVID-19, post-cardiac catheterization, post-surgical patients, and multiple system trauma

Patient Ratios

Registered Nurse-to-Patient ratios are typically 1:1 to 1:3, depending on patient acuity.

Required Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
• NIHSS (National Institute of Health Stroke Scale)
• TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) - this certification is mandatory prior to arrival.

Required Education

Candidates must have completed a nursing education program approved by the board of nursing and hold a valid Registered Nurse (RN) license.

Skills Required

• Experience with Epic electronic health record system
• Willingness to work a 48-hour/week contract; manager approval is required if not interested.
• Capability with IV medications such as vasopressors, sedation, and paralytics, as well as managing hemodynamic lines, proning, and ventilator care.
• Strong critical thinking, assessment skills, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with Impella, IABP, and CRRT is strongly preferred.
• Candidates should be prepared to discuss a scenario where they exceeded a leader's expectations during the interview process.

Support on the Unit

• CNA support: 1-2 Nurse Aides per unit, plus a mobility float aide
• Charge nurses: A team of 2 CRNs oversees all ICUs
• Phlebotomy services: Peripheral blood draws only
• IV/VAT Team: CRNs place all midlines
• Resource Nurse: Available based on staffing needs
• Respiratory Therapy: Available 24/7
• Medical Support: 3 intensivists during the day and 2 during the night, along with Advanced Practice Providers on the night shifts

Charting System

• Epic (required for ED and ICU)
• Alaris (transitioning to Baxter Pumps)
• Omnicell

Floating

While floating is not common, RNs may be reassigned to any adult floor, including Med-Surg and Telemetry, with a 1:4 nurse-to-patient ratio. Comfortability with floating will be verified during the interview.

Orientation

• Comprehensive hospital orientation
• 8-hour department orientation, including completion of iLearns
• Two 12-hour shifts for floor orientation
• One additional independent 12-hour shift for travelers, meeting required hour commitments

Scheduling

• Weekend rotation: Typically every other weekend, though not guaranteed.
• No scheduled on-call