Neuro ICU RN
Walnut Creek, CA
American Traveler
3x12 hrs, Nights

Assignment Overview

• Shift: Nights, 3x12hrs
• Hours: 36 hrs/wk
• Start Date: Aug 11, 2026
• Length: 13 weeks
• Openings: 1

Description

American Traveler is seeking an experienced RN for a Neuro ICU position at a Level II trauma facility in Walnut Creek, CA, requiring a current CA RN license and a minimum of 2 years of Neuro ICU experience.

Details

• Work in a 24-bed Trauma ICU/Neuroscience ICU divided into two separate 12-bed units at a Level II trauma facility (no transplant surgery)
• Patient population includes cardiac, pulmonary, neuro, renal, sepsis, and trauma/surgical overflow cases such as vascular injuries, head injuries, cerebral bleeds, multi-system failure, and CAVHD
• Patients aged 15 and older
• Nurse-to-patient ratio is 1:2, with criteria for 1:1 when acuity requires
• Specialized equipment includes Philips monitors, Servo-I ventilators, Hospira Smart Pumps (singles and triples), central lines, and tracheostomies; approximately 30–40% of patients are vented
• Ventricle/ICP monitoring performed approximately 5–6 times per month; PA catheters and IABP are rare
• EMR is Epic (experience preferred); Pyxis used for medication management
• 12-hour night shifts (7:00 PM – 7:30 AM), 36 hours per week
• Every other weekend required
• No on-call requirements
• Floating required to MSICU and Progressive Care/Stepdown (NSD); travelers float first and may float to 1–2 units within a single 12-hour shift
• Charge nurse duties are not required
• 13-week contract

Requirements

• Active CA RN license currently in hand at time of consideration
• Minimum 2 years of clinical RN experience, with at least 2 years of Neuro ICU specialty experience within the past 2 years
• Required certifications: BLS/BCLS, ACLS, and NIHSS (or willingness to obtain NIHSS)
• Proficiency with ventilator management, trach care, central lines, titrating drips, and hospital-acquired infection bundles (CAUTI, CLABSI, VAP)
• Two clinical references required from the last two places of employment, covering the past year, from a leadership role (Nurse Manager, Director, or Charge Nurse)
• 7-year employment history required, including facility names, specialties, and dates; gaps exceeding 30 days must be explained
• Current skills checklist (valid within one year) required
• Preferred: prior travel experience, CCRN or CNRN certification, and Epic EMR experience

Additional Information

• Unit is a Magnet-designated hospital with a strong multidisciplinary team including PT, RT, social workers, clergy, and utilization review, with particular emphasis on trauma patient support
• eICU system provides remote monitoring of all critical care patients by two Critical Care RNs (7:00 AM–7:30 PM) and an RN/Intensivist MD team (7:00 PM–7:30 AM) with real-time data and camera/microphone access to patients and staff
• Respiratory therapy is available 24/7 and manages ventilators; RT manages weaning
• Facility testing required (as opposed to universal)
• 3–4 days of orientation provided
• Scrub color is open (any color); no denim; professional appearance required
• Footwear must be non-skid and closed-toe; clogs must have a heel strap
• Minimal jewelry; no facial piercings other than ears; hair at shoulder length or longer must be pulled back; facial hair must be neat and trimmed
• No gel, acrylic, or extended nails; nail polish must be chip-free
• Holiday coverage required: must be available for 2 of 3 major winter holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's) and 2 of 3 summer holidays (Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day)
• Prior travel experience is not required — first-time travelers are welcome to apply
• Local candidates are not accepted for this position