CVICU/CVRU Registered Nurse
Asheville, NC
GHR Healthcare - PH Division
3x12 hrs

Job Opportunity: RN - PCU (Travel)

Location: Asheville, North Carolina
Specialty: Registered Nurse (RN) - CVICU/CVRU
Employment Type: Travel
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit Information

• 19-bed mixed CVICU/CVRU unit with 1:2 or 1:1 nurse-to-patient ratio depending on acuity; holdover downgraded patients may be 1:3.
• Highly trained CVICU/CVRU charge nurses available to assist.
• Orientation provided by a dedicated educator.
• Staff includes 13 day-shift RNs and 11 night-shift RNs, supported by a nurse’s aide on all shifts.
• Approximately 850 heart surgeries performed annually.
• Core nurses trained in critical care, heart care, recovery, and device management.
• ECMO team nurse available; regular use of Impellas, IABP, and LVADs.
• Equipment includes GE monitors and Cerner EMR.

Required Qualifications

• Experience: Minimum 2 years CVICU or CVRU experience (highest required years of experience).
• Certifications:

  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • NIH Certification
• Licenses: Registered Nurse License
• Skills:

  • Critical Care training
  • Passion for surgical heart care
  • High energy and upbeat personality

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in Critical Care, Cardiac Surgery, or Recovery Room care.

Typical Procedures Performed

• Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP) management
• Impella device care
• Hemodynamic monitoring
• Frequent patient ambulation
• Chest tube removal
• Pacer wire removal
• LVAD care (team-supported)
• Intubation and extubation

Work Environment & Culture

• High acuity, friendly unit focused on excellent patient care.
• Best fit: High energy, friendly nurse who is a lifelong learner with critical care, cardiac, or recovery skills.
• Floating areas include all ICUs and Stepdown units, and other units as needed.

Policies & Guidelines

• Dress code: Navy blue or white scrubs, nursing shoes, hair off shoulders, no fake nails.
• Arrive ready to work no earlier than 7 minutes before or after shift start (06:45).
• Overtime requires approval.
• New procedures require guidance from a second nurse (CNC) for safety.
• Weekend/on-call schedule: Every other weekend with extra days off during contract.

Prior Travel Experience

• No explicit requirement for prior travel experience mentioned.