CVICU Registered Nurse
Milwaukee, WI
PRIDE Health
3x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

Job Opportunity: Critical Care Nurse – CVICU

Position Details

• Employment Type: Contractor
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Shift: 12-hour night shifts (0700-1900 or 1900-0700)
• Hours per Week: 36
• Schedule Cycle: 6 weeks, schedule provided 1-2 weeks in advance
• Weekend Rotation: Every third weekend
• Holiday Expectation: 1-2 holidays per contract
• Time Off Approval: Up to 7 days allowed
• Fatigue Policy: Maximum 60 hours per week or 5 consecutive 12-hour shifts

Unit Information

• Unit Type: Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)
• Unit Beds: 30
• Patient Ratios:

  • RN: 1:1 for critical patients, 1:2 for regular ICU, 1:3 mixed status
  • Tech: 1:8-10

Patient Population & Common Diagnoses

• Post-operative cardiac patients including:

  • CABG, TAVR/TMVR, valve repairs/replacements
  • Heart transplants
  • Pacemakers (epicardial, transvenous)
• Thoracic surgeries: esophagectomy, pneumonectomy, lobectomy
• Vascular surgeries: AAA repair, TVAR, carotid endarterectomy

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in Wisconsin
• Minimum 1 year of CVICU experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• BLS and ACLS certifications
• Competency in invasive line monitoring (Swan Ganz, arterial lines)
• Pacemaker management (epicardial, transvenous)
• Chest tube management
• Ventilator and tracheostomy management
• Cardiac rhythm interpretation
• Ability to draw blood from invasive lines; peripheral sticks not permitted
• Experience with Epic electronic medical records system

Orientation & Support

• Orientation: 1 day total

  • 2-4 hours nurse educator-led orientation
  • Followed by unit preceptor support
• Support available 24/7:

  • Charge nurse (rarely assigned patients)
  • Hospitalist, intensivists, CT surgeon on call
  • ICU-designated respiratory therapist
  • HUC support 24/7
  • Phlebotomy assistance for peripheral blood draws
• Telemetry monitoring at nurse’s station; no tele tech

Floating Assignments

• May float to:

  • ED holding area (board patients awaiting beds)
  • Other ICUs (Medical, Surgical, Cardiac, Neuro)
  • Medical Step-Down Unit (1:3 ratio)
  • Sitter duties
  • PACU surge

Additional Information

• Dress code: Solid color scrubs, professional appearance; no graphics, logos, or designs
• Parking: Free parking available with shuttle service during the day; attached parking structure at night

Travel Experience

• First-time travelers accepted if minimum experience criteria are met

This position is ideal for experienced critical care nurses with cardiovascular ICU expertise seeking a contract role with strong clinical support and a structured schedule.