Travel Nurse RN - ICU - Intensive Care Unit
Paducah, KY
GHR Healthcare
3x12 hrs

Experienced critical care RNs can join a high-acuity ICU travel nursing team in Paducah, Kentucky, caring for critically ill adult and geriatric patients. This 13-bed intensive care unit, with overflow capacity, is ideal for an ICU Registered Nurse confident managing complex patients, advanced monitoring, ventilators, cardiac drips, and rapidly changing clinical conditions. Paducah offers a welcoming river-city atmosphere with historic charm, local arts and culture, outdoor recreation, and easy access to the scenic landscapes of western Kentucky.

Travel ICU RN Job Details

• Weekly Estimated Pay: $2,020–$2,130
• Location: Paducah, Kentucky
• Start Date: October 19, 2026
• Contract Duration: 13 weeks, through January 18, 2027
• Schedule: 3 shifts per week, 12-hour day shifts
• Hours: Approximately 36 hours per week
• Weekend/Holiday Rotation: Every other weekend and every other holiday
• Unit: Intensive Care Unit with approximately 13 beds plus overflow
• Patient Population: Adult and geriatric critically ill patients
• Clinical Environment: Cardiac and critical care drips, ventilators, central lines, chest tubes, wound vacs, advanced oxygen therapies, and hemodynamic monitoring
• Additional Information: Holiday time-off requests are limited and subject to manager approval. A 48-hour option may be available.

Critical Care RN Job Requirements

• At least 4 years of registered nursing experience required; candidates with less experience may be considered based on clinical background
• Recent ICU or critical care nursing experience required
• At least 2 years of travel nursing experience preferred; a minimum of a couple of completed travel contracts is preferred
• Current RN license in the state of practice or a valid compact-state license
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications required
• Current PALS certification required
• Successful completion of a dysrhythmia examination required
• Critical care course, CCRN, TNCC, PCCN, TCRN, NIH Stroke Certification, or RN-BC certification preferred
• Prior experience with electronic health records, preferably EPIC, preferred
• Strong clinical judgment, communication, teamwork, and patient advocacy skills
• Ability to remain calm, flexible, and effective during emergencies and periods of high acuity
• Local candidates are not eligible for this travel nursing opportunity

ICU Registered Nurse Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive initial and ongoing assessments of critically ill patients and develop individualized plans of care
• Implement, prioritize, and evaluate nursing interventions using the nursing process and current evidence-based standards
• Manage patients with multisystem organ failure, multisystem trauma, and rapidly changing clinical conditions
• Administer medications and safely and accurately titrate critical care and cardiac drips
• Monitor and interpret hemodynamic data, including care of patients with Swan-Ganz catheters
• Provide care for patients requiring ventilators, advanced respiratory modalities, and other life-support technologies
• Assist with the insertion and management of intra-aortic balloon pumps, Impella devices, chest tubes, and transvenous or temporary pacing
• Provide central line care and manage drains, wound vacs, and other critical care devices
• Administer and monitor conscious sedation in accordance with clinical policies and standards
• Coordinate care with physicians, interdisciplinary team members, patients, and families across hospital departments
• Educate patients, families, caregivers, and nursing staff while supporting informed decisions and patient preferences
• Advocate for patient safety, privacy, dignity, cultural inclusion, and quality outcomes
• Recognize subtle changes in patient status, respond decisively to emergencies, and escalate concerns appropriately
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, professional development, and ongoing critical care education

Apply now for this ICU Registered Nurse travel contract in Paducah, Kentucky, and join a high-acuity critical care team.

401K with Matching, Healthcare, Dental and Vision

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity across our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.