Travel Nurse RN - ICU - Intensive Care Unit
Rapid City, SD
Thrive Staffing
3x12 hrs, Nights

General Information

This position involves working in a mixed ICU unit with 39 beds, including MICU, SICU, CICU, and TICU. The unit is divided into pods, and floating to other specialty areas will only occur if the nurse has the requisite experience.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years of ICU experience preferred, excluding travel assignments.
• If the candidate has 1.5 years of ICU experience, they may be considered with significant nursing experience outside of ICU.
• First-time travelers are not accepted; candidates must have completed at least one prior travel assignment.
• Travelers must reside at least 100 miles away from any facility location.

Patient Types

The ICU delivers care for complex patients across a range of issues, including but not limited to:

• Surgical and medical emergencies
• Cardiac conditions (preferred competence in handling these patients)
• Neurological issues
• Trauma cases

Common diagnoses may include:

• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
• Myocardial Infarction (MI)
• Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) / Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
• COVID-19 treatment
• Post-surgical recovery
• Multiple system trauma

Preferred Experience

• Cardiac experience, particularly with CABG/TAVR cases 24 to 48 hours post-operative.
• Familiarity with fresh open heart cases is only acceptable if the nurse is experienced.

Patient Ratios

Registered Nurses typically manage patient ratios of:

• 1:1
• 1:2
• 1:3 (rare, depending on acuity)

Required Certifications

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

Required Education

Candidates must have completed a nursing education program that is approved by a nursing board and hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license in South Dakota.

Skills Required

• Experience with the Epic charting system is required.
• Ability to work a 48-hour week contract.
• Experience and comfort managing complex patients and critical situations.
• Proficiency with IV medications (including vasopressors, sedation, and paralytics).
• Experience with hemodynamic lines, proning, ventilator management, and telemetry.
• Strong critical thinking and assessment skills.
• Able to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
• Experience with Impella, IABP, and CRRT is strongly preferred.

Unit Support

• Nurse Aide support is provided with 1-2 CNAs per unit along with a mobility float aide.
• ARN to oversee the ICU operations and provide resources as needed.
• Respiratory Therapists available 24/7.
• Physicians on-site include 3 Intensivists during the day and 2 at night, along with an Advanced Practice Provider on night shifts.

Orientation and Scheduling

New hires will undergo comprehensive orientation, including:

• 8-hour orientation and iLEARN sessions.
• 4-hour session for completing iLEARN modules.
• 2 x 12-hour shifts of floor-oriented training, followed by an independent shift (12 hours) for 48 GH travelers.

Weekend and Holiday Expectations

Weekend rotations are