Travel Pediatric Cardiac PICU Nurse
Newark, NJ
Host Healthcare
4x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract)

Location: Newark, New Jersey
Unit: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at a Children's Hospital

Contract Length

• 13 weeks

Work Schedule

• 36 or 48 hours per week (client will accept either)
• Every other weekend (Saturday/Sunday)

Unit Details

• Primary Unit: PICU (19 beds)
• Floating: May float to Pediatrics and NICU; additional float units possible based on skill set and hospital needs (floating must be confirmed with traveler)
• Patient Ratio: Approximately 1:2+ (to be confirmed with traveler)

Experience & Skills Required

• Minimum 2+ years of PICU critical care experience
• At least 1 year of cardiac experience (both must be documented on skills checklist)
• Competency in caring for cardiac patients with conditions such as:

  • ASD (arterial septal defect)
  • VSD (ventricular septal defect)
  • AV Canal Defect
  • Valve replacements
  • Glenn and Fontan procedures
  • Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF)
  • Status post cardiac catheterization and ablations
  • Cardiac transplant
  • Post cardiac surgery care
• Experience with Medtronic pacemakers and telemetry monitoring required
• Experience with BIPAP/CPAP, ventilators, high flow nasal cannula, and tracheostomies required

Certifications Required

• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA required
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) - AHA required
• NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) - Preferred
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - Required for adult critical care units, but confirm specifics with program coordinator
• Other certifications may be required depending on unit and role (e.g., Chemotherapy certification for certain roles)

System & Documentation

• Charting System: EPIC
• First-time travelers are not accepted for this assignment
• Scrub color: Navy Blue

Compliance & Onboarding Requirements

• Background checks including criminal background, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, and state-specific exclusions (New Jersey Department of Treasury Exclusions List) must be completed within 30 days of start
• Drug screening required within 30 days of start
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray required (specific testing protocols apply)
• Physical exam within 12 months of start, confirming clearance to perform essential job functions and free of communicable disease
• Fit testing and respiratory medical clearance required prior to start
• Influenza vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required annually
• Various competency exams required (Medication/Pharmacology, Dysrhythmia/EKG, Color Blind Testing if applicable)
• Skills checklist must be completed and updated annually
• References: 2 references within last 2 years, including at least one managerial reference
• Employment application or resume with 7 years of work history required
• Work history verification required for New Jersey candidates (minimum 1 year prior to start date, allowing 30-day gaps or less)
• Annual education sign-off and facility-specific orientation modules must be completed prior to start
• Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) training required for ER, Pediatric ER, and Behavioral Health RNs (includes online and in-person components)

Additional Notes

• Floating assignments must be confirmed with traveler before acceptance
• Documentation must reflect legal name matching licensing and background check records; name changes must be documented
• Candidates with a history of positive TB require additional medical clearance and documentation
• Candidates must comply with facility-specific policies including flu vaccination deadlines and attestation forms
• Candidates must bring physical exam and respiratory clearance documents on first day for onsite fit testing

This position is ideal for experienced PICU nurses with strong cardiac care skills who are comfortable working in a fast-paced pediatric critical care environment and have prior travel nursing experience.