Cardiothoracic ICU Registered Nurse
Chesapeake, VA
Host Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

Registered Nurse - Cardio Thoracic ICU (Travel/Contract)

Location: Chesapeake, Virginia
Contract Length: 13 weeks (with possible extension)

Job Overview

• Caring for post-operative CABG adult patients, Acute Coronary, NSTEMI, STEMI, CHF
• Unit has 8 beds with a universal bed model (ICU patients downgraded to stepdown remain in CTICU until discharge)
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:1-2
• Schedule options: 3x12 or 4x12 shifts (days, weekdays, every other weekend, float, holidays)
• Overtime billed after 48 hours on 4x12 schedule
• No block scheduling available
• Candidates will care for both ICU and stepdown patients

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Virginia OR Compact RN License in hand at time of application (no exceptions)
• BLS and ACLS certifications via American Heart Association
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification required
• EPIC proficiency required (no exceptions)

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of experience in CVICU/CTICU
• Prior travel experience preferred but not required

Required Skills

• Arterial line management
• Blood product administration
• Central line and PICC line care/management
• Starting IVs and continuous IV sedation
• Procedural sedation administration
• Titration of cardiac and vasoactive drips
• Strong neuro experience (post brain surgery, EVD/ventriculostomy)
• FloTrac/Vigileo monitoring
• Interpretation and management of dysrhythmias
• Multi-system organ failure management
• Care of patients post cardiac surgery (directly and not directly from OR)
• Pre/post cardiac catheterization/intervention care
• Pulmonary artery line/Swan Ganz monitoring
• IV insulin protocols
• Continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD/CRRT)
• Stroke (CVA/Acute) management
• Management of BiPAP, CPAP, ventilated patients, high flow nasal cannula (HFNC)
• Interpretation of ABGs
• Suctioning (ETT, NT)
• Ventilator management
• Infection prevention and isolation precautions/PPE use
• Surgical wounds with drains and wound vac care

Preferred Skills

• Thermoregulation (hypothermia/hyperthermia)
• Chronic/acute renal failure
• Accessing ports
• External ventricular drains (EVD) and ICP monitoring

Local Rules & Requirements

• Candidates residing less than 50 miles from the facility will not be accepted
• Driver’s license required for address verification prior to offer acceptance
• No license or background hits accepted (strict screening)

Required Documentation & Compliance

• 7-year criminal background check within 1 year of start, updated annually
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start and updated for renewals
• Proof of diploma or transcript (highest degree obtained)
• Physical exam within 1 year of start, updated annually
• Fit test for N95 mask within 1 year, updated annually (PAPR not allowed)
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year, updated annually
• Required immunizations/titers within 10 years: Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 12 months of start
• Flu vaccination required annually (or approved exemption with mask requirement)
• COVID vaccine preferred but not required
• Pass/fail EKG/medication competency testing required at orientation (80% minimum)
• Medication/pharmacology competency exam as applicable
• Color blindness testing with 100% passing score required
• Orientation safety manual acknowledgment and pass/fail testing acknowledgment required
• References: Proof of 2 references required
• Complete employment application/resume required
• Unit-specific skills checklist required and updated annually

Additional Notes

• Candidates will be caring for both ICU and stepdown patients due to universal bed model
• 48-hour contract with overtime after 48 hours available; candidates must indicate preference
• Must be able to work holidays and float as needed within contract period

This position is ideal for experienced CVICU/CTICU RNs who are comfortable with complex cardiac and neuro critical care patients and meet strict licensure and background requirements.