Cardiovascular ICU Registered Nurse
New Brunswick, NJ
Host Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract)

Location: New Brunswick, New Jersey
Specialty: Registered Nurse (RN)
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Experience Required: Minimum 2 years of acute care experience.
• First Time Travelers: Accepted.
• Shift/Holidays: Work every other holiday/weekend; must be available to work 2 of 3 holidays.
• Patient Ratio: 1:1-2.
• Patient Mix: Fresh open heart surgeries (CABG, MVR, AVR, TAVR), ventilated patients, chest tubes, lumbar drains, chronic and acute renal failure.
• Floats To: All ICUs, PACU, ED for ICU holding patients, and all IMC units.
• Scheduling: No block scheduling.
• Locals: Accepted.

Required Skills & Experience

• CVICU experience with fresh open heart patients (CABG, MVR, AVR, TAVR).
• Assist with BiPAP and CPAP, chest tube insertion/removal assistance.
• Proficient with 12 lead EKG, Post Op Open Heart Recovery, Swan-Ganz catheter, FloTrac, Temporary Pacemakers, A-lines, ventilators, chest tubes.
• Experience with devices such as Impella, IABP, and CRRT using Prismaflex.
• SICU experience may be considered with initial CVICU training.

Certifications Required

• BLS (Basic Life Support): AHA required; RQI and instructor cards acceptable.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support): AHA required; RQI and instructor cards acceptable. Required for all adult critical care units, ED, MS/Tele, PCU, L&D, and outpatient surgery.
• NIH Stroke Certification: Required for adult critical care specialties, ED, Tele, MS/Tele, Cath Lab, and stroke centers. Must be updated annually.
• Other Certifications (as applicable):

  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) for pediatric units.
  • NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) for L&D, NICU, Mother-Baby units.
  • Chemotherapy certification for oncology roles (ONS/ONCC or APHON for pediatric).
  • Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) for ER, Pediatric ER, Behavioral Health RNs (online and in-person training required).

Competency & Testing Requirements

• Medication/Pharmacology Competency Exam (within 72 hours of signing).
• Dysrhythmia/EKG Competency Exam (required for ED, Telemetry, PCU, IMC, adult critical care units).
• Pass/Fail Testing for EKG and Medication exams with remediation process if failed.
• Color Blind Testing (within 1 year, 80%+ passing score required).

Background & Compliance

• Criminal Background Check required within 30 days of start.
• Must run all aliases for EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks.
• MVR/DMV hits do not require facility review for this location.
• 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).
• Two references within last 2 years required, including at least one managerial reference.

Health & Immunization Requirements

• Negative TB test or Chest X-Ray within required timeframes.
• Physical exam within 12 months, cleared to perform essential job functions and free of communicable disease.
• Drug Screen (10 panel) within 30 days of start.
• Seasonal Influenza Vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required annually.
• Immunizations or positive titers required for:

  • Rubeola (Measles)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B (titer required)
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years)
• Fit Test and Respiratory Medical Clearance required prior to start (on-site fit testing mandatory).
• Latex Allergy Questionnaire if job tasks require glove use or respirator.

Facility Specific Requirements

• Must complete Floating Policy for every new assignment or site transfer.
• Annual Education Sign Off and review of facility-specific education materials required prior to start.
• Vendor Medical Clearance Form required for candidates with history of positive TB.
• Baxter Orientation videos and attestation required for RNs.
• Suspected Abuse or Neglect Education Attestation required for patient-facing staff.

Additional Notes

• Candidates must bring physical exam and respiratory clearance documents on first day for on-site fit testing.
• Candidates with name changes must provide proof and include all names in background checks.
• Candidates with pending background checks must sign attestation at start.
• No block scheduling; flexibility required to float across multiple units.

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for experienced acute care RNs with CVICU skills, working in a dynamic hospital environment with a diverse patient population.