Neuro ICU Registered Nurse
Chesapeake, VA
Host Healthcare
4x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

Travel/Contract Registered Nurse (ICU)

Location: Chesapeake, Virginia

Job Summary

Seeking an ICU Registered Nurse with strong neurological experience for a travel/contract position in Coastal Virginia. The role involves caring for neurosurgical, post-stroke, and critically ill patients in a fast-paced ICU setting with potential float assignments to Stepdown, ED, and MedSurg units.

Contract Length

• 13 weeks

Schedule

• 3x12 or 4x12 hour shifts (nights, weekdays, every other weekend, float, holidays)
• Overtime billed after 48 hours on 4x12 schedule
• 48-hour contract with OT after 48 hours available

Required Experience

• Minimum 3 years critical care experience preferred (strong candidates without 3 years may be considered)
• Prior travel experience preferred (not required)

Required Qualifications

• Current Virginia RN license or Compact RN license at time of application
• BLS and ACLS certifications from American Heart Association required
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification required (must be current within 1 year and renewed annually)
• EPIC proficiency required
• Must be willing to float to Stepdown Unit; may also float to ED and MedSurg caring for ICU patients
• Strong neuro ICU skills required, including:

  • Post-neurosurgical care, EVD management, stroke care
  • Ventilator management
  • IV drip titration
  • Telemetry monitoring
  • Conscious sedation
  • Dysrhythmia and emergency management
• Patient ratios typically 1:2-3

Patient Populations

• Neurosurgical and post-stroke
• Respiratory failure
• Renal failure
• Post-surgical
• Trauma
• Sepsis and MODS
• Heart failure and post-cardiac catheterization

Additional Requirements

• No license or background issues allowed (zero tolerance policy)
• Must reside more than 50 miles from the facility (local candidates within 50 miles not accepted)
• Valid driver’s license required for address verification
• Pass/Fail EKG/Medication competency testing required at orientation (80% minimum score, one attempt only)
• Physical exam within 1 year of start, updated annually
• Fit test for N95 mask within 1 year, updated annually (PAPR not allowed)
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 12 months of start
• Immunizations and titers required within 10 years or valid declinations:

  • Measles (Rubeola)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Hepatitis B
  • Varicella
• TDAP vaccine required for certain units, preferred for others (within past 10 years)
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year, annual TB testing required
• Seasonal flu vaccination required or approved exemption (mask required if exempt)
• COVID vaccine preferred but not required

Background and 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 for renewals
• Fingerprinting required within first week of contract start (effective 1/1/2026)
• Proof of diploma or transcript required
• References: minimum 2 required
• Employment application/resume required
• Unit-specific skills checklist required, updated annually
• Orientation safety manual acknowledgment required
• Acknowledgment of pass/fail testing required for ICU and related units

Notes

• This position requires strong neurological ICU skills and the ability to manage complex critical care patients.
• Candidates must be prepared for floating to multiple units and working varied shifts including nights and holidays.
• Strict compliance with licensing, background, and immunization requirements is mandatory.
• Prior travel experience is preferred but not mandatory.

This opportunity is ideal for experienced ICU RNs with neuro skills looking for a travel contract in Virginia.