Cardio Thoracic ICU Registered Nurse
Chesapeake, VA
Host Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (Cardio Thoracic ICU)

Location: Chesapeake, Virginia
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks (with possible extension)

Job Description

• Position in Cardio Thoracic ICU caring for post-operative CABG adult patients, Acute Coronary Syndrome including NSTEMI, STEMI, CHF.
• Candidates will also care for step-down patients due to a universal bed model.
• Shift options: 3x12 or 4x12 hour shifts (days, weekdays, every other week, float, holidays).
• Overtime billed after 48 hours on 4x12 shifts.
• No block scheduling available.
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:1 to 1:2.

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 mandatory.
• Pass/Fail EKG/Medication competency testing required.
• Other certifications: Orientation Safety Manual Acknowledgement, State License Primary Source Verification, Medication Test/Pharmacology Competency Exam as applicable.
• NIH Stroke Certification must be current (within 1 year and renewed annually).

Required Experience

• Minimum 2 years experience in CVICU/CTICU.
• Strong neuro experience required (post brain surgery, EVD/ventriculostomy experience).
• Prior travel experience preferred but not explicitly 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
• Interpretation and management of dysrhythmias
• Multi-system organ failure management
• Care of post cardiac surgery patients (directly and not directly from OR)
• Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump, Impella management
• Pulmonary Artery Line/Swan Ganz monitoring
• IV insulin protocols
• CVVHD/CRRT management
• CVA/Acute Stroke management
• Ventilator management including BiPAP, CPAP, High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)
• Interpretation of ABGs
• Suctioning (ETT, NT)
• Infection prevention and isolation precautions/PPE use
• Surgical wounds with drains/Wound Vac care

Preferred Skills

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

Unit Information

• 8-bed unit with universal bed model (ICU patients downgraded to stepdown remain in CTICU until discharge).
• Equipment includes Hemosphere, Quantum, Accuryn.

Local Rules & Requirements

• Candidates residing within 50 miles of the facility will not be accepted.
• Driver’s license required for address verification prior to offer acceptance.
• No license or background hits accepted.
• Physical exam, fit test for N95 mask (no PAPR allowed), and various immunizations and titers required.
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 12 months required.
• Flu vaccination required annually or approved exemption with mask-wearing.
• COVID vaccine preferred but not required.
• Background checks including 7-year criminal check, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG required.
• Fingerprinting required for certain specialties (not applicable here unless specified).
• Proof of 2 references and completed skills checklist required.
• Various facility-specific documents and competency exams required.

Summary

This is a 13-week travel contract for an experienced Cardio Thoracic ICU Registered Nurse in Chesapeake, VA. The role requires strong critical care skills, neuro experience, and proficiency with advanced cardiac and ICU equipment. Candidates must hold a valid VA or Compact RN license, have at least 2 years CVICU/CTICU experience, and meet strict background and credentialing requirements. Prior travel experience is preferred but not mandatory.