Critical Care Unit (CCU) Registered Nurse
Carroll, IA
Host Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

CCU RN Travel Opportunity - Iowa (Carroll)

Position Overview

• ICU RN needed for a Critical Care Unit (CCU) in Southern Iowa.
• Unit has 6 beds for CCU-level patients, with flexibility to accommodate MedSurg Pediatric patients as needed.
• Nurse-to-patient ratio goal: 1:2, may go up to 1:4 depending on acuity and MedSurg Peds needs.
• 12-hour shifts starting at 7 AM, with two 15-minute breaks and one 30-minute lunch break.
• Weekend requirement: Every third weekend (Fri/Sat/Sun), flexible to Sat/Sun/Mon.
• Holiday requirement: 1 major and 1 minor holiday depending on season and contract duration.
• 6-week cyclic schedules; scheduling needs accommodated as much as possible but no guaranteed block scheduling.
• Floating required to MedSurg Peds side; cross-training opportunities available for Behavioral Health and ER.

Required Certifications & Licenses

• BLS (AHA)
• ACLS (AHA)
• Iowa RN License

Preferred Certifications

• TNCC
• NIHSS
• PALS

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 3 years of CCU experience required.
• Prior travel experience required (at least 1 year travel experience).
• CAH (Critical Access Hospital) experience preferred but not required.

Clinical Skills & Responsibilities

• RNs are required to titrate drips (e.g., Cardizem, insulin, norepinephrine).
• Common patient diagnoses: CHF, Pneumonia, COPD, Sepsis, DKA.
• Occasionally involved with central line insertions, thoracentesis, paracentesis (performed by provider).
• Charge Nurse role oversees MedSurg Peds and CCU sides; typically no patient caseload but may take assignments as needed.
• No in-house hospitalist or intensivist; patients followed by private physicians.
• Respiratory Therapy coverage during weekdays; nights and weekends managed by CCU nurses and House Supervisor.
• RT equipment includes CPAP, Bipap (V60), Vapotherm, Hamilton ventilator.
• No Tele/Monitor Techs; CCU nurses monitor telemetry and cannot leave area without coverage.

Staffing & Support

• Nurse aide ratios: Goal 1:6 day shift, 1:8 night shift (varies by census and staffing).
• House Supervisor covers breaks and lunches for CCU nurses.
• Positive work culture emphasized; staff encouraged to support quality projects and unit initiatives.

Orientation & Other Notes

• Unit-specific orientation: Two 12-hour shifts.
• Med drawer keys are controlled and must be signed out and returned each shift.
• Scrub colors allowed: Grey, Black, Pink, or White (any combination).
• Must be adaptable and supportive of unit culture and teamwork.

Contract Length

• 13 weeks (approximately 3 months).