Cardiovascular ICU Registered Nurse
Largo, MD
Host Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

Job Opportunity: CVICU Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract)

Location: Largo, Maryland
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Start Date: 02/09/2026
Shift: Nights, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (19:30 - 08:00)
Schedule: Every other weekend required; holidays as scheduled
Patient Population: Adult/Geriatric
Unit Beds: 8
Average Daily Census: 6
Nurse-to-Patient Ratio:

• CVICU/CCRU: 1:2
• If floated to IMC (lower acuity): 1:3

Specialty & Experience Requirements

• Specialty: Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)
• Required Experience: Minimum 2 years CVICU/open heart experience (higher of 1 year general RN experience or 2 years CVICU/open heart experience applies)
• Prior travel experience: Not required; first-time travelers with extensive CVICU/open heart experience will be considered

Licenses & Certifications Required

• Registered Nurse license in Maryland
• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA only
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - AHA only

Job Responsibilities & Unit Details

• Immediate post-operative care for cardiac surgery patients (CABG, valve surgeries, CAD including STEMI, NSTEMI, AFIB with RVR, cardiogenic shock)
• Care for vascular and thoracic patients (peripheral bypasses, EVAR, VATS)
• Ventilator management in collaboration with respiratory therapy
• Use of specialized equipment: Flo Trac, CRRT, IABP, Impella, groin/radial artery management (fem stop, TR bands)
• 1:1 patient care for the first 12 hours post-op
• Floating required within specialty, including Intermediate Care (IMC) and lower acuity units as needed
• On-call scheduled shifts are not required

Additional Requirements

• Floating within specialty and to lower acuity units as needed
• Physical exam within 1 year of start, including Latex Screen
• Negative 9-panel drug screen within 30 days prior to start (instant tests not accepted)
• Immunizations and titers required:

  • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella: Positive titer or 2 vaccines/boosters
  • Hepatitis B: Positive titer or declination (series not accepted)
  • Varicella: Positive titer or 2 vaccines/boosters
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap as applicable
• TB testing: Negative QGOLD or TSPOT within 1 year or 2-step PPD as per guidelines; must be updated annually
• Flu vaccination or medical/religious exemption required during flu season
• COVID vaccine not required for this location but documentation collected for tracking
• Background checks including 7-year criminal search, education verification, and state-specific exclusions
• Two supervisory references within 1 year of start
• Employment application/resume completed within 30 days of start
• Work history verification for previous 5 years

Competency & Training Requirements

• Medication Test/Pharmacology Competency Exam (score 80%+)
• Color Blind Testing (required for all candidates)
• Competency Exam (score 80%+) as applicable
• Age Specific Competency Exam (score 80%+)
• Dysrhythmia/EKG Competency Exam (score 80%+)
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training as applicable
• Facility-specific documents including confidentiality agreement, dress code review, badge photo, and job description acknowledgment

This position offers a specialized CVICU nursing experience with a focus on cardiac surgery post-op care in a high-acuity setting. Ideal candidates will have strong CVICU/open heart experience and be prepared for night shifts with floating responsibilities.