Travel Contract

CVICU Registered Nurse
Santa Cruz, CA
Host Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

$2,828/week

Overview

Start DateASAP
Shift Breakdown3x12 hrs
ShiftNights
Duration13 weeks

Pay

Estimated total pay

$2,828/week

Details

Gross pay

$2827.85/wk

Regular pay

$78.55/hr

Benefits

Referral bonus
School loan reimbursement
Vision benefits
Wellness and fitness programs
Company provided housing options
License and certification reimbursement
Life insurance
Medical benefits
Mileage reimbursement
Pet insurance
Discount program
Employee assistance programs
Guaranteed Hours
Health savings account
Holiday Pay
401k retirement plan
Continuing Education
Dental benefits

Qualifications

The employer will review your Vivian profile and compare it against the job qualifications listed below.

Education

Associate of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Science in Nursing

License

California Nursing License

Certifications

Basic Life Support

Description

Job Opportunity: CVICU Registered Nurse (RN)

Location: Santa Cruz, California
Specialty: CVICU (Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit)

Contract Length

13 weeks

Required Experience

Minimum 2+ years of CVICU nursing experience (higher value confirmed)

Licenses & Certifications

Active California RN license
BLS (Basic Life Support)
ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale)
CCRN and PALS preferred but not required
COVID-19 vaccination required

Job Description & Responsibilities

Work within a mixed medical-surgical unit specializing in CVICU care
Manage immediate post-operative cardiac surgery recovery patients
Common patient diagnoses include mitral, aortic, and tricuspid valve replacements, CABG, and AAA repair
Experience with IABP (Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump), CRRT (Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy), and ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) preferred but not required
Candidate will be required to take a proctored CVICU exam and interview prior to offer

Unit Details

16 beds/rooms
Average daily patient load: 1 cardiac surgery patient plus 12 general med-surg ICU patients
Providers on site: 1 cardiothoracic surgeon, 1 CTS PA
EMR system: Cerner

Shift & Scheduling

12-hour shifts
Weekend requirement: every other weekend (Friday-Sunday)
Holiday work required
Call or standby required
Floating required; first to float
Orientation: 3 shifts
No Medical Assistants or CNAs on night shift (7p-7a)

Dress Code

Navy blue scrubs

Prior Travel Experience

Not specified / not required

Employer

Host Healthcare

4.8rating(1036 reviews)

223 nurses recommend working with Host Healthcare

5.0rating

Pros

I’ve been working with Joey for several months before we finally landed on this assignment, and I truly couldn’t have asked for a better recruiter. He really takes the time to listen to what I’m looking for and makes a real effort to find opportunities that match my preferences and goals. I never felt pressured into taking something that wasn’t right for me. This whole experience has been smooth and positive because of his support, communication, and patience throughout the process. I’m very grateful to have him as my recruiter and would definitely recommend him to other nurses.

Cons

None.

Recommends working with Host Healthcare

Afaf m

PCU - Progressive Care Unit (RN)

Review of Joey Duhart on Mar 3, 2026

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About

At Host Healthcare, we provide a truly comfortable experience as you explore your travel nursing, therapy, or allied career. We make your travel healthcare journey easy by taking care of all the details, so you don’t have to.We are on a mission to help others live better and we do this by helping the healers of the world be as comfortable as possible. With access to tens of thousands of travel nursing, therapy, and allied jobs in all 50 states, our responsive and friendly recruiters find your dream position based on what’s important to you.During your assignment, get access to premium benefits, including Day 1 medical that continues up to 30 days between assignments, 401K matching, travel reimbursements, dedicated housing support, and more. We also offer 24/7 support from our team and access to our on-staff clinicians so you can feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire assignment.Travel comfortably with Host Healthcare.

Response timewithin an hour

Travel jobs$1,075–4,087/week

Jobs on Vivian8

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About Santa Cruz, CA

As a Travel Cardiovascular ICU Nurse in Santa Cruz, CA here's what you should know:

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Santa Cruz is higher than the national average due to the desirable beach town location.
Wages may not fully match up with the higher cost of living.

Weather

Average summer highs are around 70-80°F, while winter lows can range from 40-50°F.

Furnished Housing

Short term rentals can be found, but they may be more limited and slightly more expensive due to the popular tourist destination.

Transportation

Santa Cruz is car-friendly, but public transportation options are also available, including buses and shuttles.

Demographics

Santa Cruz has a diverse population with a wide age range.
Common health issues may include allergies due to the coastal environment.
It is a popular location for travel nurses due to its healthcare facilities and proximity to natural beauty.

Things to Do

Santa Cruz offers a variety of activities including a range of restaurants, art galleries, live music venues, and outdoor sports such as surfing, hiking, biking, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

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