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

Job Opportunity: Cardio Thoracic ICU Registered Nurse

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

Job Description

• Provide nursing care for post-operative CABG adult patients and acute coronary conditions including NSTEMI, STEMI, and CHF.
• Care for both ICU and step-down patients using a universal bed model (patients remain in the CTICU until discharge).
• Work schedule options: 3x12 or 4x12 hour shifts (nights, weekdays, every other weekend, float, holidays). Overtime billed after 48 hours on 4x12 shifts.
• No block scheduling available.
• Patient ratios: 1:1 to 1:2.
• Must be proficient in EPIC electronic health record system.

Required Skills & Experience

• Valid RN license in Virginia.
• Minimum 2 years of Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU) experience, with at least some experience within the last year.
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing.
• Strong neuro experience including post brain surgery care and management of external ventricular drains (EVD)/ventriculostomy.
• Proficient in arterial line management, blood product administration, central line and PICC line care/management.
• Skilled in starting IVs, continuous IV sedation, and procedural sedation administration.
• Experience titrating cardiac and vasoactive drips.
• Familiarity with FloTrac/Vigileo monitoring system.
• Experience caring for post cardiac surgery patients, both directly from the OR and not directly from the OR.
• Experience with CABG (Coronary Artery Bypass Graft) patients.
• Proficient in Epic electronic health record system.

Required Certifications & Licenses

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) issued by the American Heart Association.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) issued by the American Heart Association.
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification.

Additional Requirements

• No prior license or background hits allowed (zero tolerance policy).
• Must reside more than 50 miles from the facility to be considered.
• Valid driver’s license required for address verification before offer acceptance.
• Physical exam, immunizations, and health screenings must be current and compliant with facility policies (including TB test, flu vaccine or exemption, Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella titers).
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 12 months required.
• Fingerprinting and national criminal background check required within the first week of contract start (effective 1/1/2026).
• Proof of 2 professional references required.
• Completion of unit-specific skills checklist and competency exams required.
• Must complete facility orientation and safety acknowledgments.

Work Environment & Unit Info

• 8-bed Cardio Thoracic ICU unit.
• Universal bed model: ICU patients downgraded to step-down remain in the same unit.
• Use of advanced monitoring equipment such as FloTrac/Vigileo, Hemosphere, Quantum, Accuryn.

Summary

This is a 13-week travel contract for an experienced Cardio Thoracic ICU RN with strong cardiovascular and neuro skills, required certifications, and no tolerance for background or license issues. The position offers a challenging and rewarding environment caring for complex cardiac surgery and acute coronary patients in a coastal Virginia location.

Note: This summary excludes any pay or contact information in compliance with privacy and redaction rules.