ICU Registered Nurse
Kearney, NE
Host Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

Registered Nurse (ICU) - Nebraska, Kearney

Position Overview

• Specialty: ICU Registered Nurse
• Unit: Intensive Care Unit (33 beds; average daily census 16)
• Shift: Days (12-hour shifts, 0630-1830)
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend (Saturday and Sunday)
• Holiday Requirement: Minimum of 2 holidays during contract
• Orientation: 1 shift of unit/department-specific orientation
• Return to Office (RTO): Required within 7 days of contract start; no additional RTO approved

Patient Population & Care

• Common Diagnoses: Trauma, cardiac conditions, overdose/substance abuse, adult sepsis, post-stent, pacemaker placement, stroke, vascular cases, renal failure, heart failure, respiratory distress
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:2-3 for adults in ICU
• Floating Assignments: Typically Progressive Care Unit (PCU) or occasionally MedSurg with ratios of 1:4 or 1:5
• Nurse Aide Support: Available based on census; may assist with 1:1 patient care or floor support
• Respiratory Equipment: Nasal cannula to ventilator; RNs troubleshoot but respiratory therapists provide primary care
• Drip Titration: RNs are required to titrate cardiac drips, insulin, sedation, and other drips as needed
• Monitors/Telemetry: RNs must read, interpret, and document telemetry strips; monitor brand is GE with telemetry tech oversight

Scheduling & Work Environment

• Scheduling: Self-scheduling allowed for core staff and travelers; block scheduling generally not approved except possibly weekends only
• Call Back Policy: If called back from on-call, must arrive within 30 minutes
• Fingernail Policy: Artificial nails are prohibited in all patient care areas; refusal to comply results in contract termination
• Exam Requirement: RN candidates must pass a 90% score on an open-book skills exam during orientation (exam held on Wednesdays) or face contract termination

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Current RN license valid in Nebraska
• BLS (Basic Life Support) Certification
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) Certification
• NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) Certification
• Valid driver’s license required at time of application (used to verify candidate is within 50-mile radius)

Additional Requirements & Notes

• Candidates may not be currently employed full-time, part-time, or PRN with any facility associated with a specific large healthcare system within a 50-mile radius
• Radius Rule: Candidate must reside within 50 miles of the facility
• Minimum holiday shifts and weekend coverage required
• No duo scheduling or shared carpool arrangements allowed for travelers

Summary

This ICU RN role requires a highly skilled critical care nurse with strong cardiac and telemetry experience, capable of managing complex patients and titrating drips. The position demands flexibility with weekend and holiday coverage, adherence to strict policies including a skills exam and fingernail standards, and the ability to float to PCU or MedSurg units as needed. Candidates must hold current Nebraska RN licensure and required certifications, and live within a 50-mile radius of the facility.