Surgical ICU Registered Nurse
Bowling Green, KY
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights

Registered Nurse Travel/Contract Position

Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Work primarily with vascular surgery population including:

  • AAA repair
  • Carotid endarterectomy
  • Femoral-popliteal bypass and similar surgeries
  • Thrombectomy
  • Experience with carotids, pneumonectomy, post-thoracic surgery
  • Experience with EVAR, intra-aortic balloon pump, TAVR
• Mixed acuity unit with ability to float to step-down unit
• Patient ratios vary by acuity:

  • Unit patients: 1:2-3
  • Step-down patients: 1:4-5
• Must stay within 30 minutes of the facility in case of emergency
• Weekend shifts required every other weekend
• No on-call required
• Floating within scope to meet facility needs is expected
• Block scheduling is open to discussion but not guaranteed
• Locals accepted within a 65-mile radius
• Orientation sessions held every Monday

Experience & Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of RN experience required
• Prior travel experience required (at least 1 year travel experience or must have completed at least 1 prior travel contract)
• Surgical and cardiac nursing experience required
• Minimum 1 year experience working in a certified stroke center critical care unit preferred
• Familiarity with stroke guidelines and performance measures for acute ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes
• Must be NIHSS certified (certificate obtained within 2 years of start date)
• Competency in stroke assessment tools (e.g., BE-FAST) and bedside dysphagia screening required
• Meditech experience preferred
• KY state license or compact license in hand required

Certifications Required

• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA only (RQI acceptable)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - AHA only (RQI acceptable)
• NIH Stroke Certification (must be completed through APEX)
• Additional certifications may be required depending on unit (e.g., PALS, NRP, CHEMO, TNCC) - verify with recruiter/unit

Compliance & Documentation

• Valid Driver's License, State ID, or Passport required
• Background check within 90 days covering all locations lived/worked in past 7 years, updated annually
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start and updated for renewals
• Education verification and transcript/diploma required
• Drug testing: Negative 13-panel drug screen within 12 months of start (instant acceptable), onsite drug screen during orientation
• Physical exam required within 1 year, updated annually
• Fit mask test (N95) within 1 year, updated annually
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 2 months of start, updated annually
• Immunizations required: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B (vaccines or positive titers, no declinations accepted)
• Flu vaccination required with no exemptions allowed
• COVID-19 vaccination, exemption, or declination required for reporting purposes (will not prevent start)
• Completion of facility-specific forms including confidentiality, health history, communicable disease, latex allergy, privacy acknowledgement, patient registration, TB questionnaire, employment acknowledgement, and others as required
• Proof of 2 clinical references required
• Complete employment application with 7-year work history verification required
• Performance evaluations and skills checklists must be updated annually

Additional Notes

• No flu exemptions allowed for travelers
• Must score self as 3 or 4 on required competencies to apply
• Facility has a hard documentation due date on Tuesday 5 PM PST prior to start date
• Must be able to meet physical demands of the position
• Candidate must be able to respond to emergencies within 30 minutes of the facility

This position is ideal for experienced travel RNs with vascular surgery and stroke critical care experience who meet the certification and compliance requirements.