Cardiothoracic ICU Registered Nurse
Chesapeake, VA
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights

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 in a Cardio Thoracic ICU setting, including step-down patients due to a universal bed model.
• 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.
• 48-hour contract with overtime after 48 hours available; candidate preference should be indicated.
• Patient population includes post-operative CABG adult patients, acute coronary syndrome (NSTEMI, STEMI), CHF.
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:1 to 1:2.
• Unit has 8 beds and uses advanced monitoring equipment (e.g., FloTrac/Vigileo, Hemosphere, Quantum, Accuryn).

Required Skills and 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 or Associate Degree in Nursing.
• Strong neuro experience required, including post brain surgery and experience with external ventricular drains (EVD)/ventriculostomy.
• Proficient in Epic electronic health record system.
• Skills and experience in:

  • Arterial line management
  • Central line and PICC line care/management
  • Continuous IV sedation and procedural sedation administration
  • Titration of cardiac and vasoactive drips
  • Interpretation and management of dysrhythmias
  • Care of post cardiac surgery patients both directly from the OR and not directly from the OR
  • FloTrac/Vigileo monitoring

Required Certifications and Licenses

• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• ACLS certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification.

Additional Requirements

• No prior license or background issues allowed; zero tolerance policy for any hits.
• Candidates must reside more than 50 miles from the facility to be considered.
• Valid driver’s license required for address verification before offer acceptance.
• Must complete all required background checks, including a 7-year criminal history check.
• Fingerprinting required within the first week of contract start (effective 1/1/2026).
• Physical exam, immunizations, and health screenings must be current and compliant with facility policies (including TB test, flu vaccination or exemption, and fit testing for N95 masks).
• Pass/fail competency testing on EKG/medications required.
• Proof of 2 professional references required.
• Must complete unit-specific skills checklist annually.

Work Environment

• Outdoor lover’s paradise location near Virginia Beach and Norfolk, VA.
• Universal bed model means ICU patients downgraded to step-down remain in the CTICU until discharge.
• Float and holiday shifts required within contract.

Prior Travel Experience

• Travel experience preferred but not required.

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work in a specialized Cardio Thoracic ICU environment with a diverse patient population and advanced technology. Candidates must meet strict licensure, certification, and background requirements.