Cardiothoracic ICU RN
Chesapeake, VA
Access Healthcare
4x12 hrs, Nights

Cardio Thoracic ICU Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract)

Location: Chesapeake, Virginia
Contract Length: 13 weeks (with possible extension)
Shift: Nights, 4x12 hour shifts (19:00 - 7:30)
Hours per Week: 48 hours (OT after 48 hours)

Job Overview

• Care for post-operative adult cardiac surgery patients including CABG, cardiac cath/intervention, and acute coronary syndromes (NSTEMI, STEMI, CHF).
• Unit uses a universal bed model: ICU patients downgraded to step-down remain in the CTICU until discharge.
• Patient ratio: 1:1 to 1:2.
• Float, holidays, weekdays, and every other weekend (EOW) required.
• No block scheduling available.

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 (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• ACLS certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification.
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system.

Licensure & Certifications

• Must hold a Virginia RN license or Compact RN license at time of application (no exceptions).
• BLS and ACLS certifications required (American Heart Association only).
• NIH Stroke Scale certification required (must be current within 1 year and renewed annually).
• Pass/fail EKG/medication competency testing required at orientation (minimum 80% score, one attempt only).
• Orientation safety manual acknowledgement and medication/pharmacology competency exams required.

Additional Requirements

• No prior license or background hits allowed; zero tolerance policy.
• Must reside more than 50 miles from the facility to be eligible.
• Valid driver’s license required for address verification before offer acceptance.
• Proof of 2 professional references required.
• Complete application/resume and unit-specific skills checklist (updated annually).
• Physical exam within 12 months of start date, updated annually.
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 12 months of start.
• Fit test for N95 mask within 1 year, updated annually; PAPR not allowed.
• Immunizations and titers required within 10 years or appropriate declinations:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (required for certain units)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B
• Negative TB test (PPD, Quantiferon Gold, or T-spot) within 1 year; TB questionnaire if applicable.
• Seasonal flu vaccination required or approved exemption (mask required if exempt).
• COVID vaccine preferred but not required; documentation collected if available.
• Fingerprinting and national criminal background check required per Virginia state regulations.

Work Environment & Unit Info

• 8-bed unit caring for post-op CABG and acute coronary patients.
• Equipment includes Hemosphere, Quantum, Accuryn, FloTrac/Vigileo monitoring.
• Universal bed model means step-down patients remain in ICU setting.

Summary

This is a 13-week travel contract for an experienced Cardio Thoracic ICU RN with strong cardiac and neuro skills, working night shifts in a high-acuity cardiac surgery ICU in Chesapeake, VA. Candidates must meet strict licensure, certification, and background requirements, and be willing to work a 48-hour workweek with overtime available. Prior travel experience is preferred but not mandatory.