Location: Tacoma, WA
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Nights, 7p-7a (12 hours/day, 36 hours/week)
Unit: Medical ICU, 82 beds (48 ICU, 34 PCU) across 3 separate floors
Required Qualifications
2 years of experience in your specialty
Active BLS and ACLS certifications
Active Washington license (a pending license is needed to submit; a temporary license takes approximately 4 weeks)
Candidates may not have worked full time, part time, or PRN with a related facility in the same health system within the past year
Assignment Details
Float scope: Primarily ICU with float to PCU. Float eligible between all ICUs and PCU. If needed, travelers may float to other facilities in the region.
Staffing: Charge nurse, 1 per floor. Nurse aides, 2 per floor.
Ratios: ICU 1:1 or 1:2; PCU 1:3
Orientation: Education hours (25+) are not guaranteed during the first 2 weeks. Floor-specific orientation is planned for up to 1 week with an educator, minimum 2 shifts.
Weekends: Days work Saturday and Sunday. Nights work Friday and Saturday. Every other weekend.
Holidays: Rotated with permanent staff
Patient population: All critical care diagnoses
Drips: All ICU-level drips. PCU drips include Cardizem, nitroglycerin, insulin, and heparin.
Ventilators: Yes in ICU; none in PCU
Pressors: None
IABP and CRRT: Travelers are not required to take these unless they have that experience
Tele/monitor techs: PCU only
Physician coverage: Hospitalist or intensivist on site on days; nights via virtual ICU, with an ARNP in house overnight for procedures
Support services: IV team, respiratory therapy 24/7, pharmacy 24/7
Scrub color: No requirements
EMR: Epic
Additional note: The facility is looking for strong Med Surg RNs.
Facility
Saint Joseph Medical Center
3.8rating(19 reviews)
1 nurse recommends working with Saint Joseph Medical Center
A
Anonymous
OR - Operating Room (RN)
3.0rating
Pros
Great schedule, got sent home early a lot, living in Tacoma is easy, commuting to work is a breeze, parking is free in the parking garage
Cons
Expected to float between main OR and surgery center. Cost of living is high.
Review of Saint Joseph Medical Center on Aug 18, 2026
The cost of living in Tacoma is slightly higher than the national average, with housing costs being the primary contributor.
Wages generally match up with the cost of living.
Weather
Summer average highs range from 70-80°F, while winter average lows range from 35-45°F.
Furnished Housing
Short term rentals are available in Tacoma and can be found with relative ease, especially in popular areas close to the city center.
Transportation
Tacoma is car-friendly with good road infrastructure.
Public transportation options include buses and a light rail system, providing convenient access within the city and to neighboring areas.
Demographics
Tacoma has a diverse population with a wide age range.
Common health issues may include allergies due to the lush greenery and asthma due to occasional air quality issues.
There is a growing population of travel nurses in Tacoma.
Things to Do
Tacoma offers a vibrant culinary scene with diverse restaurants, a thriving art community with museums and galleries, live music venues, and sports events.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Mount Rainier and enjoy various outdoor activities.
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