SICU Registered Nurse
New Orleans, Louisiana
Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - SICU

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• High acuity ICU environment
• Patient ratio: 1:2
• Float requirement to other ICUs and Step-Down Units (SDUs)
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system required
• Preferred experience with PA catheters and balloon pumps
• No block scheduling requests accepted

Unit Specific Skills:

• CVICU: Care for post-op CABG, valve replacement/repair, aortic dissection, IABP, PA catheter
• SICU: General post-op care for surgical recovery patients
• Transplant Recovery: Liver, heart, lungs, kidney, pancreas
• Experience with Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)

Emergency Team Assignment:

• Upon starting, you may be assigned to an Emergency Team with expectations to stay onsite during emergency events or be part of relief teams.

Required Certifications

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) – AHA or RQI accepted
• BLS (Basic Life Support) – AHA or RQI accepted
• NIH Certification
• Other certifications may be required depending on unit assignment (e.g., PALS, NRP, TNCC, EFM) – verify based on specific unit

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Louisiana
• Minimum 1 year of ICU (Intensive Care Unit) experience within the last year
• ACLS certification issued by the American Heart Association
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Experience caring for patients with aortic dissection
• Experience caring for patients with Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP)
• Experience with Pulmonary Artery (PA) catheter use
• Experience with Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system

Background and Health Requirements

• 7-year criminal background check within 90 days of start, updated annually
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start, updated monthly
• Education verification of highest level completed
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start (no instant screens)
• Physical exam within 12 months indicating good health
• Fit mask testing (N95) within 1 year of start; onsite fit testing available if needed
• Immunizations and titers required:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (specific units)
  • TB test (PPD, Qgold, or Tspot) within 12 months, updated annually
  • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella immunity verification
  • Hepatitis B immunity or vaccination series
  • Varicella immunity or vaccination series
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption required during flu season (Oct-Apr)

Additional Requirements

• Skills checklist updated annually
• Resume/application with 7 years employment history and explanation for gaps
• Photo for badge: full color, passport-style, recent (within 6 months)
• Compliance with COVID-19 medical or religious exemption forms if applicable

Notes

• No block scheduling requests allowed
• Emergency team participation is mandatory when assigned
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification not required for ICU

This position is ideal for experienced critical care RNs comfortable with high acuity patients, flexible scheduling, and emergency response duties.