CVICU Registered Nurse
Omaha, Nebraska
CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center Bergan Mercy

Registered Nurse (RN) – CVICU

Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit Overview

• Department: Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)
• Unit Size: 18 beds
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:1
• Patient Population: Open heart, complex thoracic and vascular surgery patients; includes support for impella, IABP, CRRT, ECMO
• Common Cases: Advanced cardiac surgeries, lytic cases, carotids, TCARS, Fempop, EVARs/Endo AAAs
• Additional Support: Complex cases from cath lab, structural heart program, EP lab, ER, and clinic

Required Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS)

Experience Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of experience caring for this patient population (CVICU or similar critical care experience)
• Must be able to titrate drips including vasopressors, paralytics, narcotics, sedation, and antiarrhythmics
• Must be able to read and interpret telemetry strips independently (no telemetry tech support)

Work Environment & Expectations

• No Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) on unit
• Charge nurse present on each shift and takes patient assignments
• Hospitalists and Intensivists available in-house 24/7
• Respiratory therapy equipment includes vents, CPAP, BiPAP, high flow; RNs troubleshoot as needed
• Floating required to all inpatient units except Maternity and NICU
• Shifts: 0630-1830 and 1830-0630 (12-hour shifts)
• Weekend requirement: Every other weekend
• Holiday requirement: Every other or as needed based on unit needs
• Orientation: 2 shifts of unit-specific orientation
• Dress code: Navy blue scrubs
• RN skills exam during orientation (open book, must pass with 90% or higher)

Additional Requirements & Policies

• Driver’s license required at time of submission (used to verify candidate is within 50 miles radius)
• Candidates may not currently be employed full time, part time, or PRN with any facility associated with a specific large healthcare system
• Artificial nails are prohibited in all patient care areas; refusal to comply will result in contract termination
• Return to Office (RTO) required within 7 days of contract start; no additional RTO approvals

Summary

This CVICU RN role requires a critical care nurse with at least 1 year of experience in cardiovascular ICU settings, strong skills in titrating drips, telemetry interpretation, and managing complex cardiac patients. The position offers 12-hour shifts with a 1:1 nurse-to-patient ratio in a high-acuity environment with advanced cardiac support devices. Candidates must meet strict certification and policy requirements and be within a 50-mile radius of the facility.