ICU Registered Nurse
Meridian, Idaho
St. Luke's Meridian Medical Center

Registered Nurse (ICU) - Travel Assignment

Location: Meridian, Idaho
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Nights (7 PM - 7 AM)
Hours: 12-hour shifts, approximately 36 hours per week
Unit: Intensive Care Unit (ICU) - 14 beds
Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: Typically 1:2 or 1:1 depending on patient acuity and specialty devices

Job Overview

• Provide critical care nursing in a 14-bed ICU unit.
• Work primarily night shifts with a schedule of 3 twelve-hour shifts per week.
• May be asked to float to other ICU units across nearby campuses or serve as a Patient Safety Attendant (PSA) on any floor.
• Floating notice goal is 2 hours prior to shift start; mid-shift floating may occur.
• No call or standby requirements.
• Weekend coverage typically every other to every third weekend.
• Holiday rotation participation may be required.
• Dress code: Any color scrubs.
• Orientation includes hospital-wide onboarding, ICU-specific training, and at least one precepted shift (additional shift may be provided if needed).

Patient Population & Common Diagnoses

• STEMI, NSTEMI, Post Cardiac Arrest
• Sepsis, Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
• Alcohol Withdrawal
• Stroke (with and without thrombectomy)
• GI bleeds
• Respiratory failure, COPD
• Other critical care diagnoses

Specialty Devices & Equipment

• Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump (IABP)
• Impella
• Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) - NxtStage
• Zoll Thermo cooling device
• Ventilators, NIPPV, CPAP, Nitric Oxide
• Telemetry monitors (SpaceLabs) with Tele Tech support

Note: Experience with specialty devices is not required but may be requested if previously used.

Required Certifications & Skills

• Current BLS and ACLS certifications
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Ability to titrate critical drips including:

  • Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, Phenylephrine
  • Nitroglycerin, Diltiazem, Nicardipine
  • Propofol, Fentanyl, Morphine, Versed, Precedex
  • Heparin, Insulin, and others
• Must be able to troubleshoot respiratory therapy equipment if RT is unavailable.
• RNs are required to review and sign off on telemetry strips and perform at least one telemetry strip per shift.

Experience Requirements

• Night shift requires at least 2 years of critical care ICU experience (non-PCU).
• Day shift requires at least 1 year of critical care ICU experience (non-PCU).
• First-time travel nurses are accepted (no prior travel experience required).

Staffing & Support

• Charge nurse present on each shift; generally does not take patient assignments unless necessary.
• Patient care technicians/aids present with approximately 1:8 ratio, usually 2 per shift.
• Telemetry techs/HUCs support telemetry monitoring.
• Hospitalists and intensivists available 24/7 during the day; night coverage includes Tele MD and a "Boot on the Ground" physician covering multiple campuses.
• Respiratory therapists available 24/7.

Scheduling & Work Environment

• Schedule created by management; travelers fill staffing gaps after core staff scheduling.
• Block scheduling may be considered for night shifts.
• Maximum of 5 shifts in a row allowed unless approved by leadership.
• Overtime opportunities available.
• Positive work environment with welcoming staff and good reviews from past travelers.

Summary

This is a 13-week night shift ICU RN travel assignment in Meridian, Idaho, requiring 2 years of critical care ICU experience for nights. The role involves caring for critically ill patients with a variety of complex diagnoses and managing advanced specialty devices and drips. The unit offers strong support with dedicated charge nurses, telemetry techs, and 24/7 physician and respiratory therapist coverage. Floating to nearby campuses may be required. First-time travelers are welcome.