CVICU Registered Nurse
Lexington, Kentucky
University of Kentucky Albert B. Chandler Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - CVICU

Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 14 weeks
Shift: Night (3 shifts per week, 12 hours each; 19:00 - 7:30)
Hours per Week: 36

Job Description

• Requires 2 years of Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) experience.
• Candidates with ECMO experience are preferred.
• Local travelers within 100 miles are not accepted.

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Kentucky.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) experience.
• CVICU experience within the last year.
• Valid RN license in Kentucky.
• ACLS certification.
• 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).

Required Background Checks & Verifications

• Background check within 1 year of start, updated annually, including:

  • County criminal background search for all locations lived/worked in last 7 years.
  • National criminal, sex offender, FACIS III, and education verification.
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks within 30 days of start, updated annually.
• Education verification or signed official transcript/diploma.
• Employment verification covering 7 years.
• Two supervisor references verified within 6 months of start.
• Employment application with explanation for any gaps over 30 days.

Required Health Documents & Immunizations

• Physical exam within 1 year of start, signed by MD, NP, or PA, confirming good health and ability to perform job duties.
• Fit mask test within 1 year, updated annually (acceptable masks include Halyard Regular/small, 3M N95 models).
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap vaccine within 10 years.
• Negative TB test (PPD or TSPOT/QuantiFERON) within 1 year, renewed annually; chest X-ray required if history of positive TB.
• Annual TB questionnaire if history of positive TB.
• Immunity or vaccination for Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, and Hepatitis B (positive titer, series, or declination with annual renewal).
• Drug testing within 1 year of start, updated annually (specific drug panels required; rapid drug screens not accepted).
• COVID-19 initial vaccine series or approved medical/religious exemption required; booster preferred but not mandatory.
• Seasonal flu vaccination/documentation required year-round with exemptions accepted (updated annually).

Competency & Skills Requirements

• Pass/Fail EKG/Dysrhythmia exam required for CVICU and other ICU units; two attempts allowed.
• Unit-specific competency exams via Relias within 1 year of start, renewed annually (passing score 80% or higher).
• Medication test/pharmacology competency exam required within 1 year.
• Color blindness testing within 1 year.
• RN Math Ability competency exam annually.
• Skills checklists updated annually, specific to specialty/unit.
• Acknowledgement of pass/fail testing required for ICU units.
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Blue Card certification (can be completed onsite).
• Other specialty certifications may be required depending on unit details.

Additional Notes

• Candidates must have a renewal plan in place for any certifications or documents expiring during the contract.
• All required documents and certifications must be current and valid at the time of assignment start.
• Candidates must complete all required exams and competencies prior to clearance.
• Medical and religious exemptions are accepted for certain immunizations and vaccines but must be updated annually with appropriate documentation.
• This position is strictly for travel/contract nurses; local candidates within 100 miles are not eligible.

This summary includes all relevant information for healthcare recruiters and nurses considering this CVICU travel nursing opportunity.