Neuro ICU Registered Nurse
Portland, Oregon
Oregon Health & Science University Hospital

Job Opportunity: Neuro ICU Registered Nurse

Location: Portland, Oregon
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit & Patient Population

• Neuro IMC unit providing high-acuity, ICU-level care in a unique step-down environment
• Manage complex neuro patients including:

  • Ischemic Stroke
  • Hemorrhagic Stroke
  • Status Epilepticus
  • Post-Craniotomy / Neurosurgery
• Special procedures include post-thrombolytic care
• Use of specialized equipment:

  • Stable Hamilton C1 Ventilators
  • External Ventricular Devices
  • Lumbar Drains
• Vasoactive medication management required

Schedule & Staffing

• Shift: 36 hours per week, nights (3 shifts x 12 hours)
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:3
• Weekend requirements: Variable
• Floating: Yes, within Acute Care division
• Block scheduling: Not guaranteed
• Locals accepted
• Pending license accepted if application submitted and received by licensing board (90-day license exemption)

Required Experience & Skills

• Valid RN license in Oregon
• Minimum 2 years of Neuro ICU experience, with Neuro ICU experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Direct experience managing External Ventricular Devices
• Experience titrating vasoactive drips
• Experience caring for ventilated patients
• Experience in Progressive Care Unit (PCU), Direct Observation Unit (DOU), Intermediate Care, or Stepdown settings
• American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS certification
• American Heart Association (AHA) BLS certification
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification

Certifications & Continuing Education

• AHA ACLS and BLS (AHA provider only; traditional or Heartcode Complete)
• 6 hours of stroke-related continuing education annually (stroke CEUs specific to neurosciences units)
• NIH Stroke Certification (valid for 2 years)
• Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam required for all RNs on the Neuro Stepdown unit

Orientation & Onboarding

• One week orientation
• Quick start required: must start background check and drug screen within 24 hours of signing
• New unit opening mid-June (start date early June)

Licensure & Background Requirements

• Valid RN license for Oregon required
• Background check within 6 months of start, including:

  • Education and work history verification
  • National sex offender search
  • EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks
• Drug screen: Negative 10-panel including methamphetamines within 3 months prior to start (laboratory-based, SAMHSA certified)
• Physical exam and fit mask testing required (fit testing must be completed prior to start; no onsite fit testing)
• Immunizations/vaccinations required or signed declinations:

  • Tdap (preferred over TD)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (immune titer or 2 vaccines)
  • Hepatitis B (full series or immune titer)
  • Varicella (immune titer or 2 vaccines)
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or signed declination (deadline December 1)
• TB testing: Negative 2-step PPD, TSPOT, or QGOLD within 12 months; chest x-ray if positive history
• Management of Assaultive Behavior (MAB) may be required (check job specifics)

Documentation & Compliance

• Must provide 7 years of detailed work history (city and state for each position) for background screening
• Two professional references from supervisors/managers within last 24 months required (charge RN references not accepted unless direct supervisor)
• Facility-specific policies and professional appearance guidelines must be reviewed and signed prior to start
• Completion of required online modules prior to start (Compass modules for RNs)
• Candidate must be fully available for compliance needs up until start date

Additional Information

• No on-call required
• Parking: $16 daily pass (8am-5pm); public transportation encouraged
• Charting system: Epic
• Facility type: Short-term acute care, Magnet, teaching hospital, Level I trauma center

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work in a specialized neuro ICU step-down unit with complex patient care and advanced technology.