ICU Registered Nurse
Winston Salem, North Carolina
Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (ICU)

Location: Winston Salem, North Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Unit functions similarly to an ICU with a strong emphasis on managing vasoactive drips.
• No block scheduling allowed.
• Float to sister ICCU unit as needed.
• Weekend requirement: every other weekend.
• Shift: 12-hour nights (36 or 48 hours offered).
• Target nurse-to-patient ratios: 3:1 or 4:1.

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 2 years of nursing experience required.
• Prior travel experience not required; first-time travelers accepted.
• Must have experience with:

  • Arterial lines and titrating vasoactive drips (e.g., Cardizem, Nitro, Precedex, Cardene, Levophed, Dopamine, Dobutamine, Neo drips).
  • PCU/DOU/IMC/Stepdown and Telemetry units.
  • Interpretation and management of dysrhythmias.
  • Use of Rapid Response Teams.
  • IV insulin protocols and blood product administration.
  • Central line, peripheral line, and PICC line care/management.
  • Heparin protocols.
  • Care for patients with CVA, chest tubes (Emerson/Pleur-evac), external CPAP/BIPAP, high flow nasal cannula (HFNC), nasal cannula, non-invasive airway management, and tracheostomy management.
  • Isolation precautions.
• Must be proficient in IV starts, telemetry monitoring, and conscious sedation.

Certifications Required

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• NIH Stroke Certification
• Additional certifications may be required based on unit needs (e.g., PALS, NRP, CHEMO, TNCC, EFM) — verify with recruiter/unit.

Patient Population & Unit Details

• Average daily census: 18 patients, 20 beds.
• Patient diagnoses include: post-rapid response patients, respiratory distress, unstable hemodynamics, withdrawal, GI bleeds, post-op GYN, GU, GI, thoracotomies, neuro, ortho surgeries, and complicated pre/post OB (Pitocin).
• Patient age range: adolescent to geriatric.
• Only one pressor drip per patient allowed on unit; more than one requires transfer to ICU.
• No ventilators on unit.

Equipment & Systems

• Bedside telemetry monitors with remote backup.
• Unit uses Pyxis medication system and Epic electronic health record.

Scheduling & Orientation

• Schedule created by Nurse Manager; no block scheduling allowed.
• Hospital orientation required during week one; attendance at daily classes mandatory.
• Must pass EKG competency testing prior to start.

Background & Health Requirements

• Criminal background checks required within 90 days of start, including local, federal, national, sex offender, and education verification.
• Drug screening required within 30 days of start (10-panel negative screen).
• Physical exam within 1 year of start; if past positive TB, physical within 30 days required.
• Fit testing for N95 mask or completion of PAPR training required.
• Immunizations and titers required for:

  • Rubeola (Measles)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B (titer or declination form if negative/equivocal)
• Flu vaccine or approved medical/religious exemption required during flu season (starting 9/1).
• Negative TB test or chest x-ray within required timeframes.

Competency & Testing

• Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam required; must pass with 82% or higher within 72 hours of assignment start. Three attempts allowed with remediation process.
• Medication/pharmacology competency exam as applicable.
• Color blindness test within 1 year required.

Additional Notes

• Scrubs: Navy, white, or combination.
• Floating to sister ICCU unit required as needed.
• No block scheduling allowed.
• RTO (return to office/time off) after booking is not allowed and may result in cancellation.
• Must complete all required facility-specific orientation and compliance documents prior to start.

This position is ideal for a Registered Nurse with ICU or stepdown experience who is comfortable managing complex patients requiring vasoactive drips and telemetry monitoring, and who is flexible with floating and weekend shifts.