CVICU Registered Nurse
Aurora, Colorado
University of Colorado Hospital

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - CVICU

Location: Aurora, Colorado
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Unit: Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)
• Shift: 3x12 hour rotating shifts (Night: 7:00 PM - 7:30 AM / Day: 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM)
• Nurse-to-patient ratios vary by acuity: 1:1, 1:2, or 2:1
• Total staffed beds: 17
• Charting system: Epic
• Floating: Required to float within scope to like units as needed
• Weekend work: Required per unit needs
• Scrub color: Navy
• The CVICU specializes in care for critically ill adults including open-heart surgeries, ventricular assist devices, heart and lung transplants, ECMO, aortic aneurysm repair, vascular and thoracic surgeries.
• Multidisciplinary team approach focusing on holistic health, education, and improved outcomes.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Colorado
• Minimum 2 years of Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) experience, with CVICU experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification

Scheduling and Time Off

• Maximum of 10 Return to Office (RTO) days approved
• RTO blackout periods:

  • May 8 – May 11, 2026
  • May 21 – May 27, 2026
  • June 28 – July 9, 2026
  • September 2 – September 12, 2026
• Flexibility on RTO may be considered for harder-to-fill positions

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

• Background checks including 7-year history, SSN trace, Colorado state checks, education verification from accredited nursing schools
• Drug testing within 30 days of start and annually
• Physical exam within 1 year, signed by MD, DO, NP, or PA
• Immunizations and titers required:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years or signed declination)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) immunity or vaccination
  • Hepatitis B immunity or vaccination series or declination
  • Varicella immunity or vaccination
  • COVID-19 vaccination proof or signed declination
• Fit mask test within 12 months and annually (specific approved masks)
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year, with annual updates if positive TB history
• Color blindness testing: Ishihara exam required prior to start (online testing not accepted)
• Competency exams required annually including medication/pharmacology, dysrhythmia/EKG, core parts I-III, OSHA mandatory training (minimum 80% score)
• References: Two references from the last two years required, including one from employment within the last year (from Charge RN, Manager, Supervisor, or above)
• Employment history verification for the last 3 years with explanations for gaps over 30 days

Additional Notes

• Candidates must complete facility-specific new employee orientation modules within the first two weeks of assignment
• Nurse-to-patient ratios and acuity levels require flexibility and critical care skills
• Floating between similar units may be required to meet staffing needs

This position offers an opportunity to work in a high-acuity cardiovascular ICU with a multidisciplinary team focused on advanced cardiac and respiratory support. The role requires strong critical care nursing skills, relevant certifications, and compliance with comprehensive health and background requirements.