Interim ICU Nurse Manager
Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

Job Opportunity: Nurse Manager - ICU Interim Manager

Location: Bakersfield, California
Contract Length: 16 weeks

Job Summary

Seeking an experienced ICU Interim Nurse Manager to oversee a 24-bed ICU unit (expandable to 32 beds) including ICU/CVICU (8 beds) and Neuro ICU. The role involves managing complex critical care patients with a variety of diagnoses and requires strong leadership and clinical expertise.

Patient Population & Unit Details

• Unit: ICU/CVICU and Neuro ICU
• Beds: 24 (expandable to 32)
• Nurse-to-patient ratios: 1:1 to 1:2
• Common diagnoses:

  • Respiratory failure
  • Sepsis
  • Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI)
  • Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
  • GI bleed
  • Renal failure requiring CRRT
  • Post-operative cardiac surgeries (CABG, TAVR, Impella)
  • Vascular surgeries
  • Neurosurgeries including ischemic strokes (TNK & thrombectomies), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) with EVDs/ICP monitoring

Shift

• 3 shifts of 12 hours each (3x12s)

Required Qualifications

• Licensure: Registered Nurse (RN) license appropriate for California
• Certifications:

  • BLS (AHA)
  • ACLS
  • NIHSS (AHA or APEX)
• Experience:

  • Minimum 5 years of nursing experience
  • At least 2 years in a management role
• Travel Experience:

  • No first-time travelers accepted (prior travel experience required)

Key Skills & Competencies

• Clear and direct communication tailored to frontline staff, physicians, and executives
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Proficiency with spreadsheets, data management, and basic data analysis
• Accountability and follow-through on commitments
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making under pressure
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
• True managerial availability including after-hours responsiveness (must answer calls/emails and be available to float as needed)

This position requires a highly skilled ICU nurse leader capable of managing a complex critical care environment with strong operational and clinical decision-making skills.