Location: Washington, District of Columbia
Unit: CVICU
Specialty: Registered Nurse
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Schedule and Assignment Details
Shifts: 12-hour shifts. Day: 7:00 AM to 7:30 PM. Night: 7:00 PM to 7:30 AM.
Hours: 36 hours per week
Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:2
Unit rooms/beds: 32
Weekends: Every other weekend, 3 to 5 shifts per contract
Holidays: As needed
Rotation: Candidates rotate every 2 to 4 weeks between day and night shifts. Candidates who prefer nights may rotate less often.
Float requirement: Required to float within ICU and IMC units of equivalent or lower acuity
Parking: Parking cost applies
Required Qualifications
Valid RN license in District of Columbia
CVICU (2 years of experience)
CVICU experience within the last year
One completed travel assignment
ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
BLS issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
Driver's License
Interpretation and management of dysrhythmias
Titrating cardiac drips
Titrating vasoactive drips
Experience with ventilator management
High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)
Surgical wounds with drains/Wound VAC
Experience with arterial lines
Blood product administration
Experience with central line management
PICC line management
Skills and Equipment
Required skills:
Interpretation and management of dysrhythmias
Emergency medications
Titrating cardiac and vasoactive drips
Care and management of ventilated patients
High flow nasal cannula (HFNC)
Infection prevention and isolation precautions/PPE use
Phlebotomy
Surgical wounds with drains and wound VAC
Required IV therapy skills:
Arterial line management
Blood product administration
Central line care and management
PICC line management
Continuous IV sedation
Preferred skills:
Starting IVs
CVA/acute stroke management
Lumbar drains
Special equipment: VAD, CMAG, CRRT, Swan-Ganz PA catheters, pacing, IABP, ECMO
Software: Charting in Cerner; medications via Pyxis; communication via SBAR
Facility Highlights
Short-term acute care teaching hospital
Top 50 heart and vascular center in the country
748 total staffed beds
Onboarding Requirements
Background and screening: Criminal background check within 90 days of start; sanctions checks (EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG) before start and monthly thereafter; drug screen within 90 days of start
Health: Annual physical; N95 fit test; TB screening (negative PPD, Quantiferon, or T-spot within 1 year, or the specified process if TB history is positive); annual TB questionnaire; measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, and hepatitis B documentation; flu vaccination or approved exemption during flu season
Competencies: Medication/pharmacology exam (80% or higher); competency exam within 3 years (80% or higher); dysrhythmia/EKG exam (80% overall, 100% on lethal rhythms, updated annually); color blindness test
Other: Facility orientation modules, skills checklist, employment and reference verification (two positive supervisory references), and badge photo
Facility
Medstar Washington Hospital Center
4.0rating(92 reviews)
6 nurses recommend working with Medstar Washington Hospital Center
A
Anonymous
Certified Surgical Technologist (Allied Health Professional)
Staff Position
5.0rating
Pros
Great teaching facility to enhance skills
Cons
Busy
Review of Medstar Washington Hospital Center on Nov 6, 2026
The cost of living in Washington, DC is higher than the national average, particularly in terms of housing and transportation.
Wages are generally higher to compensate for the increased cost of living.
Weather
The average high temperature in summer is around 88°F (31°C), while the average low temperature in winter is around 27°F (-3°C).
Furnished Housing
Short-term rentals and furnished housing options are available in Washington, DC, but they may be relatively more expensive due to the high demand in the area.
Transportation
Washington, DC is known for its public transportation system, including the Metro rail and bus services.
The city is also pedestrian-friendly, but owning a car can be convenient for exploring the surrounding areas.
Demographics
Washington, DC is a diverse city with a wide range of age groups.
Common health issues may include respiratory conditions due to environmental factors.
The city has a large population of healthcare professionals, including travel nurses.
Things to Do
Washington, DC offers a vibrant culinary scene with diverse restaurants, as well as numerous cultural attractions such as museums, art galleries, and music venues.
Sports enthusiasts can enjoy various recreational activities, and outdoor enthusiasts have access to parks and outdoor spaces within the city.
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