Neuro ICU Registered Nurse
Aurora, Colorado
University of Colorado Hospital

Job Opportunity: Neuro ICU Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract)

Location: Aurora, Colorado
Specialty: Registered Nurse – Neuro ICU
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Details

• Unit: Neuro ICU (Neurosurgical ICU, 24 beds)
• Shift: Nights, various days of the week
• Weekend Requirement: Minimum 6 weekend shifts per 6-week scheduling period
• On-call: No
• Floating: As required
• Patient Ratio: 1:2
• Charting System: Epic
• Scrub Color: Navy

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 1 year experience in a dedicated Neuro specialty ICU
• Competent in:

  • Hourly Neurological Assessment
  • Intracranial Pressure Management
  • External Ventricular Drain (EVD) management
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Management
  • Post-thrombectomy management
  • Post-craniotomy management (post brain tumor resection)
• Prior travel experience not required (first-time travelers are accepted if experience requirement is met)

Certifications & Licenses Required

• BLS (Basic Life Support) – AHA or RQI accepted
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) – AHA or RQI accepted
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) Certification
• Valid State Nursing License (Colorado)

Special Requirements & Facility Information

• Facility is a Comprehensive Stroke Center and Level I Trauma Center
• High acuity, fast-paced surgical ICU environment
• Return to Office (RTO) days max: 10 days approved
• RTO not allowed during specific periods in 2026 (March 14-21, May 8-11, May 21-27, June 28-July 9)
• Floating as required

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Background checks including 7-year history, education verification, and various federal/state screenings
• Drug testing within 30 days of start and annually
• Physical exam within 1 year of start, signed by MD, DO, NP, or PA
• Fit mask test within 12 months of start and annually (specific mask types required)
• Immunizations and titers required:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years or declination)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) immunity or boosters as needed
  • Hepatitis B immunity or vaccination series or declination
  • Varicella immunity or vaccination
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or facility-specific exemption during flu season
  • COVID vaccination or signed declination
• Color Blindness: Ishihara exam required prior to start (online testing not accepted)
• Annual competency exams including medication/pharmacology, dysrhythmia/EKG, core parts I-III, OSHA mandatory training

Additional Notes

• Minimum 2 references from the last 2 years required, including one from the last year, preferably from a Charge RN, Manager, or Supervisor
• Employment history verification for the last 3 years required, with explanations for gaps over 30 days
• Candidates with employment gaps over 15 days considered new and must meet full requirements
• Candidates must confirm renewal plans for any certifications expiring within 90 days of start to avoid clearance issues

This position offers an opportunity to work in a high-acuity neuro ICU setting with a supportive team and comprehensive patient care protocols. First-time travel nurses meeting the experience requirements are welcome to apply.