Cardiac Surgery ICU Registered Nurse
Richmond, Virginia
VCU Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract)

Location: Richmond, Virginia
Specialty: Registered Nurse (Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit - CSICU/CVICU)
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Work in a Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit (CSICU/CVICU) at a level 1 facility.
• Must have prior CSICU/CVICU experience.
• EPIC electronic health record system experience required (no exceptions).

Experience Requirements

• Specialty: Registered Nurse with CSICU/CVICU experience (years of experience not explicitly stated, but must be experienced at a level 1 facility).
• Prior travel experience: Not explicitly required.

Licensure & Certifications

• Permanent Virginia RN license required (temporary licenses not accepted).
• NURSYS verification required for all RNs.
• Required certifications (AHA only):

  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
• Other certifications may be required depending on unit specifics (e.g., TNCC, NRP).
• No onsite renewals; certifications expiring within 1 month of contract start are not accepted.

Background & Compliance Requirements

• Criminal background check within 60 days of start, including:

  • All states lived/worked in past 7 years
  • State of permanent residence check
  • VA Statewide Repository Search
  • Sex Offender Registry
  • Education verification
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start.
• Fingerprinting: Virginia State Police National Criminal Background Check fingerprint results required for certain units; results can pend if proof of submission is on file.
• Education verification: Degree from an accredited nursing program (NLN or CCNE).
• References: 2 required.
• Employment application/resume required.
• Skills checklist required and must be updated annually.

Health & Safety Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year attesting ability to meet job demands.
• Immunizations and titers required:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (vaccine or declination)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray (Q-gold/T-spot within 30 days or two PPDs)
  • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella titers with booster if low titer
  • Hepatitis B (titer, vaccine series, or declination)
  • Varicella titers with booster if low titer
• Drug testing within 60 days of start (9-panel minimum, instant screens not accepted).
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption required for 2025-26 season (declinations not accepted).
• TB questionnaire required annually regardless of TB test results.

Competency & Orientation

• Medication test/pharmacology competency exam required for RNs.
• Color blindness testing required.
• Abuse reporting competency required (covering physical/sexual abuse, domestic violence, neglect/exploitation).
• Orientation includes:

  • Pharmacology exam
  • Point of Care Testing
  • Airborne Precaution Mask Fitting
  • Basic Knowledge Assessment Tool (BKAT) for ICU and step-down units
• Completion of assigned learning modules (~6 hours) during orientation week required.

Additional Notes

• Candidates must carry government-issued photo ID during hours of service.
• Proof of primary residence must match compact licensure documentation.
• Confidentiality agreements and other facility-specific documents may be required prior to start.
• Candidates should be prepared to bring a cloth mask, non-wireless headphones, and a laptop or cell phone to orientation (notify if these are not available).

This position is ideal for experienced Registered Nurses with cardiac surgery ICU experience looking for a 13-week travel contract in Richmond, VA, at a level 1 facility using EPIC.