CVICU Registered Nurse
New Orleans, Louisiana
Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - CVICU

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit and Patient Details

• Work in a high acuity heart failure unit at a heart transplant center
• Cardiology critical care setting
• Patient diagnoses include:

  • Cardiogenic shock
  • Decompensated heart failure
  • STEMI/NSTEMI
  • Post cardiac arrest
  • TAVR
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Pulmonary embolism

Special Procedures and Equipment

• Pericardial drains/windows
• Targeted temperature management
• Pacemaker placement
• Use of specialized equipment:

  • PA catheters
  • IABP (Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump)
  • Impella
  • Transvenous pacemakers
  • CRRT (Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy)
  • EKOS catheters
  • CADD pumps (remodulin infusion)

Staffing and Scheduling

• Patient ratio: 1:2
• Float requirement to ICUs and Step-Down Units (SDUs)
• Open to 3x12 hour shifts, with potential for occasional 4th shift
• No block scheduling requests allowed
• Epic electronic health record experience required
• Will accommodate first-time travelers depending on experience level

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Louisiana
• Minimum of 1 year of CVICU experience within the last year
• ACLS certification issued by the American Heart Association
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system

Required Certifications

• Other certifications may be required depending on unit specifics (verify prior to start)

Additional Requirements

• Must be willing to participate in emergency team assignments as directed by unit management during emergency events
• Background checks including 7-year criminal background, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, and sex offender search required within 30 days of start and updated monthly
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start
• Health documents required:

  • Physical exam within 12 months indicating good health
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 12 months
  • Immunizations or titers for Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption during flu season
• Photo for badge (passport-style, recent, color photo) required within 24 hours of booking
• Competency exam specific to specialty required annually
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification not required for ICU specialties

Notes for Applicants

• Candidates should be comfortable with potential emergency event assignments requiring extended presence or relief team participation
• First-time travel nurses may be considered depending on experience level
• No block scheduling requests will be accommodated

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to work in a specialized cardiac critical care environment with advanced technology and complex patient care needs.