ICU Registered Nurse
Kearney, Nebraska
CHI Health Good Samaritan

Registered Nurse (ICU) - Nebraska, Kearney

Position Details

• Specialty: ICU Registered Nurse
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Shift: Nights
• Hours: 12-hour shifts, 36 hours per week
• Unit: Intensive Care Unit (33 beds, average daily census 16)
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:2-3 for adult patients
• Common Patient Types: Trauma, cardiac, overdose/substance abuse, sepsis, post-stent, pacemaker placement, stroke, vascular cases, renal failure, heart failure, respiratory distress
• Orientation: 1 shift of unit-specific orientation
• Return to Office (RTO): Required within 7 days of contract start; no additional RTO approved
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend (Saturday and Sunday)
• Holiday Requirement: Minimum of 2 holidays during contract period
• Scheduling: Self-scheduling available for travelers; block scheduling generally not approved except possibly weekends only
• On-Call: If called back in, must arrive within 30 minutes
• Floating: Typically to Progressive Care Unit (PCU) or occasionally MedSurg with typical ratios (1:4 or 1:5)

Clinical Responsibilities

• Drip Titration: Required to titrate cardiac drips, insulin, sedation, and other drips as needed
• Respiratory Equipment: RNs troubleshoot nasal cannula to ventilator; respiratory therapists handle advanced equipment
• Telemetry: RNs must read, interpret, and document telemetry strips (monitor brand: GE) with tele tech oversight
• Nurse Aide Support: Available based on census; may assist with 1:1 patient care or floor support

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Licensure: Valid RN license required
• Certifications:

  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
  • NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification

Additional Requirements & Policies

• Radius Rule: Candidates must live within 50 miles of the facility; driver's license required at submission to verify distance
• Employment Restriction: Candidates may not be currently employed full-time, part-time, or PRN with any facility associated with a specific large healthcare system
• Fingernail Policy: Artificial nails are prohibited in all patient care areas; refusal to comply will result in contract termination
• RN Exam: Pass/fail open book exam during orientation; must score at least 90% to continue contract
• Travel Experience: Not explicitly required

Summary

This is a 13-week ICU RN night shift contract requiring critical care skills including drip titration and telemetry interpretation. The role demands strong clinical certifications (BLS, ACLS, NIHSS), adherence to strict policies (nail policy, radius rule), and flexibility with scheduling including every other weekend and holiday shifts. Orientation includes a competency exam with a high passing score requirement. Candidates must be within a 50-mile radius and not currently employed by certain healthcare systems.