Neuro ICU Registered Nurse
Portland, Oregon
Oregon Health & Science University Hospital

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

Location: Portland, Oregon
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

• Work in a Neuro Intermediate Care (IMC) unit providing ICU-level care to complex neuro patients in a unique step-down environment.
• Manage high-acuity patients including ischemic stroke, hemorrhagic stroke, status epilepticus, post-craniotomy/neurosurgery, and post-thrombolytic care.
• Patient ratio: 1 nurse to 3 patients.
• Shift: Nights, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 PM – 7:30 AM), totaling 36 hours/week.
• New unit opening mid-June with a one-week orientation.
• Floating within the Acute Care division may be required.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Oregon.
• Minimum 2 years of Neuro ICU experience, with at least some experience within the last year.
• Experience in Neuro Intermediate Care, Stepdown, Progressive Care Unit (PCU), Direct Observation Unit (DOU), or Intermediate Care settings.
• Direct experience managing External Ventricular Devices (EVD).
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Proficiency with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

Orientation & Onboarding

• One-week orientation prior to start.
• Must complete required online Compass training modules before badge issuance, including:

  • Information Privacy and Security Essentials
  • Integrity Foundations
  • Harassment Prevention Fundamentals
  • Glucometer 2026 (exemptions apply)
  • Omnicell Nurse Patient Care Training (exemptions apply)
  • Vocera Badge Training (for inpatient RNs)
• Medication override test provided during orientation (not required before start).

Work Environment & Additional Details

• Facility type: Short-term acute care, Magnet-designated, teaching hospital, Level I trauma center.
• Charting system: Epic.
• Patient care involves use of specialized equipment such as stable Hamilton C1 ventilators, lumbar drains, and vasoactive medication management.
• Floating within acute care units may be required.
• Weekend work requirements are variable.
• Locals and first-time travel nurses accepted.
• Block scheduling accommodations are not guaranteed.
• Maximum approved time off (RTO) is limited and must be requested upfront; extended time off requires contract extension.
• Parking: $16 daily pass (8 AM – 5 PM); public transportation encouraged.

Health & Safety Requirements

• Fit mask testing required within one year prior to start (N95 or equivalent). Facility does not conduct fit testing onsite.
• Immunizations/vaccinations required or signed declination forms for:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap
  • Measles (Rubeola)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Hepatitis B
  • Varicella
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or signed declination (deadline December 1, 2025).
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 12 months required.
• TB questionnaire required for all candidates.

Documentation & Compliance

• Valid government-issued photo ID required on first day.
• Employment application must include at least 7 years of work history with city and state for each position.
• Must be fully available for compliance needs up to start date; planned absences must be communicated early.
• Must review and sign facility-specific professional appearance policy, job description, coronavirus protocol attestation, and vaccine declination/waiver forms if applicable.
• Personal statement required if any conviction appears on background check.

Summary

This is a travel Registered Nurse position in a high-acuity Neuro ICU step-down unit requiring specialized neuro critical care skills, including management of external ventricular devices and vasoactive drips. The role demands strong clinical competencies, specific certifications, and compliance with rigorous background and health screening protocols. Night shifts with a 1:3 patient ratio and a new unit opening provide a dynamic work environment for experienced neuro stepdown nurses.