Cardiothoracic ICU RN
Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake Regional Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (Cardio Thoracic ICU)

Location: Chesapeake, Virginia
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks (with possible extension)

Job Description

• Position in Cardio Thoracic ICU caring for post-operative CABG adult patients, Acute Coronary Syndrome including NSTEMI, STEMI, CHF.
• Universal bed model: ICU patients downgraded to stepdown remain in the CTICU until discharge.
• Shift options: 3x12 or 4x12 hour shifts (days, weekdays, every other week, float, holidays).
• Overtime billed after 48 hours on 4x12 shifts.
• No block scheduling available.
• 48-hour contract with overtime after 48 hours available (candidate preference required).
• Nurse will also care for step-down patients.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• Virginia OR Compact RN License in hand at time of application (no exceptions).
• BLS and ACLS certifications via American Heart Association.
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification required.
• Must be EPIC proficient (no exceptions).

Required Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in CVICU/CTICU.
• Prior travel experience is preferred but not required.

Required Skills

• Arterial line management
• Blood product administration
• Central line and PICC line care/management
• Starting IVs and continuous IV sedation
• Procedural sedation administration
• Titration of cardiac and vasoactive drips
• Strong neuro experience (post brain surgery, EVD/ventriculostomy)
• FloTrac/Vigileo monitoring
• Interpretation and management of dysrhythmias
• Multi-system organ failure management
• CABG care
• Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump and Impella management
• Post cardiac surgery care (directly and not directly from OR)
• Pre/post cardiac catheterization/intervention care
• Pulmonary artery line/Swan Ganz monitoring
• IV insulin protocols
• Continuous venovenous hemodialysis (CVVHD/CRRT)
• Stroke (CVA/Acute) management
• BiPAP, CPAP assistance
• Ventilator management including suctioning (ETT, NT) and high flow nasal cannula (HFNC)
• Interpretation of arterial blood gases (ABGs)
• Infection prevention and isolation precautions/PPE use
• Surgical wounds with drains and wound vac management

Preferred Skills

• Thermoregulation (hypothermia/hyperthermia)
• Chronic/acute renal failure
• Accessing ports
• External ventricular drains (EVD)
• Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring

Unit Information

• 8 beds in the unit
• Universal bed model (ICU and stepdown combined)
• Equipment includes Hemosphere, Quantum, Accuryn
• Nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:1 to 1:2

Scheduling & Local Rules

• No candidates residing within 50 miles of the facility will be accepted.
• Driver’s license required for address verification prior to offer acceptance.

Additional Requirements

• No license or background hits will be considered.
• Proof of 2 references required.
• Skills checklist and competency exams required and updated annually.
• Pass/fail EKG/medication testing required (80% minimum score, one attempt only).
• Physical exam, fit test for N95 mask, and various immunizations/titers required and must be current.
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 12 months required.
• Background checks including 7-year criminal check and federal exclusions required.
• Various facility-specific documents and acknowledgments required before start.

Health & Safety Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year of start, updated annually.
• Fit test for N95 mask required annually (PAPR not allowed).
• Immunizations/titers required: Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella.
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year.
• Seasonal flu vaccination required or approved exemption with mask-wearing.
• COVID vaccine preferred but not required.

This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for experienced Cardio Thoracic ICU RNs who meet the strict licensure, certification, and skill requirements and are willing to travel for a 13-week contract in Coastal Virginia.