Neuro ICU Registered Nurse
Aurora, Colorado
University of Colorado Hospital

Registered Nurse – Neuro ICU

Location: Aurora, Colorado
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Details

• Unit: Neurosurgical ICU (24 beds) – Comprehensive Stroke Center, Level I Trauma Center
• Shift: Nights (3 shifts per week, 12 hours each, 7:00 PM – 7:30 AM)
• Weekend Requirement: Yes, per unit needs
• On-call: No
• Floating: As required
• Patient Ratio: 1:2
• Charting System: Epic
• Scrub Color: Navy

Required Experience

• Minimum 2 years nursing experience
• At least 1 year in a dedicated Neuro ICU specialty
• First-time travelers are eligible if experience requirements are met
• Prior travel experience is not required

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license valid in Colorado
• BLS (Basic Life Support) – AHA or RQI accepted
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) – AHA or RQI accepted
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Must maintain renewal plans for certifications expiring within 90 days of assignment start

Clinical Competencies & Special Requirements

• Competent in hourly neurological assessments
• Intracranial pressure management
• Management of External Ventricular Drain (EVD)
• Subarachnoid hemorrhage management
• Post-thrombectomy care
• Post-craniotomy care (including post brain tumor resection)

Health & Compliance Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year, signed by MD, DO, NP, or PA
• Fit mask test within 12 months, updated annually (specific approved mask models required)
• Immunizations/vaccinations or titers required:

  • TDAP (within 10 years or signed declination)
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) immunity or vaccination
  • Hepatitis B immunity or vaccination series or declination
  • Varicella immunity or vaccination
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year, updated annually
• Drug screening within 30 days of start, updated annually
• COVID-19 vaccination proof or signed declination
• Color blindness testing via Ishihara exam (online testing not accepted)

Background & Documentation Requirements

• 7-year background check including SSN trace, state and federal checks, education verification (accredited nursing school)
• Employment history verification for last 3 years with explanations for gaps over 30 days
• Two professional references from the last 2 years, including one from the last year (Charge RN, Manager, or Supervisor)
• Valid driver’s license or state ID (clear copies front and back)
• E-Verify or attestation required
• Legal proof of name change if applicable
• State-specific CAPS check within 60 days of start (Colorado)
• Annual competency exams and medication/pharmacology competency within 1 year of start, updated annually
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) not required for this position

Additional Notes

• Return to Office (RTO) days capped at 10 maximum
• RTO not allowed during June 28 – July 9, 2026, and September 2 – September 12, 2026 (flexibility may be considered for hard-to-fill positions)
• Facility-specific new employee orientation modules must be completed within first two weeks of assignment

This position is high acuity and fast paced, requiring strong neuro ICU skills and the ability to manage complex neurological patients overnight.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Colorado
• Minimum 1 year of Neuro ICU experience within the last year
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association
• ACLS certification
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)