Surgical ICU Registered Nurse
New Orleans, Louisiana
Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans

Job Opportunity: SICU Registered Nurse

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

Job Description

• Work in a high acuity ICU setting with a patient ratio of 1:2.
• Float requirement to other ICUs and Step-Down Units (SDUs).
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system is required.
• Preferred experience with Pulmonary Artery (PA) catheters and balloon pumps.
• No block scheduling requests accepted.
• Specific ICU skills:

  • Cardiovascular ICU (CVICU): Post-op care for CABG, valve replacement/repair, aortic dissection, IABP, PA catheter.
  • Surgical ICU (SICU): General post-op care for surgical recovery patients.
  • Transplant Recovery: Liver, heart, lungs, kidney, pancreas.
• Experience with Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is required.
• Upon assignment acceptance, may be required to participate in an Emergency Team with potential extended shifts during emergency events.

Shift Details

• Day shift: 4 shifts per week, 12 hours each (6:45 AM – 7:15 PM)
• Total hours per week: 48

Required Certifications

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) – AHA or RQI accepted; must be current or renewed prior to start.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) – AHA or RQI accepted; must be current or renewed prior to start.
• NIH Stroke Certification.

Required Licenses and Credentials

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Louisiana required upon submission and must remain current throughout assignment.

Required Background and Compliance Checks

• 7-year criminal background check within 90 days of start, updated annually.
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start and updated monthly.
• Sex offender search required within 30 days of start and updated monthly.
• Education verification or transcript/diploma if verification cannot be completed.
• Employment application and skills checklist updated annually.
• Resume/application required with 7 years of employment history and explanations for gaps.

Health and Safety Requirements

• Physical exam within 12 months prior to start confirming good physical health.
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start; must be initiated within 24-48 hours of offer acceptance.
• Fit mask testing (N95) within one year of start; onsite fit testing available if needed.
• Immunizations or proof of immunity required for:

  • Rubeola (Measles)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Hepatitis B
  • Varicella
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap vaccination required only for specific units (not SICU).
• Negative TB test (PPD, Qgold, or Tspot) within 12 months of start; chest X-ray and TB questionnaire required if positive.
• Seasonal flu vaccination, medical, or religious exemption required during flu season (October 1 – March 31).

Additional Requirements

• Color passport-style photo (no filters or obstructions) required within 24 hours of booking for badge issuance.
• May be required to complete onsite fit testing authorization form if fit test is done onsite.
• Candidates must be comfortable with emergency event assignments that may require extended presence at the facility.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Louisiana.
• Minimum of 1 year of ICU (Intensive Care Unit) experience, with ICU experience within the last year.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Experience with Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT).
• Acute Dialysis experience.
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system.

This position is ideal for experienced ICU Registered Nurses comfortable with high acuity patients, flexible floating assignments, and emergency preparedness.