Travel CVICU Nurse Jobs

The agencies on Vivian that currently have the most CVICU Nurse jobs are OneStaff Medical (78), TotalMed Staffing (74), and Stability Healthcare (59).

Cardiovascular intensive care unit nurses are registered nurses who provide critical care to children and/or adults with potentially life-threatening heart conditions. As pivotal members of the emergency medical care team, CVICU nurses use their advanced nursing skills to stabilize gravely ill patients following heart surgeries, transplants, or injuries. CVICU nurses work in a hectic setting and must provide quick responses to the changing needs of their patients.

CVICU nurses care for patients with damaged hearts following heart attacks or surgeries, or healing hearts following transplants. They must continually monitor their patients’ vital signs for signs of deterioration. They also operate heart monitors, run IVs, administer medications, and may be asked to perform CPR and/or operate defibrillators if a patient’s heart stops. CVICU nurses work closely with doctors and heart specialists to prevent heart failure, update medical charts, and educate patients and their families about cardiovascular care. Due to patient complexity, CVICU nurses typically have only one or two patients during a shift.

CVICU nurses work in cardiovascular intensive care units in a hospital setting. They may work in adult CVICU units and treat critically ill cardiovascular and thoracic patients or work in pediatric units to provide specialized care for children with various heart conditions.

CVICU nurses must be detail oriented and constantly remain vigilant of changes in their patients’ conditions to immediately take life-saving steps when necessary. They must have advanced knowledge of the cardiovascular system and strong clinical skills that they excel at using in a fast-paced environment. They also must be highly proficient at reading heart monitors, electrocardiograms, and vital signs. Because CVICUs are high-tech units, CVICU nurses must be comfortable using specialized devices, such as balloon pumps, ECMO and VADs. Critical thinking, multitasking, and prioritizing care are all top skills, but CVICU nurses must also remain calm and show compassion for their patients and their families.

After earning an associate or bachelor’s degree from an accredited nursing program, passing the NCLEX-RN, and completing all state licensing requirements to become an RN, CVICU nurses must complete Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification. They must have one to two years of recent experience in critical care and some travel assignments specifically require CVICU experience in a hospital setting. Some hospitals recommend, or require, advanced certification. The American Association of Critical Care Nurses awards Critical Care Registered Nurse credentials and the American Nurses Credentialing Center awards Cardiac Vascular Nursing board certification.

CVICU nurses may hold BLS - Basic Life Support, ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support or CCRN - Certification in Acute/Critical Care Nursing among others.