ICU
Critical Care RN – Surgical ICU | Night Shift | Houston, TX
This 13-week contract places you in a high-acuity Surgical ICU managing complex post-operative and critically ill patients. Night shift runs 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM with every other weekend required. Guaranteed 36 hours per week.
Patient Population & Clinical Scope
The unit cares for a diverse surgical and medical ICU population, including liver and kidney transplant recipients, vascular surgery patients (endarterectomies, fem-pop bypass), ENT and oncologic cases (facial flaps, throat and esophageal cancer resection), and complex abdominal surgeries (colectomy, ex-lap, abdominal aneurysm repair, mastectomy, deep tissue flaps). Managing compromised airways and complex surgical sites is routine.
Required Skills
- CRRT, hemodynamic monitoring, chest tube management, ventilator management
- Titration of vasoactive and sedation drips: vasopressin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, heparin, dobutamine, dopamine, midazolam, hydromorphone, fentanyl, ketamine, cisatracurium, esmolol, nicardipine
- Independent cardiac rhythm interpretation
- Early recognition of patient deterioration with clear provider escalation
Certifications Required
BLS, ACLS, NIHSS
Scheduling & Unit Details
- No self-scheduling; shifts assigned based on unit needs
- Weekend requirement: 4–6 shifts per 6-week period
- Floating required to other ICUs within the facility; clinical skill set considered for assignments
- Intensivist coverage on unit; APPs present 24/7; Respiratory Therapy in-house 24/7
- Two shifts of unit-specific orientation provided
Scrub Dress Code
Teal bottoms with a black or coordinating printed top. No acrylic, dip, shellac, or overlay nails; unchipped regular nail polish permitted.
Preferred Qualifications
3+ years of ICU experience; prior travel nursing experience strongly preferred.