ICU

Surgical/Trauma ICU – RN | Days | Houston, TX

13-Week Contract | 36 Guaranteed Hours/Week

This high-acuity surgical ICU manages a complex, diverse patient population including post-operative liver and kidney transplant recipients, vascular surgery patients (endarterectomies, femoral-popliteal bypass), ENT and oncologic cases (facial flaps, throat/esophageal resections), abdominal surgeries (colectomy, exploratory laparotomy, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, mastectomy), and patients with airway-compromising infections. Candidates must be comfortable managing critically ill patients with rapid changes in status.

Shift & Scheduling

• 12-hour days, 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Every other weekend required; 4–6 weekend shifts per 6-week period
• No self-scheduling; assignments based on unit needs
• Float to other ICUs within the hospital; skill set is considered for assignment

Required Certifications

• BLS, ACLS, NIHSS

Clinical Skills – Must-Haves

• CRRT, hemodynamic monitoring, chest tube management, mechanical ventilation, surgical drain care
• Vasoactive and sedation drip titration (vasopressin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, heparin, ketamine, and others)
• Independent cardiac rhythm interpretation
• Early recognition of patient deterioration; strong escalation and communication skills

Unit Support

• Intensivist coverage on unit days and nights; APPs present 24/7
• Respiratory therapy in unit 24/7
• Intermittent patient care tech support
• Charge nurse present each shift

Additional Details

• 3+ years of ICU experience strongly preferred; prior travel experience a plus
• Candidates must be flexible with scheduling and open to floating
• Scrubs: teal bottoms, black or coordinating printed top; no artificial or shellac nails
• 2 shifts of unit-specific orientation
• Daily parking available on and off campus; monthly pass options available