CVICU

Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) – RN

Shift & Schedule

Every other weekend required

13–26 week contract

Float requirement: Yes

Unit Overview

The facility's post-operative cardiac recovery unit manages high-acuity adult patients directly from the operating room, including post-open-heart surgery, thoracotomies, esophagogastrectomies, and transcatheter aortic valve replacements (TAVR). Daily census is 11–14 patients. The team provides advanced hemodynamic monitoring and support using cutting-edge technology.

Patient Ratios

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years critical care experience
• CVICU or open heart surgery experience required
• Current ACLS, BLS, and NIHSS certifications
• Travel nursing experience required (not accepting first-time travelers)

Required Skills

Dysrhythmia interpretation and management, ECMO, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), post-cardiac-surgery care, pulmonary artery line (Swan Ganz) monitoring, ventricular assist devices (LVAD/RVAD), arterial line management, blood product administration, central line care, continuous IV sedation, cardiac drip titration, mechanical ventilation, ABG interpretation, and isolation precautions.

Preferred Skills

Port access/management, chest tube assistance, BiPAP/CPAP management, high-flow nasal cannula, ventilator management, and vasoactive drip titration.

Additional Requirements

• Navy or white scrubs
• Hospital orientation required week one
• Flu vaccine required (medical/religious exemptions accepted)
• Lab work within 48 hours of signing