CVICU

Cardiovascular Surgical ICU (CVICU) | Travel Nurse | Sacramento, CA

13-Week Contract | 12-Hour Nights | 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM | Start: October 27, 2026

This is a high-acuity cardiovascular surgical ICU managing complex postoperative and critical cardiac patients. The unit is fast-paced and demanding — the ideal candidate is clinically confident, proactive, and comfortable managing a full spectrum of cardiovascular critical care without special accommodations.

Patient Population & Clinical Scope

• Pre- and fresh post-op CABG (extubation goal within 6 hours), TAVRs, IABP, Impellas, CRRT, Swan monitoring, and all critical drips
• Core staff will validate skills for CABG recovery, IABP, and CRRT; travelers will not manage LVADs
• Ability to read and interpret EKG strips is required
• Ventilator management required
• Float potential to a Neuro ICU; neuro experience preferred

Schedule & Float

• 12-hour nights; shift start 17:45
• Every other weekend required; holidays rotate with core staff
• First to float; mid-shift float to other area facilities is rare but possible
• Self-scheduling with manager approval; schedules posted 4 weeks out

Orientation: 1–2 days with a preceptor on the unit

Requirements

• Minimum 2 years of CVICU experience required
• At least one prior travel assignment required
• Two supervisory references required at submission (one within 12 months, one within 3 years)
• Pre-contract competency exam required (pass/fail, 80% minimum, two attempts allowed)
• Active California RN license required

Certifications: BLS, ACLS, NIHSS

Scrubs: Navy; undershirts must be navy, white, or black

Guaranteed Hours: 36 hours/week