ICU

ICU Travel Nurse — Merced, CA

13-Week Contract | Days | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

This ICU position supports a critical care unit managing high-acuity medical and surgical patients. Common diagnoses include sepsis, DKA/hyperglycemia, COPD exacerbations, CVA, GI bleeds, and post-operative ICU recovery. Cardiac services including PCI are available on unit. Candidates must be comfortable managing vasoactive drips (norepinephrine), sedation infusions (Versed, Propofol), and ventilated patients. Respiratory therapy and pharmacy are available in-house around the clock.

Schedule & Coverage

• 12-hour day shifts (7a–7p)
• 2 weekends per 4-week period; holidays per unit needs
• 36 guaranteed hours per week
• Standby may be assigned; 30-minute response time required
• Hospital may cancel up to 4 shifts per 13-week contract

Float Requirements

Travelers float first — to telemetry and med/surg floors — and will carry a full patient load (4–5 patients). Candidates must be comfortable with this expectation before applying. No block scheduling; this assignment must be your primary commitment.

Orientation

2 shifts in the ICU + 1 shift on a float floor.

Required Skills & Certifications

• BLS and ACLS required; NIHSS required
• CCRN preferred; basic critical care course preferred
• Strong IV skills required; must independently read and interpret telemetry strips
• Proficiency with ABCDE bundle and ventilator management

Scrubs: Navy

Location Perks

Centrally located in California's Central Valley — Yosemite is 1–2 hours away, with nearby lakes, trails, farmers markets, and day-trip destinations. Approximately 2 hours from San Francisco and Sacramento; 1 hour from Fresno and Modesto. Affordable housing for the region.