RN - CVICU

Registered Nurse

Job Title:

Registered Nurse

Profession: RN Specialty:
Adult Cardiac Intermediate Unit Duration: 13 weeks

Shift: 12H Days Hours per

Shift: 12 hours

Experience:

Minimum 2 years of experience License:
Active Illinois license required or confirmation that application process has been initiated

Certifications:

BLS required, ACLS preferred, CCRN or PCCN a plus Must-Have:
Must have CVICU or Cardiac ICU background. Ideal candidate should possess at least 2 years of solid CVICU experience. Traveler should have prior ICU assignments and be able to take care of patients without issue right away. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment is essential. Strong assessment skills and critical thinking are required. Effective communication, organization, and teamwork skills are necessary.

Candidate should have the ability to follow protocols and orders as written. Motivation and time management skills are important. Maintaining a positive attitude and behavior is expected.

Description:

The unit consists of 20 private, monitored beds. Patient ratios may range from 1:3 to 1:4, depending on patient acuity. Common diagnoses include stepdown patients from ICU, heart failure, and various cardiac procedures. Specialty intervention equipment utilized includes Swan Ganz, external pacemakers, and various lines. RNs are required to titrate multiple medications, including dopamine, levophed, and insulin, among others. Charge nurses are present 24/7 and may take patient assignments.

Patient care techs are available, with ratios running from 1:12 to 1:15, depending on staffing. RNs are expected to troubleshoot ventilators and various respiratory equipment utilized on the unit. Telemonitoring is done using Philips monitors; RNs must read and interpret their own strips. Scheduling is not self-scheduling for non-affiliated staff, and there are weekend and holiday requirements. Travelers are expected to be able to float to every level of care, including ICU as needed.

Scrub color is not specified, but attire must be appropriate and clean. Unit-specific orientation includes one day of specific training and two days with a preceptor. Proficiency in cardiovascular ICU components is essential, especially utilization of swans, CVCs, and art lines. Candidates should be accustomed to managing multiple drips and caring for ventilated patients.