ICU Registered Nurse (RN)

General Information

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced ICU Registered Nurse (RN) to join our team. This position will be situated in a mixed-unit ICU with a total of 39 beds, divided into pods. Floating to non-ICU areas will only be permitted for those with relevant experience.

Minimum Experience

• Preferred: 2 years of ICU experience (excluding travel experience)
• If 1.5 years of ICU experience is present (excluding travel), significant RN experience in other areas may also be considered for management team approval.

Patient Types

Our ICU handles a range of complex patient cases, including:

• Surgical, medical, and cardiac patients (cardiac experience preferred)
• Neuro and trauma cases
• Common diagnoses: ARDS, MI, CVA/TIA, COVID, post-cardiac catheterization, post-surgical care, and multiple system trauma.

Patient Ratios

The nurse-to-patient ratio may vary based on patient acuity, with typical ratios including:

• 1:1
• 1:2
• 1:3 (rare)

Required Certifications

• BLS
• ACLS
• NIHSS
• TNCC (required prior to arrival)

Required Education

The candidate must have completed a nursing education program approved by a board of nursing and hold active Registered Nurse (RN) status in South Dakota.

Skills Required

• Experience with Epic charting.
• Availability for a 48-hour work week contract.
• Strong assessment and critical thinking skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Competence in administering IV medications (including vasopressors, sedation, and paralytics), managing hemodynamic lines, proning, and ventilator management.
• Experience with telemetry is preferred.
• Ability to describe a situation where expectations were exceeded; this will be requested during the application process.

Support on the Unit

The unit is supported by:

• 1-2 Nurse Aides per unit plus mobility float aide
• Resource Nurse (staffing dependent)
• Respiratory Therapy available 24/7
• Three Intensivists during the day and two at night, with an Advanced Practice Provider available at night

Orientation

Orientation will include:

• Hospital orientation (1) 8-hour and (1) 4-hour session
• Two 12-hour shifts of floor orientation
• One additional 12-hour shift for independent travel nurses to meet required hours

Scheduling

Scheduling specifics are as follows:

• Weekend rotation: Every other weekend is preferred, but not guaranteed.
• No requests for time off (RTO) during holidays.
• Time off approval for up to 7 days is possible but must accommodate a full 13-week contract.
• No RTO during the Sturgis Bike Rally (first three weeks of August each year).

Additional Notes

• There may be opportunities to precept nursing students.
• Scrub color is navy.
• Free parking is available.