ICU Registered Nurse (RN)

General Information

The ICU consists of 39 beds, incorporating multiple specialized units (MICU, SICU, CICU, TICU). This is a mixed ICU unit, and travelers may not float into the CVICU unless they possess experience in that specialty.

Minimum Experience Requirements

• 2 years of ICU experience preferred (excluding travel experience).
• If candidates have 1.5 years of ICU experience (excluding travel) and significant RN experience outside the ICU, they may be considered upon management approval.

Travel Criteria

• First-time travelers are not accepted; a minimum of one prior travel assignment is required.
• Travelers must reside at least 100 miles away from any facility.
• Permanent staff members must wait one year before returning as travelers.

Patient Types

Patients in the ICU typically present with complex medical issues, including surgical, medical, cardiac (preferred), neuro, and trauma cases. Common diagnoses include:

• ARDS
• Myocardial Infarction (MI)
• Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)/Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
• COVID-19
• Post-cardiac catheterization
• Post-surgical care
• Multiple system trauma

Cardiac experience, especially with CABG/TAVR patients (24-48 hours post-op), is preferred but not mandatory for travelers. Fresh open-heart cases will not be assigned to travelers unless they are experienced.

Patient Ratios

The nurse-to-patient ratio varies based on acuity and generally ranges from 1:1 to 1:3 (rare).

Required Certifications

• BLS
• ACLS
• NIHSS
• TNCC (required) – Travelers must agree to obtain this certification prior to arrival.

Required Education

Completion of a nursing education program approved by a board of nursing is required; candidates must hold a Registered Nurse (RN) license valid in South Dakota.

Skills Required

• Experience with Epic electronic health records system.
• Willingness to work a 48-hour work week.
• Experience with critically ill patients, including familiarity with IV medications (vasopressors, sedation, paralytics), hemodynamic lines, proning, ventilator management, and telemetry.
• Strong critical thinking and assessment skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
• Experience with Impella, IABP, and CRRT is strongly preferred.
• Travelers should be prepared to discuss a time when they exceeded a leader’s expectations during the interview.

Support on the Unit

The unit is supported by:

• 1-2 Nurse Aides and a mobility float aide.
• Charge Nurse: 2 Clinical RN’s oversee all ICUs.
• Phlebotomy services for peripheral blood draws.
• IV/VAT Team: ICU CRNs place all midlines.
• Resource Nurse available based on staffing needs.
• Respiratory Therapists available 24/7.
• Three Intensivists on days and two on nights, along with APP coverage during nights.

Charting System

• Epic (required for ICU).
• Alaris (transitioning to Baxter Pumps).
• Omnicell.

Floating Policies

Floating is infrequent; however, travelers may float to any adult floor, including Medsurg/Tele with a nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:4. Comfort level with floating should be confirmed during the interview process.

Orientation

• Hospital Orientation