ICU Registered Nurse (RN)

General Information

This position is for an ICU Registered Nurse in a mixed unit comprising of MICU, SICU, CICU, and TICU. The unit consists of 39 beds, and nurses would not float into the CVICU side unless they possess experience in that specialty.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of ICU experience, excluding travel experience, is preferred.
• If candidates have 1.5 years of ICU experience (excluding travel) and possess significant RN experience outside of ICU, management approval is required.
• First-time travelers will not be accepted; candidates must have completed at least one prior travel assignment.
• Travelers must reside at least 100 miles away from any facility location.
• Permanently employed staff must wait one year before reapplying as travelers.

Patient Types

Candidates will work with complex ICU patients, including but not limited to:

• Surgical
• Medical
• Cardiac (preferred)
• Neuro
• Trauma

Common diagnoses include ARDS, MI, CVA/TIA, COVID, post-cardiac catheterization, post-surgical recovery, and a heavy trauma population. Cardiac experience is preferred, particularly with CABG/TAVR, specifically within 24 to 48 hours post-op, though travelers may not take fresh open-heart cases unless experienced and deemed competent by facility staff.

Patient Ratios

The nurse-to-patient ratios are dynamic based on acuity levels, typically ranging from:

• 1:1
• 1:2
• 1:3 (rare)

Required Certifications

• BLS
• ACLS
• NIHSS
• TNCC (mandatory); travelers must obtain this certification prior to arrival.

Required Education

Candidates must have completed a nursing education program approved by a board of nursing and be a licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in South Dakota.

Skills Required

• Epic experience is required.
• Candidates must be comfortable working a 48-hour/week contract; this is non-negotiable for the unit.
• Experience in managing the specified patient types is essential.
• Experience with IV medications (vasopressors, sedatives, paralytics), hemodynamic lines, proning, ventilator management, telemetry, strong critical thinking and assessment skills are important.
• Experience with Impella, IABP, and CRRT is strongly preferred.

Travelers should be prepared to describe instances where they exceeded a leader’s expectations during the interview process.

Support on the Unit

• CNA support: 1-2 Nurse Aides per unit plus a mobility float aide.
• Charge nurse: 2 Clinical Registered Nurses oversee all ICUs.
• Phlebotomy services: peripheral blood draws only.
• IV/VAT Team: ICU CRNs place all midlines.
• Resource Nurse: available based on staffing needs.
• Respiratory Therapy: available 24/7.
• Physicians: 3 Intensivists during the day and 2 at night, along with Advanced Practice Providers during night shifts.

Charting System

The facility utilizes the following systems:

• Epic (required for both ED and ICU)
• Alaris (transitioning to Baxter Pumps by October)
• Omnicell

Floating Policy

Floating is uncommon unless overstaffed; however, nurses may float to any adult floor, including Medsurg/Tele, with a 1:4 ratio. Confirm candidates’ comfortability with this during the interview.

Orientation and Scheduling