Job Title: CVICU RN Profession: Registered Nurse Specialty: Intensive Care Unit Duration: 13 weeks Shift: Nights Hours per Shift: 12 hours Experience: Minimum of 2 years in CVICU License: Active Illinois license or confirmation that the application process has been initiated Certifications: BLS, ACLS preferred, CCRN a plus Must-Have: - Minimum of 2 years of CVICU experience - Ability to care for patients without issue right from the start - Proficiency in interpreting cardiac strips - Strong assessment skills, critical thinking, communication, and organizational skills - Experience with time management in a fast-paced, high-stress environment - Positive attitude and ability to follow protocols as written Description: The unit has 20 beds, all private and monitored. Nurse to patient ratios may vary from 1:1, 1:2, to 2:1 based on patient acuity. The patient population includes post open heart surgical patients, such as CABG, valve replacements, dissections, AAA, and various cardiovascular procedures. Additional patients include those requiring intensive care for cardiogenic shock, unstable angina, and targeted temperature management. Nurses will encounter specialty intervention equipment like IABPs, Impellas, Swan Ganz, ECMO, and external pacemakers. Common lines used include PICC, Midlines, CVC, Swan Ganz, and arterial lines. RNs are responsible for titrating multiple drips, including but not limited to dopamine, dobutamine, vasopressin, and heparin. Charge nurses are available on every shift, along with a house supervisor. Patient care technicians are present, with staffing ratios varying based on availability. Providers are available 24/7, along with respiratory therapists, who assist with ventilators, CPAP, and BPAP. All patients are connected to monitoring systems, and RNs are expected to read and interpret strips. Shifts consist of 12 hours, following a rotation schedule that includes every other weekend and holidays. Floating to different levels of care may be required. Scrub attire must be appropriate and clean, although no specific color is mandated. The unit seeks candidates proficient in cardiovascular ICU functions, including temporary pacemaker management and ventilator care. All of these skills are essential due to the complexity of care provided on the unit.
