ICU Registered Nurse (ICU RN)
Location: Lancaster, CA
Job Type: Travel Contract
Company: Encompass Healthcare Staffing
Category: Healthcare: Nursing
Job Description Apply Now
The role of an ICU Registered Nurse (ICU RN) is pivotal in delivering exceptional patient care within critical care environments. As a vital member of the intensive care team, the ICU RN is responsible for providing high-level nursing care to critically ill patients. This encompasses a wide range of clinical duties, advanced patient assessments, and close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The ICU RN utilizes advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practices, and a compassionate approach to manage complex healthcare situations efficiently and effectively.
In this position, the ICU RN assumes a central role in the administration of medications, including the titration of vasoactive drips and adherence to strict protocols for safe medication delivery. The ICU RN is trained to rapidly respond to emergencies, perform life-saving interventions such as CPR, and initiate Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocols as required. The nurse must be adept at recognizing subtle changes in patient status and swiftly implementing necessary interventions to stabilize patients in critical condition.
Developing, implementing, and revising individualized care plans is a core responsibility for the ICU RN. This requires close collaboration with physicians, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver patient-centered care. Accurate documentation is crucial, as the ICU RN is expected to maintain clear, concise, and comprehensive patient records and reports in compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
The ICU RN also plays a fundamental role in supporting patients and their families by providing thorough education, emotional support, and acting as a key point of contact throughout the patient’s stay. Effective communication skills are necessary to ensure that patients, families, and the healthcare team are consistently informed and involved in the care process.
Another essential function of the ICU RN is conducting comprehensive, head-to-toe assessments, monitoring vital signs, interpreting laboratory results, and identifying even the most subtle changes in patient conditions. Proficiency in setting up, operating, and monitoring advanced life support equipment—including ventilators, cardiac monitors, and invasive lines—is a must. The ICU RN must also be versatile, demonstrating the ability to float to Progressive Care Units (PCU) as needed and adapt to various patient care settings within the hospital environment.
This role requires compliance with all necessary licensures and certifications for Registered Nurses. A minimum of two years of acute care nursing experience is expected, with at least one year of travel nurse experience preferred. Essential certifications include Basic Life Support (BLS), ACLS, and, where applicable, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification for acute care facilities. The ICU RN is committed to lifelong learning and upholding the highest standards of patient safety, ethical practice, and professional integrity.
ICU Registered Nurse (ICU RN) - Summary- Provides advanced nursing care to critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit
- Operates as a core member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team
- Ensures patient-centered, evidence-based nursing interventions
- Administer complex medications, titrate vasoactive drips, and adhere to medication safety protocols
- Respond rapidly to emergencies, perform CPR, and initiate ACLS protocols
- Develop, implement, and revise individualized care plans with the healthcare team
- Maintain accurate, clear, and comprehensive documentation
- Provide education, emotional support, and effective communication to patients and families
- Conduct thorough patient assessments, monitor vital signs, and interpret lab results
- Set up, operate, and monitor advanced life support equipment
- Float to Progressive Care Unit (PCU) as required
- Competitive salary based on experience and certifications
- Comprehensive benefits package typically offered by employers
- Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing
- Minimum of two years of acute care nursing experience
- At least one year of travel nursing experience required
- BLS and ACLS certifications required
- NIHSS certification as required for acute care facilities
- Ability and willingness to float to PCU as needed
- Exhibits strong clinical judgment and critical thinking skills
- Demonstrates excellent interpersonal and communication abilities
- Adapts quickly to changing patient needs and high-acuity environments
- Collaborates effectively with multidisciplinary teams
- Shows dedication to continuous learning and professional growth
- This position offers the chance to work in a dynamic, high-acuity environment, providing care to patients with complex needs
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on patient outcomes in critical care settings
- Working as an ICU RN can provide valuable experience for career advancement within critical care nursing and related specialties
- Applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking the job application button to take the next step in their career as an ICU RN
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.