Registered Nurse – Cardiovascular ICU (CVICU)
Location: Hackensack Meridian Health / Jersey Shore University Medical Center – 1945 State Route 33, Neptune, NJ 07754
Schedule: 3x12 Night Shift | 7:00 PM – 7:30 AM (36 Hours/Week) | Every 3rd Weekend | No Holidays | No On-Call
Float Requirement: Yes – Required to float to other ICU units as needed
Position Overview
The Cardiovascular ICU Registered Nurse (RN) manages complex post-cardiac surgery and high-acuity patients within a evidence-based, patient-centric professional practice model. Responsible for initial and ongoing clinical assessments, the RN formulates, executes, and evaluates individualized care plans for patients requiring advanced hemodynamic monitoring and mechanical circulatory support.
Key Responsibilities
Post-Cardiac Surgery Care: Provide specialized intensive care for open-heart surgery, thoracic, and vascular post-operative patients.
Advanced Device & Hemodynamic Management: Operate and manage specialized critical care devices, including LVADs, Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps (IABP), CRRT, ECMO, Chest Tubes, Swan-Ganz catheters, and continuous cardiac output monitoring.
Clinical Assessment & Intervention: Identify clinical priorities using the nursing process (assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation) to perform therapeutic interventions for critically ill patients.
Telemetry & Stroke Care: Interpret complex cardiac rhythms and deliver stroke care in compliance with NIHSS standards and continuous stroke education guidelines.
Documentation & Floating: Maintain accurate EMR documentation according to acuity and clinical standards; adapt quickly when floated to support other intensive care units across the facility.
Position Qualifications
Mandatory Experience & Competencies
CVICU Experience: Minimum 2+ years of recent Cardiovascular ICU (CVICU) nursing experience with a strong open-heart background.
Specialty Skills: Demonstrated expertise in telemetry, vascular/thoracic stepdown, and proven LVAD competency.
Device Proficiency: Hands-on experience with IABP, CRRT, ECMO, Swan-Ganz, and post-cardiac recovery protocols.
Mandatory Certifications & Licensure
RN License: Active New Jersey State RN License or active Multi-State Compact License.
AHA BLS: Basic Life Support (American Heart Association).
AHA ACLS: Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (American Heart Association).
NIHSS: Active National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale certification.
Stroke CEU: Proof of completed 4-Hour Stroke CEU contact hours.
Telemetry: Telemetry certification/demonstrated competency.
Education Requirements
Required Education: Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN).
Preferred Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).