Job Opportunity – Cardiovascular ICU Registered Nurse – Wisconsin
Start Date: November 9, 2026
Location: Wisconsin
Compensation: Details provided to qualified applicants
Schedule: Evening/Night shifts, 12-hour rotations (1900-0730), every other weekend, some holidays, no call
Highlights:
- 27-bed Cardiovascular and Cardiothoracic ICU specializing in cardiac surgery, heart and lung transplant, and cardiac medical patients
- Care for complex patient populations including CABG, valve repair/replacement, LVAD, heart and lung transplants, and thoracic surgery patients
- Epic charting system with 24 hours of orientation provided
- Comprehensive interdisciplinary support including IV teams, respiratory services, pharmacy, rapid response teams, and physical therapy
- Patient ratios of 1-2 ICU patients (occasionally 3 general care patients based on acuity)
- Magnet-designated facility recognized as a leading teaching and referral center
Requirements:
- Active Wisconsin or Compact State RN license required
- Minimum 2 years of recent acute care experience in specialty area (within last 3 years)
- Current CVICU experience required
- Experience and knowledge of NxStage CVVH/CRRT machine required
- Experience in Cardiothoracic Surgery and/or Acuity Adaptable area preferred
- Trauma Level I experience required
- Previous travel nursing experience required
- AHA BLS and ACLS certifications required
- Must pass telemetry competency exam prior to start (strict passing criteria including 100% identification of lethal rhythms and 80% overall score)
- Flu vaccination required (medical/religious exemptions only)
- Must reside 50 miles or more from facility location
Essential Skills and Competencies:
- Post-cardiac surgery management (directly from OR and step-down)
- Advanced hemodynamic monitoring including pulmonary artery catheters, arterial lines, and CVP monitoring
- Mechanical circulatory support devices: IABP, Impella, LVAD/RVAD, ECMO
- CVVHD/CRRT (NxStage system), ventilator management, and care of ventilated patients
- Cardiac drip and vasoactive medication titration
- Central line and PICC line management, epicardial pacing wire care
- Management of patients with multisystem organ dysfunction/failure
- Blood product administration, continuous IV sedation and paralytics
- Experience with CABG, valve repair/replacement, TAVR procedures
- Interpretation of dysrhythmias and arterial blood gases
Unit Environment:
- Dynamic 27-bed ICU with all private rooms capable of ICU-level care
- Daily census of 26 patients across adult and geriatric populations
- Team-based approach with 2 Care Team Leaders (charge RNs), 1 Rapid Response Nurse, and 16 direct care RNs per shift
- Supported by 3-4 nursing assistants and unit clerk coverage
- Frequent planned and emergent procedures with robust charge and resource nurse support
- Patient diagnoses include STEMI/NSTEMI, cardiogenic shock, heart failure, arrhythmia management, aortic dissection repair, and transplant care
- Floating to other units as needed based on facility requirements
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
Join a prestigious Magnet-designated facility recognized as a top-ranked hospital and leading referral center. This cardiovascular ICU offers exceptional professional growth through exposure to advanced cardiac and thoracic surgical procedures, cutting-edge mechanical support technologies, and complex transplant care. You'll be part of a collaborative team committed to delivering technologically expert care while maintaining a positive focus on patient and family needs in a supportive, resource-rich environment.