First Connect Health is seeking a travel nurse RN ICU - Intensive Care Unit for a travel nursing job in Kearney, Nebraska.
Job Description & Requirements
- Specialty: ICU - Intensive Care Unit
- Discipline: RN
- Start Date: 11/16/2026
- Duration: 13 weeks
- 48 hours per week
- Shift: 12 hours, nights
- Employment Type: Travel
ICU Registered Nurse (RN) – Job Description
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced ICU Registered Nurse to provide comprehensive care to critically ill adult patients with complex medical, cardiac, respiratory, neurological, and trauma-related conditions. The ideal candidate must be skilled in managing high-acuity patients, titrating critical care medications, interpreting cardiac rhythms, and responding effectively to rapidly changing patient conditions.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess, monitor, and manage critically ill adult patients in the ICU.
- Provide care for patients with trauma, sepsis, cardiac conditions, stroke, overdose, renal failure, heart failure, and respiratory distress.
- Care for patients following stent procedures and pacemaker placement, as well as those with vascular conditions.
- Administer and titrate cardiac drips, insulin, sedation, and other medications as prescribed.
- Interpret and document cardiac rhythm strips using GE monitoring systems.
- Monitor and troubleshoot respiratory support equipment, ranging from nasal cannula to mechanical ventilation.
- Collaborate with physicians, respiratory therapists, healthcare support technicians, and other members of the care team.
- Provide appropriate care for patients requiring 1:1 observation.
- Float to the PCU and, occasionally, Medical-Surgical units as required.
Required Qualifications and Certifications
- Current BLS certification.
- Current ACLS certification.
- Current NIHSS certification.
- Strong adult ICU experience and critical care assessment skills.
- Experience titrating cardiac medications, insulin, and sedation.
- Ability to interpret and document cardiac rhythms.
- Competency in caring for patients requiring respiratory support and mechanical ventilation.
Department Details
- Unit: Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
- Beds: 33.
- Average daily census: Approximately 16 patients.
- Adult nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:2–3.
- Monitoring: GE monitors; RNs are responsible for interpreting and documenting rhythm strips, with tele-tech oversight.
- Support staff: Nurse aides are assigned based on census and may assist with 1:1 observation or floor duties.
- Healthcare support technician: Available three days per week, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM.
Shift and Scheduling
- Day shift: 6:30 AM–6:30 PM.
- Night shift: 6:30 PM–6:30 AM.
- Scheduling: Core staff use self-scheduling; travelers are scheduled around unit needs.
- Block scheduling: Not guaranteed. Weekend-only blocks may be requested for consideration.
- Weekends: Every other weekend, Saturday and Sunday.
- Holidays: Minimum of two holidays falling within the contract period.
- Call-back requirement: If called back after being placed on call, the nurse must arrive within 30 minutes.
Floating Requirements
Travelers may float to:
- Progressive Care Unit (PCU), typically.
- Medical-Surgical units, occasionally.
When floating, nurses generally receive patient assignments consistent with the ratios of the destination unit, typically 1:4 or 1:5.
Orientation and Competency Requirements
- Unit-specific orientation: One shift.
- Wednesday exam: A pass/fail, open-book exam covering skills learned during orientation.
- Passing score: At least 90%.
- Required resources are provided. Failure to achieve the required score may result in termination of the contract.
Facility Policies and Submission Requirements
- Radius restriction: Candidates must live outside the 50-mile radius.
- Driver's license: Required at submission and used to verify the candidate's distance from the facility.
- Employment restriction: Candidates cannot be employed full-time, part-time, or PRN at any facility associated with CommonSpirit, including CHI and Dignity.
- Artificial nails: Prohibited in all patient-care departments. Refusal to remove artificial nails may result in contract termination.
- Requested time off (RTO): Must be submitted upfront and limited to seven days or fewer per 13-week contract. Additional RTO will not be approved, including after submission.
- Traveling duos: Candidates requesting the same schedule or sharing a car will not be accepted under the stated facility policy.
Ideal Candidate
An experienced ICU RN who can safely manage complex adult critical care patients, titrate high-risk medications, interpret cardiac rhythms, and adapt to floating assignments. Candidates should be prepared for the Wednesday competency exam, every-other-weekend scheduling, holiday requirements, and strict facility compliance policies.
1209468
Harris
1209468
About First Connect Health
At First Connect Health, we take pride in being a Joint Commission–certified healthcare staffing agency, headquartered in Newark, New Jersey. This prestigious certification is more than just a seal — it's a reflection of our commitment to excellence, safety, and quality in everything we do.
By meeting the rigorous standards set by The Joint Commission, one of the most respected accrediting bodies in healthcare, we've demonstrated that our processes, compliance, and patient care standards are aligned with the highest levels of quality in the industry.
But our dedication goes beyond certifications. Nurses choose First Connect Health because:
- ✅ Trust and Transparency: We foster honest communication, timely updates, and full transparency throughout your placement journey.
- ✅ Best Pay & Benefits: We offer industry-leading compensation packages, along with benefits that support your career goals.
- ✅ Flexibility & Choice: Whether you're seeking short-term assignments, long-term contracts, or local opportunities, we provide the flexibility to suit your preferences.
- ✅ Personalized Support: Our recruiters take the time to understand your needs, guiding you with care, respect, and responsiveness at every step.
When you work with First Connect Health, you're not just another number — you're a valued professional. Join a team that’s focused on your success, your well-being, and your future in healthcare.
Benefits
- Sick pay
- 401k retirement plan
- Weekly pay
- Referral bonus