Travel Nurse RN - Intensive Care Unit (ICU) / Critical Care - $3,561 per week in Madison, WI

You'll have the unique opportunity to develop expertise across multiple critical care specialties while providing life-saving care to a diverse patient population in a supportive, collaborative culture that values nursing excellence and shared governance. Autonomy and variety across multiple critical care settings including Neuro ICU, Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic ICU, Burn ICU, Trauma Surgery, Medical Surgical ICU, and Progressive Care units.

Job Opportunity – Critical Care Registered Nurse – Wisconsin

Start Date: November 9, 2026

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Compensation: Details provided to qualified applicants

Schedule: Evening/Night shifts, 8 or 12-hour shifts (1900-0730), with every other weekend and some holidays. Flexible scheduling available with 4x12 option for interested candidates.

Highlights

• Work at a Magnet-designated, Level I Trauma Center ranked #1 in Wisconsin
• Autonomy and variety across multiple critical care settings including Neuro ICU, Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic ICU, Burn ICU, Trauma Surgery, Medical Surgical ICU, and Progressive Care units
• Academic learning environment with robust interdisciplinary support including IV teams, respiratory services, rapid response teams, and pharmacy
• Patient ratio of 1:3 for days and nights with block scheduling available
• Epic EMR system with comprehensive orientation (28 hours)
• Shared governance structure supporting professional development and nurse autonomy

Requirements

• Active Wisconsin RN license or Compact State RN license
• BLS and ACLS certifications required (American Heart Association only)
• Minimum 5 years of acute care RN experience, with at least 2 years within the last 3 years in critical care specialty
• Level I Trauma Center experience required
• Previous travel nursing experience required
• Epic charting system experience required
• Must demonstrate competency in multiple ICU specialties (Neuro, Cardiac, Burn, Trauma, Medical/Surgical)
• Strong arrhythmia interpretation skills; must pass pre-start telemetry examination with 80% or higher (100% accuracy required on lethal rhythms)
• NIHSS and TNCC certifications preferred
• Previous charge nurse experience preferred
• Flu vaccination required (medical/religious exemptions only)
• Must reside more than 50 miles from facility

Required Clinical Skills

Candidates must demonstrate expertise in high-acuity critical care including:

• Ventilator management and care of ventilated patients
• Hemodynamic monitoring (arterial lines, CVP, pulmonary artery catheters)
• Advanced cardiac care (IABP, Impella, post-cardiac surgery, dysrhythmia management)
• Vasoactive and cardiac drip titration
• CRRT/CVVHD (Nextstage platform)
• Neurological critical care (ICP monitoring, EVD, post-craniotomy, TBI management)
• Blood product administration and IV medication protocols
• BiPAP/CPAP and High Flow Nasal Cannula management
• Central line care, PICC management, and port access
• Burn ICU experience preferred
• ECMO experience preferred

Patient Population

Adult and geriatric populations across critical care, intermediate care, and progressive care settings. High-acuity patients requiring comprehensive critical care interventions and multisystem organ support.

Why It's a Great Opportunity

Join one of the nation's premier academic medical centers and Wisconsin's top-ranked hospital. This position offers exceptional professional growth in a Magnet-certified environment where you'll work alongside leading specialists and educators. You'll have the unique opportunity to develop expertise across multiple critical care specialties while providing life-saving care to a diverse patient population in a supportive, collaborative culture that values nursing excellence and shared governance.

Additional Information

Floating to multiple critical care units is required based on facility needs. Orientation includes comprehensive competency validation and unit-specific training. Parking permit required if parking onsite; alternative transportation options available including public transit and park-and-ride services. Block scheduling available to accommodate work-life balance preferences. Weekend requirement: 6-7 shifts per contract period.