ICU

Registered Nurse – Cardiothoracic ICU

Location: Lexington, KY

Shift: 3rd shift, 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM, three 12-hour shifts per week

Schedule: Weekends and holidays as needed

Contract Duration: 13 weeks

About the Role

We're seeking an experienced RN to join the Cardiothoracic ICU, providing direct care to critically ill post-operative cardiac surgery patients and other high-acuity cardiothoracic cases. You'll work in a fast-paced environment managing complex patients requiring intensive monitoring, mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic support, and vasoactive medications.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive nursing assessments and ongoing monitoring of critically ill patients
• Manage advanced life support equipment including ventilators, arterial lines, central lines, and hemodynamic monitors
• Administer and titrate vasoactive and sedation drips per physician orders
• Collaborate with intensivists, physicians, and interdisciplinary teams on patient care plans
• Respond to rapid changes in patient condition and perform code interventions as needed
• Educate patients and families on condition, treatment, and care needs
• Document assessments, interventions, and patient responses accurately
• Maintain infection control and safety protocols

Requirements

• Active, unrestricted RN license (state or compact)
• BLS and ACLS certification required
• Minimum 1+ years ICU/critical care experience
• CVICU experience with post-operative open heart recovery required
• Experience with critical care equipment, ventilators, hemodynamic monitoring, and titratable drips
• BSN preferred; ADN accepted
• CCRN certification preferred

What We're Looking For

Compassionate, clinically skilled nurses who thrive in high-acuity settings, communicate effectively across disciplines, and take ownership of patient outcomes.