Registered Nurse (RN) Per Diem, Cardio Thoracic ICU/CVICU

Job Title: PD RN

Location: Main Hospital - New Brunswick

Department Name: Cardio Thoracic ICU

Req #: 0000259956

Status: Hourly

Shift: Night

Pay Range: $47.85 - $71.72 per hour

Pay Transparency:

The above reflects the anticipated hourly wage range for this position if hired to work in New Jersey.

The compensation offered to the candidate selected for the position will depend on several factors, including the candidate's educational background, skills and professional experience.

At RWJBarnabas Health, Registered Nurses become part of a purpose driven environment where teamwork, belonging, and clinical excellence shape meaningful patient experiences. This RN role offers growth, supportive teamwork, and a culture committed to safety and continuous improvement. As a Registered Nurse within the Cardiovascular/Thoracic Intensive Care Unit at RWJ University Hospital New Brunswick, you will help advance patient care and strengthen the experience of individuals and families across our organization. Joining RWJBarnabas Health means joining a community where every RN is encouraged to grow, innovate, and lead with purpose.

CVICU is a 24-bed unit that provides specialized care for critically ill patients requiring advanced cardiac, vascular, and thoracic management. The unit cares for patients before and after complex procedures including cardiac surgery, vascular surgery, and thoracic surgery, with a strong emphasis on comprehensive preoperative optimization and postoperative recovery. Care is also provided for patients undergoing heart transplantation as well as those requiring advanced therapies and mechanical circulatory support devices (i.e. IABP, Impella, HeartMate, ECMO), including temporary and durable assist devices. The multidisciplinary team delivers highly specialized monitoring, critical care interventions, and evidence-based treatment focused on achieving optimal patient outcomes throughout the continuum of care. 

As a Registered Nurse (RN), a typical day may include:  

• Conducting comprehensive patient assessments and recognize subtle clinical changes, using your judgment to intervene early and advocate for your patients
• Providing safe, evidence-based medications, treatments, and hands on care grounded in strong clinical judgment
• Serving as a clinical partner to physicians and advanced providers, offering insight that supports timely, well-coordinated care decisions
• Providing clear, compassionate education to patients and families so they feel informed, supported, and prepared for the next phase of care
• Ensuring accurate and timely documentation within the electronic medical record to promote continuity and patient safety
• Contributing your voice during interdisciplinary rounds, helping drive seamless communication and smooth transitions of care
• Taking an active role in a highly collaborative team environment where shared accountability and teamwork directly impact outcomes
• Pursuing continued professional growth through access to continuing education, clinical ladder opportunities, and organizational resources that support long term career progression

This role might be for you if:

• Clear, compassionate communication defines how you interact with patients, families, and colleagues
• Strong clinical judgment guides your decisions, even as priorities shift
• Thriving in a fast-paced environment energizes you, especially where teamwork drives outcomes
• A commitment to evidence-based practice shapes your daily work
• Empathy and professionalism are central to your approach
• Continuous learning and professional growth matter to you
• A collaborative team culture is something you actively help strengthen

To be considered for this RN opportunity, you must hold an active New Jersey Registered Nurse license in good standing and a current American Heart Association BLS Certification with at least 2 year of RN experience in Critical Care required. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing is strongly preferred or must be completed within 5 years upon hire. Cluster Certification, CCRN, and ACLS Certification is preferred. Prior 3-4 years of RN experience within CVICU is highly preferred and comfort with electronic medical record systems (EMR) like EPIC. This position offers a Per Diem Night Shift schedule from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. with weekend and holiday rotations, 2 shifts per month, allowing you to build strong patient relationships while maintaining balance.

Benefits and Perks:

At RWJBarnabas Health, our market-competitive Total Rewards package provides comprehensive benefits and resources to support our employees’ physical, emotional, social, and financial health.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Medical and Prescription Drug Insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plans
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Life & Accidental Death Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Wellness Programs
• Voluntary Benefits (e.g., Pet Insurance)
• Discounts Through our Partners such as NJ Devils, NJ PAC, Verizon, and more!

Choosing RWJBarnabas Health!

RWJBarnabas Health is the premier health care destination providing patient-centered, high-quality academic medicine in a compassionate and equitable manner, while delivering a best-in-class work experience to every member of the team. We honor and appreciate the privilege of creating and sustaining healthier communities, one person and one community at a time. As the leading academic health system in New Jersey, we advance innovative strategies in high-quality patient care, education, and research to address both the clinical and social determinants of health.

RWJBarnabas Health aims to truly make a unique impact in local communities throughout New Jersey. From vastly improving the health of local residents to creating educational and career opportunities, this combination greatly benefits the state. We understand the growing and evolving needs of residents in New Jersey—whether that be enhancing the coordination for treating complex health conditions or improving community health through local programs and education.

Equal Opportunity Employer