What are the responsibilities and job description for the ICU RN position at Sterling Therapy Services?
Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse (ICU RN) – Travel Contract
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Start Date: 01/05/2026
End Date: 04/05/2026
Contract Type: Travel Contract (13 Weeks)
Shift Type: Nights (7p–7a)
Hours per Week: 36 Hours
Join a highly skilled Intensive Care Unit in one of California’s most beautiful coastal cities. This assignment offers a rare blend of high-acuity ICU experience and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the relaxing, scenic surroundings of Santa Cruz. If you're an experienced ICU RN ready for your next challenge, this contract offers exceptional professional growth.
About the Unit
- 16-bed ICU (expandable to 20 beds)
- Nurse-to-patient ratios: 1:1 or 1:2
- Cerner charting
- Phillips telemetry
- Navy scrubs
- Intensivist support 24/7 (on call overnight)
- Ross for vascular, cardiac, neuro, and respiratory critical care
- 24/7 RT and pharmacy
- No nurse aides
- Call required when census fluctuates (30-minute response time)
- 2-shift ICU orientation before independent assignment
- Floating: Telemetry (4:1)
Patient Population & Common Cases
Be prepared to care for a diverse and complex patient mix, including:
- Med-Surg and Neuro ICU patients
- Balloon pumps (experience welcome but not required; class/check-off provided)
- Cranial procedures and occasional ICP monitoring
- Cardiothoracic cases (CABG)
- Non-transfer trauma
- Stroke (including TPA patients)
- Hypothermia protocols
- ECMO, Impella, EVAR, TAVR
- CRRT (PrismaFlex – training available if needed)
- Adult and occasional pediatric patients (minor or DKA)
- Psych/OD cases
Roles and Responsibilities
- Deliver high-level critical care to adult and pediatric patients
- Manage ventilators (Draeger) in collaboration with respiratory therapy
- Perform thorough assessments and adjust care plans based on patient condition
- Safely manage critical drips and advanced life-support equipment
- Collaborate with intensivists, physicians, RT, pharmacy, and multidisciplinary team
- Interpret and document telemetry strips
- Maintain accurate documentation in Cerner
- Float to Telemetry when needed
- Maintain strict adherence to ICU policies, safety standards, and quality measures
Qualifications
- Active RN License
- Minimum 2 years of recent ICU experience
- Strong critical care background
- Comfortable working with high-acuity patients
- Ability to float to tele as needed
Required Certifications
- BLS
- ACLS
- NIHSS
Education
- ADN or BSN (BSN preferred)
Knowledge and Skills
- Proficiency with ventilators (Draeger)
- Strong clinical judgment and rapid decision-making
- Ability to manage complex and unstable patients
- Skilled in cardiac rhythm interpretation
- Familiar with advanced hemodynamic support and critical drips
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
Explore Santa Cruz on Your Assignment
Santa Cruz offers the perfect blend of coastal relaxation and adventure. During your days off, explore:
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Natural Bridges State Beach
- Wilder Ranch trails
- Pacific Coast Highway scenic drives
- The charming downtown cafés and oceanfront restaurants
- Quick weekend escapes to Big Sur, Monterey, and San Jose
Apply Today
Send your resume to sterlingtherapyservices1@gmail.com
or call/text recruiter Sumit at (408) 580-9336
Pay: $2,800.00 - $2,941.00 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $2,800 - $2,941