RN ICU

ICU Registered Nurse – Sterling Therapy Solutions

Start Date: 01/05/2026
Contract Type: Contract
Shift: Nights
Location: Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Hours Per Week: 36
Pay Rate: $60–$65/hr

About Sterling Therapy Solutions

At Sterling Therapy Solutions, we like to keep things simple: great clinicians deserve great assignments, honest communication, and recruiters who don’t disappear after the contract is signed. We sprinkle in some humor, offer real support, and match you with roles where your skills shine. Healthcare is serious work, but working with your staffing team shouldn’t feel stressful. That’s where we come in.

Job Summary

Sterling Therapy Solutions is seeking an experienced ICU Registered Nurse for an exciting night shift contract in beautiful Santa Cruz, California. This role is ideal for a confident critical care nurse ready to step into a high-performing ICU with diverse patient populations ranging from complex adult critical care to occasional pediatric cases.

Bring your strong ICU background, your clinical judgment, and your ability to stay cool under pressure—this unit will put your skills to work in the best way.

Blended Roles & Responsibilities

(A refined mix of VMS details Sterling enhancements)

• Deliver high-quality critical care to adult and occasional pediatric patients in a 16–20 bed ICU.
• Manage nurse-to-patient ratios of 1:1 or 1:2 based on acuity.
• Conduct comprehensive patient assessments and respond to rapidly changing conditions.
• Utilize Cerner EMR for accurate and timely documentation.
• Interpret telemetry independently using Phillips monitors (no nurse aides or monitor techs on unit).
• Work alongside a dedicated charge nurse who does not carry a patient load and an IV team available during the day.
• Care for a wide range of diagnoses including:

MedSurg overflow, complex neuro, CABG, trauma not transferred out, psych/OD, hypothermia, TPA, DKA (peds minor), balloon pumps (with training), ECMO, Impella, CRRT (PrismaFlex with training), TAVR, EVAR, and more.

• Operate and troubleshoot critical care equipment including Draeger ventilators in collaboration with 24/7 RT support.
• Float to telemetry (4:1 ratios) as needed.
• Participate in a 2-shift ICU orientation and transition to independent practice by shift three.
• Maintain a 30-minute response time when placed on call due to census adjustments.
• Work every other weekend and support schedule gaps as needed.
• Adhere to all unit protocols, safety standards, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of recent ICU experience required.
• Strong experience with ventilators, cardiac rhythms, and critical care devices.
• Must be comfortable floating to Tele when needed.

Education

• Graduate of an accredited Registered Nursing program.

Certifications

• Active California RN License
• BLS, ACLS, NIHSS required
• PALS and CCRN preferred

Knowledge & Skills

• Expertise in cardiac rhythm interpretation and critical care interventions.
• Ability to manage advanced devices such as balloon pumps, Impella, CRRT, and ECMO (training provided if experienced).
• Strong communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency with Cerner EMR and modern ICU technology.
• Flexibility to float and adapt to varying patient needs.

Benefits of Working with Sterling Therapy Solutions

• Competitive weekly pay
• Smooth onboarding and credentialing
• Transparent communication
• Travel-friendly support
• Recruiters who actually listen
• Access to rewarding contract opportunities nationwide

Explore Santa Cruz, California During Your Assignment

Santa Cruz is the perfect blend of coastal charm and adventure. Enjoy stunning beaches, seaside boardwalks, scenic hiking in the redwoods, whale-watching tours, surf culture, and amazing local food. Your days off can feel like a mini vacation—every single week.

Apply Today

Send your resume to sterlingtherapysolutions1@gmail.com
or call 408-883-6979 (Mike Johns)

#ICUNurseJobs #CriticalCareRN #TravelNurse #SantaCruzJobs #CaliforniaNurseJobs #SterlingTherapySolutions #NightShiftRN #ICUTravelNurse #NurseLife #HealthcareJobs

Job Type: Contract

Pay: $60.00 - $65.00 per hour

Expected hours: 36 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• How many years of recent ICU experience do you have?

• Do you have experience caring for both adult and occasional pediatric ICU patients?

• Do you currently hold an active California RN License?

• Do you have PALS or CCRN certification?

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $60 - $65