Registered Nurse – Cardiovascular ICU (CVICU)

Apex Healthcare•New Brunswick, NJ

1d•$2,582 - $2,743•Onsite

About The Position

This is a Registered Nurse position in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU) at an acute care hospital. The role involves providing direct critical care to adult CVICU patients with complex and potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions, including post-operative cardiac surgery patients. The nurse will continuously assess, monitor, and document hemodynamic status, cardiac rhythms, and ventilator parameters, intervening promptly for changes in patient condition. Responsibilities include administering and titrating vasoactive infusions, sedation, antiarrhythmic medications, and other high-risk drips. The nurse will manage ventilated patients, advanced airways, and invasive lines, and collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to implement individualized care plans. Patient and family education, emotional support, and accurate electronic medical record documentation are also key aspects of the role. The unit has a typical nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:1–1:2 depending on acuity.

Requirements

Active, unencumbered Registered Nurse license in New Jersey, or compact license if accepted by the facility
Minimum 1–2 years of recent CVICU or high-acuity ICU experience with a strong cardiac background.
Current BLS and ACLS from the American Heart Association.
Ability to work night shifts, 3x12, with weekend and holiday rotation as assigned.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with post-open-heart surgery patients and mechanical circulatory support such as IABP, Impella, or ECMO
CCRN or similar critical care certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide direct critical care to adult CVICU patients with complex and potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions, including post-operative cardiac surgery patients
Continuously assess, monitor, and document hemodynamic status, cardiac rhythms, and ventilator parameters, intervening promptly for changes in patient condition.
Administer and titrate vasoactive infusions, sedation, antiarrhythmic medications, and other high-risk drips according to provider orders and hospital protocols.
Manage ventilated patients, advanced airways, and invasive lines including arterial lines, central lines, and pulmonary artery catheters where applicable.
Collaborate with intensivists, cardiothoracic surgeons, advanced practice providers, respiratory therapy, and multidisciplinary team members to implement individualized care plans.
Educate patients and families on disease processes, procedures, and post-ICU expectations while providing emotional support during critical illness.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic medical record and participate in unit-based quality and safety initiatives.