Travel Nurse RN - Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit - $2,649 per week in Madison, WI

Job Opportunity – Cardiovascular ICU Travel Registered Nurse – Wisconsin

Start Date: October 12, 2026

Location: Wisconsin

Compensation: Details provided to qualified applicants

Schedule: 12-hour shifts (0700-1930 or 1900-0730), rotating day/night, every other weekend required, some holidays, no call

Highlights:

• 27-bed Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit specializing in cardiothoracic surgery, heart and lung transplant, and cardiac medical patients
• Typical patient ratio of 1-2 patients per nurse; strong interdisciplinary support including IV teams, respiratory services, pharmacy, and rapid response teams
• Dynamic patient population including CABG, valve repair/replacement, LVAD, heart/lung transplant, thoracic surgery, STEMI, and cardiogenic shock
• Epic charting system with 24 hours of orientation provided
• Magnet-designated facility recognized as a top teaching institution and referral center
• Two pre-approved time-off periods available during assignment

Requirements:

• Active RN license (Wisconsin or Compact state)
• AHA BLS and ACLS certifications required
• Minimum 2 years of acute care CVICU experience within the last 3 years
• Previous travel nursing experience required
• Experience with NextStage CVVH machine required
• Trauma Level I experience required
• Patient ratio experience of 2-3 patients
• Proficiency with Epic charting system required
• Experience in Cardiothoracic Surgery and/or Acuity Adaptable areas preferred
• Must pass telemetry competency exam with strict passing criteria prior to start (80% passing score; 100% accuracy on lethal rhythms and 3rd-degree heart blocks)
• Flu vaccine required (medical/religious exemptions only)
• Must reside 50 miles or more from the facility

Essential Skills:

• Post-cardiac surgery care directly from OR
• CRRT/CVVHD (NxStage system)
• IABP, Impella, LVAD, and ECMO management
• Pulmonary artery line/Swan Ganz monitoring
• Ventilator and advanced airway management
• Titration of cardiac and vasoactive drips
• Arterial line management and CVP monitoring
• Blood product administration and continuous IV sedation/paralytics
• Epicardial pacing wire care and management
• Interpretation of dysrhythmias and ABGs

Unit Details:

This 27-bed private-room unit provides specialized care for cardiothoracic surgery, heart and lung transplant, and complex cardiac medical patients. The nursing team includes 2 Care Team Leader charge nurses, 1 Rapid Response Nurse, and 16 direct care RNs per shift, supported by nursing assistants and unit clerks. The unit maintains a daily census of approximately 26 patients with acuity levels ranging from ICU to general care. Staff frequently manage planned and emergent procedures with robust team support and resources.

Patient Population:

Adults and geriatric patients requiring care for CABG, valve repair/replacement, aneurysm and aortic dissection repair, LVAD, heart and lung transplants, thoracic surgery, STEMI/NSTEMI, cardiogenic shock, heart failure, and arrhythmia management.

Why It's a Great Opportunity:

Join a highly skilled team at a Magnet-designated facility recognized as one of the nation's leading hospitals and teaching institutions. This dynamic CVICU offers exceptional professional development opportunities with exposure to advanced cardiac technologies, complex patient populations, and a collaborative environment supported by comprehensive interdisciplinary resources. You'll deliver expert care combining technological expertise with a positive commitment to meeting patient and family needs in a fast-paced, rewarding specialty environment.