Job Opportunity – Registered Nurse (RN) – Neuroscience ICU – Wisconsin
Start Date: October 26, 2026
Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Compensation: Details provided to qualified applicants
Schedule: Day/Night shifts available, 8 or 12-hour shifts (0700-1930 and 1900-0730), every other weekend, some holidays. 4x12 schedules and Friday-Sunday blocks accepted.
Highlights:
- 18-bed Neuroscience ICU at a Magnet-designated Comprehensive Stroke Center ranked #1 in Wisconsin
- 2:1 patient ratio across all shifts providing quality patient care in a critical care environment
- Specialized care for stroke, traumatic brain injury, post-neurosurgery, spinal cord injury, and complex neuro diagnoses
- Epic EMR system with advanced monitoring including EVD, lumbar drains, and CereLink monitoring
- Comprehensive interdisciplinary support including respiratory services, rapid response teams, pharmacy, and physical therapy
- Travel assignment with ICU and Intermediate Care (IMC) patient population exposure
Requirements:
- Active RN license (Wisconsin or Compact state)
- Minimum 2 years of acute care experience within the last 3 years in specialty area
- ICU experience required; neurosurgery experience strongly preferred
- Previous travel nursing experience required
- BLS and ACLS certifications (American Heart Association only)
- Epic charting system experience required
- Basic arrhythmia interpretation experience; must pass telemetry exam prior to start (80% passing score with specific competency requirements)
- Experience with ICP monitoring or ventricular drains required
- Trauma Level I experience preferred
- Must be willing to float as needed and work with both ICU and IMC patient populations
- Must reside 50 miles or more from the facility
Clinical Skills & Competencies:
- Ventilator management and care of ventilated patients
- Hemodynamic monitoring including arterial lines, central lines, and FloTrac/Vigileo
- External ventricular drains (EVD), ICP monitoring, and lumbar drains
- Post-craniotomy and post-neurosurgery management
- CVA/acute stroke management, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury care
- Titration of vasoactive and cardiac drips, continuous IV sedation and paralytics
- Blood product administration, IV insulin protocols, and emergency medications
- Dysrhythmia interpretation and management
- Hypothermia protocol/Arctic Sun, BiPAP/CPAP, and High Flow Nasal Cannula management
- Arterial blood gas interpretation and procedural sedation monitoring
Patient Population:
- Adults and geriatric patients with complex neurological conditions
- Ischemic stroke (post-thrombectomy and lysis), subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral hemorrhage
- Status epilepticus
- Post-operative neurosurgery patients (brain tumor resection, aneurysm clipping and coiling)
- Traumatic brain injury and spinal cord injury
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
Join a team of exceptional nurses at a nationally recognized, Magnet-designated teaching facility that serves as Wisconsin's premier hospital and referral center. This Neuroscience ICU offers the opportunity to work alongside nationally certified physicians and a collaborative interdisciplinary team in a Comprehensive Stroke Center environment. Bring your passion for critical care and advanced neuro nursing to a supportive unit with strong leadership that values nurse-driven collaboration, specialized clinical skills, and professional growth.
Additional Information:
- Flu vaccine required (medical/religious exemptions only)
- COVID-19 vaccine not required
- Pre-start telemetry competency testing required with strict passing criteria
- Parking permit or alternative transportation arrangements needed