Location: Santa Cruz, CA

Start Date: 01-05-2026

End Date: 04-06-2026

Contract Type: Travel Contract

Shift Type: 12-hour nights, 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM, rotating nights with every-other-weekend requirement (Fri-Sat-Sun), holiday and on-call responsibilities; first-to-float expectation

Hours per Week: 36

Candidate Pay Rate: $80 per hour

About United Health Care Staffing

At United Health Care Staffing (UHC Staffing), we believe healthcare staffing should be more than just finding a job. We are here to connect amazing professionals with opportunities that make their careers exciting, rewarding, and meaningful. With us, you're not just signing up for a contract you are joining a team that's got your back, answers your calls, and maybe even cracks a joke or two to brighten your day. Think of us as the travel buddy who handles the logistics while you focus on what you do best helping people heal.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Provide expert post-operative care for immediate cardiac surgery recovery patients, including valve replacements and CABG
• Manage complex hemodynamic monitoring and support advanced cardiac devices when needed
• Collaborate closely with the cardiothoracic surgeon and CTS PA to deliver coordinated, high-quality care
• Document patient care accurately and efficiently using Cerner
• Serve as first-to-float when required, supporting other units while maintaining CVICU standards
• Participate in on-call and standby rotations and cover holiday requirements as scheduled
• Support patient- and family-centered care through clear communication, education, and compassionate bedside care

Qualifications

• Active RN license (required) and ability to submit license for assignment
• Minimum 2 years of relevant critical care/CVICU experience
• Current ACLS and BLS certifications required; NIHSS required
• COVID vaccination requirement (per facility policy)
• Proficiency in immediate post-op cardiac surgery recovery; recent experience preferred
• Willingness to complete a proctored CVICU exam and participate in a manager interview via Zoom prior to offer

Education

• Active RN license required
• BSN not required

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong critical care nursing skills and familiarity with cardiac surgery recovery protocols
• Experience with Cerner electronic medical record documentation
• Basic familiarity with IABP, CRRT, and ECMO is a plus
• Ability to manage ventilators, titrate vasoactive drips, and interpret hemodynamic data
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and triage/prioritization skills in a fast-paced ICU

Benefits

• Competitive travel assignment perks including travel reimbursement and housing stipend assistance
• Guaranteed 36 hours per week for this assignment
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage options to keep you healthy
• Licensure assistance and certification reimbursement to support your career
• Paid orientation and onboarding (12 orientation hours; 3 orientation shifts)
• Referral bonus program and opportunities for extended assignments
• Supportive team environment with access to specialists (cardiothoracic surgeon and CTS PA)
• 401(k) and other retirement planning resources available through agency benefit programs

Travel Perks: Explore Santa Cruz, CA

Explore Santa Cruz between shifts: stroll the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, catch a surf session at Steamer Lane, hike among towering redwoods at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, wander downtown Pacific Avenue for cafes and shops, or take a short scenic drive to Monterey and the Monterey Bay Aquarium for a weekend escape.

Hashtags

#RegisteredNurseJobs #CVICU #SantaCruzCAJobs #TravelNurse #CriticalCareNursing #CardiacICU #Cerner #HealthcareJobs #NurseLife #UHCCareers