Location: Bakersfield, CA

Start Date: 01-20-2026

End Date: 04-21-2026

Contract Type: Travel Contract

Shift Type: Nights, 12-hour shifts (exact start/end times not specified in posting), every-other-weekend (EOW) or equivalent (4 weekend shifts in a 4-week schedule), guaranteed 36 hours per week, travelers are first to float

Hours per Week: 36

Candidate Pay Rate: $84 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

• Deliver high-quality critical care nursing for ICU and ICU-CV Recovery patients, including management of respiratory failure, sepsis, ARDS, AMI, post-CABG and post-TAVR care
• Monitor and interpret telemetry and EKG strips, taking ownership of your patients' cardiac monitoring
• Manage ventilators in collaboration with respiratory therapy and titrate vasoactive drips safely
• Administer conscious sedation and participate in procedural sedation protocols when required
• Participate actively in multidisciplinary rounds to coordinate patient care and optimize outcomes
• Float to MedSurg/Tele units as needed and provide flexible coverage across towers
• Respond to rapid responses and assist as charge nurse responsibilities arise

Qualifications

• Active RN license (California) required
• Minimum 2 years of ICU or critical care experience; no first-time travelers
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications required
• NIHSS certification required
• Experience with Cerner EMR required
• Comfort with telemetry (Spacelabs), EKG interpretation, ventilator management, and vasoactive drips
• Willingness to float and work nights including every-other-weekend scheduling

Education

• Active RN license in California
• BSN not required (associate degree or diploma acceptable)

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong EKG interpretation and telemetry monitoring skills
• Critical care nursing fundamentals including ventilator management and vasoactive medication titration
• Familiarity with Cerner charting and Omnicell medication systems
• Ability to work in 1:1 and 1:2 nursing ratios and manage complex post-operative cardiac and neuro patients
• Experience with pager/call light systems and collaboration with 24/7 RT and pharmacy resources
• Procedural sedation and STEMI curriculum knowledge are a plus
• Exposure to advanced modalities such as IABP, CRRT, and ICP is helpful but not required

Benefits

• Generous travel support and housing stipend options to make your assignment comfortable
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family protected
• Licensure assistance and reimbursement so paperwork is one less thing to worry about
• Paid time off to recharge between shifts and assignments
• Travel reimbursement to cover your commute and relocation expenses
• Referral bonus program — bring a colleague and earn rewards
• A supportive team environment where your critical care skills are valued and celebrated
• 401(k) retirement savings guidance and resources to help plan for the future

Travel Perks: Explore Bakersfield, CA

Explore Bakersfield and nearby outdoor destinations on your off time. Catch a live show or grab local eats at downtown attractions like the Buck Owens' Crystal Palace and Rabobank Arena. Enjoy riverside walks and trails along the Kern River Parkway, visit the Bakersfield Museum of Art and the California Living Museum for a relaxed day, or plan weekend trips to Sequoia National Park for hiking and giant trees or to Los Angeles for city and beach experiences within a couple hours' drive.

Hashtags

#RegisteredNurseJobs #RNJobs #ICUJobs #BakersfieldCAJobs #HealthcareJobs #TravelNurse #CriticalCareRN #CernerJobs #UHCCareers #NurseLife