Location: Santa Maria, CA

Start Date: 01-05-2026

End Date: 04-06-2026

Contract Type: Travel Contract

Shift Type: Nights, 12-hour shifts, 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM; every-other-weekend (EOW) rotation; self-scheduling used but not guaranteed; typical schedule aligns with a 36 hours/week guarantee

Hours per Week: 36

Candidate Pay Rate: $74 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, compassionate critical care to adult ICU patients, including neuro trauma and post-op cardiac patients
• Manage mechanical ventilation using Puritan Bennett 840 ventilators and perform ventilator assessments
• Safely titrate vasoactive drips (norepinephrine, epinephrine, vasopressin, etc.) and manage complex drip regimens
• Interpret telemetry strips and monitor hemodynamic status, collaborating closely with the intensivist team
• Perform and manage CRRT and other advanced supportive therapies as required
• Step into a charge role when assigned — coordinate unit workflow and ensure patient safety (charge nurses do not carry patient assignments)
• Communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams including RT, pharmacy, and monitor techs to optimize patient outcomes
• Follow Cerner documentation standards to maintain accurate, timely patient records

Qualifications

• Active RN license in California (compact licensure may be considered if applicable)
• Minimum 2 years of ICU/critical care nursing experience required
• Current ACLS and BLS certifications required; NIHSS required
• COVID vaccination required
• Demonstrated experience with mechanical ventilation and Puritan Bennett 840 preferred
• Experience with telemetry interpretation, vasopressors, CRRT, and drip management
• Prior travel nurse experience is preferred
• Comfort working in a fast-paced trauma level 3 ICU with 1:1–1:2 ratios

Education

• ADN or BSN in Nursing (BSN preferred but not required)
• Current/basic certifications as listed (ACLS, BLS, NIHSS)

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong critical thinking and rapid assessment skills in high-acuity settings
• Proficiency with Cerner electronic medical records
• Mechanical ventilation management and ventilator troubleshooting
• Telemetry monitoring and rhythm interpretation
• Safe administration and titration of vasoactive medications
• Ability to collaborate with intensivists, respiratory therapy, and pharmacy 24/7
• Adaptability to float to adult general (AG) areas as needed
• Professional communication and leadership when serving as charge nurse

Benefits

• Generous housing stipend and travel reimbursement to help you settle in quickly
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy
• 401(k) retirement savings options so you can plan for the future
• Life insurance and disability protections for peace of mind
• Paid time off to recharge between assignments
• Licensure assistance and reimbursement to simplify state requirements
• Referral bonus program — bring a friend and earn rewards
• A collaborative, experienced ICU team and 24/7 intensivist support

Travel Perks: Explore Santa Maria, CA

Santa Maria is a delightful Central Coast hub — think rolling vineyards, Santa Maria-style barbecue, and easy access to Pismo Beach and the sand dunes for weekend escapes. Explore nearby Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley wine country, take a day trip to historic Santa Barbara or San Luis Obispo, enjoy hiking in Los Padres National Forest, or relax at local beaches and parks. Plenty of dining, outdoor recreation, and coastal scenery make this a great place to recharge between shifts.

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#RegisteredNurseJobs #RNJobsSantaMaria #ICUNurse #CriticalCareNursing #TravelNurse #HealthcareJobs #UHCCareers #NursingJobsCA #TelemetryNurse #VentilatorManagement