Location: Des Moines, IA

Start Date: 09-02-2026

End Date: 10-05-2026

Contract Type: Travel Contract

Shift Type: Night shift, 7:00 PM - 7:30 AM; rotating nights with EOW/EOH (every other weekend / every other holiday)

Hours per Week: 38

Candidate Pay Rate: $64 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 high-quality, patient-centered critical care in the ICU, monitoring and responding to changes in condition
• Administer medications, titrate drips and manage ventilators and advanced life support with precision
• Perform comprehensive assessments and maintain accurate, timely documentation in the medical record
• Collaborate closely with physicians, respiratory therapists and interdisciplinary team members to optimize outcomes
• Lead emergency responses and participate in critical event management when seconds matter
• Educate patients and families about diagnoses, treatments and post-discharge care to support recovery
• Participate in unit-based quality improvement, safety initiatives and evidence-based practice changes
• Complete mandatory competency testing and skills checklists to maintain clinical excellence

Qualifications

• Current, active Registered Nurse license (ability to verify licensure required)
• BLS and ACLS certifications required
• TNCC and NIHSS certifications required
• Experience in ICU / critical care nursing (critical care focus listed in the role)
• Completion of Trinity Specialty Specific Competency Testing and Trinity Skills Checklist as part of onboarding
• Ability to pass License/Certificate Verification, background checks and required screenings
• Must meet health requirements: Fit Test, Trinity 10 Panel Drug Screen, Tdap, COVID-19 vaccine, MMR, Hepatitis B, Influenza vaccine, 2-step PPD or IGRA and Varicella, plus a physical/health statement

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong critical thinking and clinical assessment skills for unstable patients
• Proficiency with ventilator management, hemodynamic monitoring and infusion pump therapy
• Experience with cardiac monitoring, vasoactive drips and advanced life support
• Clear, compassionate communication with patients, families and interdisciplinary teams
• Skilled documentation and familiarity with electronic health record systems
• Ability to function well in high-acuity, fast-paced environments and during emergency events

Benefits

• Generous housing stipend and travel reimbursement to make your contract easy and comfortable
• Licensure assistance and reimbursement so you can focus on care, not paperwork
• Comprehensive medical, dental & vision coverage options
• Paid time off to recharge between assignments
• 401K retirement savings plan and life insurance options
• Supportive team culture that values your expertise and work-life balance
• Professional development and CE opportunities to keep your skills sharp
• Referral bonus program to reward you for helping grow the team

Travel Perks: Explore Des Moines, IA

Des Moines blends Midwestern charm with a lively urban scene. Explore the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the scenic Des Moines Riverwalk, catch a show or museum at the Des Moines Art Center, and enjoy the farmers market downtown (seasonal). Foodies and brewery fans will appreciate local breweries and eclectic dining in the East Village. For easy weekend getaways, Ames and Iowa City are a short drive away, and outdoor lovers can visit nearby parks and trails for hiking and birdwatching.

Hashtags

#RNJobs #RNICU #DesMoinesIAJobs #HealthcareJobs #UHCCareers #CriticalCareNurse #TravelNursing #ICUJobs #NursingOpportunities