ICU travel nurse

What agencies ask for

Experience

Most hospitals want at least 2 years of recent ICU experience; CVICU, neuro and trauma ICUs often want it in that subspecialty.

Required on most contracts

BLS and ACLS

Often preferred

CCRN and NIHSS (neuro and stroke units)

Also expect

A skills checklist and references from your recent ICU managers, and a license for the state (or a multistate license where it applies).

Ratios and floating

California minimum: 1 nurse to 2 patients (1:1 when a patient's condition requires it). Title 22 §70217

Traveler reports on ICU ratios and floating appear here once a hospital's ICU has 3 reports. Report a unit you worked on.

What ICU travelers were offered

No ICU offers shared yet. Pay is published as medians once 3 travelers have shared.

Ask before you sign

1. Is this a closed unit with intensivists, or open?
2. Will I take CRRT, Impella, ECMO or fresh hearts, and is that in my skills checklist?
3. How often do travelers float, and to which units? Is floating limited to units like this one?
4. What's the usual ratio on days and on nights, and who covers breaks?
5. How many orientation shifts do travelers get, and are they paid?
6. Which charting system does the unit use?

Questions

What experience do you need to be a ICU travel nurse?

Most hospitals want at least 2 years of recent ICU experience; CVICU, neuro and trauma ICUs often want it in that subspecialty. Requirements are set by each hospital, so check the job post.

What certifications do ICU travel nurses need?

Most ICU contracts require BLS and ACLS, and many prefer CCRN and NIHSS (neuro and stroke units). Bring current cards: agencies verify them before submitting you.

What is the nurse-to-patient ratio for ICU?

Only California sets ratios in law: 1 nurse to 2 patients (1:1 when a patient's condition requires it) (Title 22 CCR §70217). Elsewhere it's hospital policy, so ask on the interview.