critical access travel nurse jobs

Critical Access

Prepare your travel bags! We’ve picked the best job openings in Critical Access.

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About Critical Access

Critical access, rn.

Start date: October 14, 2024

Start date: October 21, 2024

Morrisville

Start date: September 30, 2024

Start date: October 22, 2024

Start date: October 28, 2024

Top Specialities

Critical Care: In-Demand Specialty for Travel Nursing Jobs

Critical care nurses provide care to patients who are unstable and at serious risk. Some are chronically ill while some are suffering from acute diseases or injuries. Some are post-surgical patients who require diligent monitoring and frequent reassessment.

Patients receiving critical care represent the full range of ages and conditions, starting with neonatal and pediatric and spanning adult and geriatric populations . They can be suffering from neurological or cardiac emergencies and can be transplant recipients, burn victims, or could suffer from any number of illnesses. Because patients can have such diverse care needs, critical care nurses require elevated critical thinking skills combined with a deep knowledge of anatomy, physiology, diseases and conditions. They also require the ability to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation and to use life-saving equipment at a moment’s notice.

Critical care nursing is one of the most in-demand nursing specialties. Intensive care services in the United States continues to expand. Between 2002 and 2009, critical care unit admissions rose three times faster than other types of hospital stays. Additionally, critical care nurses are vulnerable to burnout, and this presents a particular challenge in the face of the national shortage of registered nurses . Hospitals are increasingly turning to travel critical care nurses to help ease the workload and stress for their full-time staff.

RNs can earn up to $2,300 a week as a travel nurse. Speak to a recruiter today!

What is a Critical Care Nurse?

Critical care nurses are the backbone of care units, treating patients with acute injuries and life-threatening conditions. These patients are generally receiving care in the adult, neonatal or pediatric Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the Cardiac Care unit or the Emergency Department. They are often unstable, desperately ill and medically fragile.

These patients require varying types of critical care. In addition to providing highly specific treatment for surgical, pulmonary, psychiatric or trauma-related conditions, critical care nurses also provide comprehensive holistic special care units for the chronically critically ill patients. Critical care nurses must have meticulous patient assessment skills, the ability to respond quickly to an unstable patient’s ever-changing needs, and the compassion to respond to the emotional needs of patients and their family members .

Because their patients are in need of close attention, critical care nurses work with a low nurse-to-patient ratio. They are generally assigned no more than two or three patients at a time. The acute nature of their patients’ needs lends itself to 12-hour shifts, thus minimizing the need for frequent changes in the personnel providing care. These longer shifts provide the nurses the opportunity to get a better understanding of their patients’ conditions , and therefore to spot any sudden changes. Critical care nurses work as part of a team of healthcare professionals who must communicate and respond to both subtle shifts and emergent situations, while still performing basic nursing duties such as monitoring vital signs and administering medication.

Though every hospital has its own criteria for critical care admissions, in most cases the patients that critical care nurses treat are either suffering from or vulnerable to organ failure — often a lung. This means, critical care nurses will usually need experience supporting and monitoring advanced and invasive respiratory interventions.

Critical care nurses will often be caring for patients who have recently been extubated after prolonged intubation, need acute renal replacement therapy, require neurological support , have recently had complex spinal surgery or are suffering burns or major trauma. Critical care nurses need the technical skills necessary to treat these patients, as well as keen observation skills and robust critical thinking abilities. They not only need to communicate with the rest of the care team, but must have the ability to work with patients and their family members to relay information and expectations about their condition.

Critical care nurses are the frontline of care, assessment and evaluations in Intensive Care Units, and their expertise and composure is highly prized by every team with which they work. As a result experienced and knowledgeable critical care travel nurses are in high demand, and welcomed by the facilities to which they are assigned.

Critical Care Nurse Salary and Job Growth Potential

Critical care nursing ranks among the highest paid nursing specialties. According to ZipRecruiter.com , the salary for a critical care nurse in the United States averages $72,541, and recruitment efforts for the position are highly competitive.

According to ZipRecruiter.com, the salary for a critical care nurse in the United States averages $72,541, and recruitment efforts for the position are highly competitive.

Hospitals feeling the pressures of the national nursing shortage combined with the growing need for intensive care professionals offer a wide range of perks and special benefits for qualified and experienced critical care nurses, including onsite childcare, home maid service, and laundry service in addition to the more typical offerings of healthcare and vacation time. Critical care nurses are also able to increase their compensation by volunteering to work overtime and on-call hours.

Top Paying Cities for Critical Care Nurses in 2021

According to ZipRecruiter.com , here are the best paying cities for critical care nurses in 2021:

• Los Angeles, CA: $108,811 per year
• Houston, TX: $81,971 per year
• Atlanta, GA: $77,618 per year
• Dallas, TX: $76,168 per year
• Phoenix, AZ: $76,168 per year

Click here to talk to a recruiter about available critical care travel nursing assignments.

Critical Care Nurse Education Requirements, Certifications and Professional Groups

If your goal is to become a critical care nurse, you need to start with the path that leads to becoming a Registered Nurse. That can mean earning your Associate’s Degree in Nursing or your Bachelor of Science in Nursing and then passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) .

Once you’re licensed the road to working in critical care involves working to get the experience and hands-on training needed to work in his highly specialized area. This usually involves an ICU externship during school or an internship program as a new graduate. If you don’t wish to sign up for a formal program, the best way to get introduced into critical care is through a training program offered by your hospital.

For additional support in pursuing your critical care goals, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) offers access to related certifications and educational modules. These are available in both pediatrics and neonatology as well as in adult acute and critical care. The group can also help with networking and professional development opportunities, including mentors and news.

The Pros and Cons of Being a Critical Care Nurse

Pros of critical care nursing.

• Ability to provide focused care to just one or two patients at a time.
• Being able to see patients go from unstable to stable conditions.
• Working within part of a highly collaborative healthcare team.
• Critical care nurses are highly respected for their high-level observational skills and ability to remain calm and work well under pressure.

Cons of Critical Care Nursing

• Communications with patient families can be emotional and challenging.
• High risk of negative or cynical attitudes towards patients.
• Shifts are commonly 12 hours or longer.
• Intense, high-pressure environment with high patient morbidity.

Nursing as a Critical Care Travel Nurse

The role that critical care nurses play for patients facing life-threatening health conditions cannot be understated. Critical care nurses must be able to think clearly, remain calm and work cohesively with a healthcare team dedicated to stabilizing patients who are medically fragile. These highly-trained professionals will need a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, excellent assessment abilities and strong communication skills. This skillset, once acquired, is highly portable, and can provide much-needed relief to overburdened ICU departments when provided in the form of a travel critical care nurse.

Critical care nurses are invaluable members of the care community and their contributions are particularly valued when facilities invite travel critical care nurse professionals to fill openings within their department, or to provide much-needed relief for existing staff.

In addition to the gratification of knowing that your skills and availability are providing much-needed relief to a vital area of a facility, being a critical care travel nurse affords the opportunity to visit exciting places and make new friends while earning competitive compensation with tax-advantaged benefits and perks.

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Travel ICU Nurse jobs

Make a difference as an icu travel nurse.

It's no surprise you have a knack for helping those around you. It's likely why you got into nursing in the first place! You’re all about listening to your patients, but are you ready to listen to that inner voice telling you to travel? Travel nursing has its perks. You get to do a job you love, feel fulfilled at each day's end, explore new cities and spaces, and of course, make some pretty great cash. Travel nursing is a job for the kind-hearted, adventure seekers out there who live to care for others around the clock because people do not fall ill on a schedule, as much as that would make things easier.

Live and work in the location of your dreams and get paid to do it. As a travel nurse, you choose your specialty and your next adventure. It's not science (for once).

Interested in traveling as an ICU RN? Browse travel ICU nurse jobs at outstanding facilities across the country and find your fit.

What is an ICU travel nurse?

ICU nurses possess extensive knowledge and critical care skills to ensure patient safety and enhance outcomes. The education and experience required from ICU RNs is extensive, as they are expected to adeptly handle various life-threatening conditions such as respiratory failure, shock, cardiac arrest, and cardiac dysrhythmias.

You can find ICU travel nursing jobs in a variety of healthcare facilities including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and home healthcare. Working in an intensive care unit requires critical care nurses to be knowledgeable and proficient in the most advanced medical technologies and treatments. They also have to be able to work seamlessly with other healthcare team members and be proficient in high-level care and emotional support to critically ill patients.

Typical ICU nurse responsibilities:

Provide intensive care to patients in intensive care units, including monitoring vital signs, performing routine medical treatments, administering medication, and responding to emergency situations

Perform assessments and develop individualized care plans for each patient

Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure proper care of patients

Keep accurate patient medical records and document patient progress

Educate patients and their families about healthcare management and treatments

Communicate changes in patient condition to physicians

Participate in research activities to improve patient care outcomes

Choose where you go

With opportunities for travelers all over the country, we’ve selected areas with the most popular medical traveling jobs to help you find your best fit.

Advantages & perks for travel ICU nurse jobs

Competitive pay

Travel nurses are the backbone of medical traveling. Pay transparency means you can see what you'll actually get paid before you even apply.

Certifications

Level-up, ICU nurse. Get your state licenses and travel nurse requirements reimbursed.

Travel nurses qualify for a weekly, tax-free per diem that can help you cover the cost of moving, like your transportation, meals, and other expenses.

Travel life

See new spaces. See new faces. Grow and learn in your nursing career as you grow and learn in various cities all over the country.

Travel nursing compliance & licensure

Being an ICU travel nurse is a great way to grow your experience and learn on the job. What if your dream travel assignment is asking for certifications you don’t have? Don’t sweat. You’ll get training in nursing and financial assistance for the cost of licensing and certifications!

Degrees & certifications

Keeping up with the world of licensing and certification can be intimidating. Degrees and certifications depend on your modality and specialty but getting compliant for your home state and others through the nurse licensure compact makes it easier to travel as a medical professional. Compliance experts work with your recruiter and the facility to ensure that you have all the relevant credentials required for any and all travel jobs.

Compliance requirements

Some of your compliance requirements are the same across the board, but there are others that will depend on your specialty in nursing.

The three parts of compliance

Occupational health records: Required immunizations and health examinations

Documentation: Tax forms, insurance paperwork, and licenses

Testing: Certifications, online training, and workplace safety exams

What is the average ICU travel nurse salary?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median average salary for RNs in the U.S. is around $77,600 per year. However, the average ICU travel nurse salary can be higher, depending on the nurse's level of experience, geographic location, and medical facility.

Who can become an ICU travel nurse?

Experienced ICU nurses with two years of hospital-based RN experience in the intensive care unit can apply for ICU travel nurse jobs. Depending on the specialty or the specific requirements of the facility, the required job experience could be longer.

What's the difference between an ICU nurse and critical care nurse?

A critical care nurse is a registered nurse who provides care and monitoring for acute or critically ill patients in specialized units, such as intensive care units. An ICU nurse has a similar role, but their focus is on the provision of comprehensive and continuous care to severely ill patients. Ultimately, the difference between critical care nurses and ICU RNs lies in their level of training and experience in providing specialized treatment and care to patients most in need.

Are there any common ICU travel nursing certifications I should consider?

Yes! As an ICU nurse, you may choose to pursue certifications in nursing specialties to enhance your knowledge and professional development. The most commonly required certifications are Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN), Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN), and Basic Life Support (BLS).

While not usually required by healthcare employers for intensive care unit positions, registered nurses can pursue additional certifications such as Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC), Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing (RNC-NIC)., Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

What type of travel nursing jobs make the most money?

Typically, the most in-demand travel nursing jobs are those that require highly specialized training, knowledge, and experience. This includes positions in the Cardiac Cath Lab, ICUs, Emergency Rooms, and Operating Rooms. Fusion Medical Staffing provides weekly pay estimates for most travel nursing jobs we have available which include the combined hourly pay and available stipend amounts for housing, travel, and per diem.

Do travel nurse jobs offer benefits?

Fusion offers a comprehensive benefits package with three Medical plans to choose from, one PPO plan and two High Deductible Plans, as well as Dental, Vision, Basic Life, and Short-Term Disability. If traveling to the state of Hawaii, Hawaii has its own mandated coverage and you will be offered that coverage at that time. If you were previously on the BCBS Nebraska Medical coverage and/or the Ameritas Dental and Vision, this coverage will be terminated when moving to Hawaii for an assignment.

Will taking an ICU travel nurse job help my nursing career?

Taking ICU travel nursing jobs is beneficial because it exposes you to different regional nursing procedures and patient populations, provide the opportunity to explore new specialties, and gain experience learning a new clinical environment quickly.

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ICU Nurse Jobs

Find high-paying ICU nurse jobs nationwide with Aya Healthcare and take your ICU RN career to the next level. Apply now.

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Brittany R., Healthcare Professional

Access ICU Nursing Jobs Nationwide

Aya Healthcare is the largest healthcare staffing agency in the nation. Over the years, we’ve helped tens of thousands of nurses find their ideal ICU nursing jobs, and we’d love to help you, too! Are you looking for ICU travel nurse jobs? Or perhaps permanent or per diem ICU nurse jobs near you? Whatever you’re looking for, Aya Healthcare has ICU nurse job openings for your next career step.

First time searching for ICU nursing jobs with Aya? Don’t sweat it! Our extensive team of recruiting, credentialing, staffing, payroll, clinical and clinician experience experts is the best in the industry. We’re happy to answer your questions and help you as you find the perfect ICU nurse job.

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I can't say enough about the company or my recruiter! The application process is organized and transparent. They provide clear instructions for every step of the process. The level of communication is excellent. Rafik M. ICU RN

What ICU travel nurse jobs are available?

Take your skills on the road, develop your talents and gain vital experience while meeting new people, exploring new places and making a positive impact across the nation.

Aya Healthcare offers ICU travel nursing jobs nationwide — including exclusive assignments only available for Aya Healthcare travelers. As an ICU travel nurse, you’ll gain access to the largest job database in the industry, travel resources and your very own team of recruiting, credentialing, payroll and travel experience experts to assist you anytime you need.

Finding ICU travel nursing jobs with Aya Healthcare is super easy, too! Just complete your profile, then search for ICU nurse job openings and express interest with just one click. Plus, you can use filters to set specific parameters, then save your search and receive alerts when matching jobs become available. From there, we’ll help you land a job you’re interested in. Our team can even help expedite the licensing process and streamline all compliance requirements, making sure you’re ready to start on time.

Aya Healthcare also offers an array of benefits for ICU travel nurse jobs, including a 401(k) plan (once eligible), competitive ICU travel nurse salary, insurance options, free CEUs and more. We’ll even send you pizza if you’re working on your birthday. So, what are you waiting for? Sign up with Aya and start searching for ICU travel nursing jobs today!

How can I find permanent ICU jobs?

Settle down without settling with a permanent position at a leading hospital or healthcare organization.

Aya Healthcare is more than an agency for travel nurses. As the largest healthcare staffing agency, we have strong, established relationships with the top hospitals and healthcare organizations nationwide. If you’re ready to put down roots somewhere, our team of industry-leading recruiters can help you find permanent ICU nurse jobs near you and help you secure an offer faster than if you did it yourself.

Finding jobs on intensive care nursing units is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Just complete your profile and application, filter your search for permanent positions and once you click “I’m Interested” a recruiter will contact you to discuss your ideal position. Your recruiter will assist you through the entire recruitment process, from coordinating interviews for permanent ICU nurse jobs near you to helping you prepare for your first day on the job. As your #1 fan, your recruiter will support, advocate and assist you with anything you need.

Aya Healthcare’s recruitment team is the most experienced in the industry. Here are just a few things they can do to help as you search for permanent ICU nursing jobs near you:

• Prepare you for interviews.
• Provide resume advice to perfectly capture your professional experience.
• Work with the facility hiring teams to ensure your application is their #1 priority.
• Gather immediate interview feedback.
• Facilitate salary negotiation.
• Secure offer decisions.

Ready to find your next job as an intensive care nurse? Meet with a recruiter and start your journey today!

What per diem ICU nurse jobs are available?

Take control of your career with per diem opportunities that enable you to work when and where you want, improve your professional skills, supplement your income and more!

Aya empowers ICU nurses to take control of their careers with front-of-the-line access to per diem ICU nurse jobs — including exclusive ICU PRN jobs only available through Aya Healthcare. If flexible work hours and weekly paychecks sound like your cup of tea, then sign up today to find ICU nurse positions near you.

To get started with per diem, complete your profile and search for ICU nurse job openings near you. You can express interest in a job with just one click, and our team will take care of the rest — keeping you updated on any compliance or credentialing requirements. We’ll even schedule mandatory labs or orientation meetings before your first day on the job.

With Aya Healthcare, you can work as many per diem shifts as you want. You can even add extra shifts during a travel assignment and manage your per diem schedule through our mobile app, Shifts. We also offer a variety of perks, including competitive pay, weekly payments every Friday, a 401(k) plan and accrued sick time.

Sign up today to find ICU nurse jobs near you!

What Factors Can Influence A Permanent ICU Nurse Salary?

ICU travel nurse salary, per diem ICU nurse salary and permanent ICU nurse salary all differ and often vary from state to state and even from facility to facility. At Aya Healthcare, we understand you’re a hard-working intensive care nurse who wants to optimize your pay. That’s why we strive to offer ICU nursing jobs with the most competitive rates in the industry.

When looking at ICU nurse job openings, it’s also important to consider the benefits offered in addition to your weekly pay. Aya Healthcare offers myriad benefits for different contracts, and facilities offer their own unique benefits for permanent ICU nursing jobs. Knowing the benefits a position provides can help you make an informed decision as to whether or not you would like to apply for it.

Additionally, top-paying regions frequently change. Because you choose where to work with Aya Healthcare, you can keep yourself updated on the highest paying regions and express interest for positions that offer a competitive ICU nurse salary.

Ready to find ICU nurse jobs that match your personal and professional goals?

Browse ICU nursing jobs, view pay and facility information and express interest with just one click.

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Critical Care

Travel critical care nurse jobs.

Nomad Health works with Critical Care travel nurses all over the country to help them find high-paying jobs. Critical Care travel jobs at Nomad come with fully loaded travel benefits including medical, dental, vision, and malpractice insurance on top of a 401(k) with employer matching. Nomad also offers reimbursements for scrubs, licenses, certifications, and up to $1,000 for travel to your assignment. Browse Nomad’s full list of Critical Care travel nurse jobs below to start the next journey in your career.

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Critical Care Travel Nurse Jobs FAQs

Are critical care travel nurses in high demand, is it hard to get a critical care nurse travel job, how do i apply for a critical care travel nurse job.

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Travel assignments with Fastaff range from as little as 10 days up to 13 weeks, allowing you to balance family, travel and your career.

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“ When making the decision to travel as a nurse back in 2017, Fastaff has been the only company I have used. It has been the best decision I have made. I have been very satisfied with my pay, housing, travel, and assignments. All these things made possible to a great company, great staff and my awesome Fastaff recruiter. ”

“ Excellent and transparent pay. Fastaff is consistently competitive with their rates and my recruiter keeps me working quickly with no runaround. ”

“ By far one of the best travel agencies I have worked with. I have been traveling for 3 years and Fastaff got me a contract and answers to whatever questions or concerns I had in a timely manner. My recruiter was amazing and definitely an advocate for me. They’re transparent and great to work with, you won’t regret it! ”

“ They take care of their nurses, build trusting relationships, and provide highly effective communication. My recruiter takes great care of me, and I highly recommend him to my fellow travelers--Looking forward to yet another assignment with Fastaff! ”

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