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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.

Employment Types For ICU RNs

Featured nationwide icu rn jobs.

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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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ICU TRAVEL NURSE JOBS FOR YOU

Featured jobs.

Already have a Host Healthcare profile? Log In to view all job details

• RN 12 Weeks Nights Estimated Total Pay $3,185.29 - $3,364.08 /wk*

*Includes estimated wage of $38.88 - $45.88/hr and non-taxable benefits if eligible

• RN 13 Weeks Nights Estimated Total Pay $2,649.06 - $2,827.85 /wk*

*Includes estimated wage of $29.94 - $36.94/hr and non-taxable benefits if eligible

• RN 13 Weeks Days Estimated Total Pay $2,613.54 - $2,792.33 /wk*

*Includes estimated wage of $32.26 - $39.26/hr and non-taxable benefits if eligible

• RN 13 Weeks Nights Estimated Total Pay $2,583.51 - $2,762.30 /wk*

*Includes estimated wage of $32.20 - $39.20/hr and non-taxable benefits if eligible

• RN 13 Weeks Days Estimated Total Pay $2,534.43 - $2,687.45 /wk*

*Includes estimated wage of $18.51 - $25.51/hr and non-taxable benefits if eligible

Become an ICU Travel Nurse with Host Healthcare

As an ICU travel nurse, you’re dedicated to making a real difference in patients’ lives, and we understand the challenges that come with this incredibly rewarding role as traveling nurse . That’s why Host Healthcare is here to support you every step of the way during your travel assignment , providing you with the tools and resources you need to grow and thrive in your nursing career.

Your Dream ICU Travel Nurse Job

With access to exclusive travel nurse job opportunities at top healthcare facilities and hospitals across the US, our responsive recruiters are dedicated to helping you find the perfect ICU nursing job that aligns with your experience and preferences. We know that your work as an ICU nurse can be both physically and emotionally demanding, which is why we offer our ICU travel nurses the best benefits in the industry, including day-one health benefits, competitive travel nurse salary , and customized housing assistance. At Host Healthcare, we focus on having your back throughout your entire travel assignment experience so you can focus on delivering exceptional patient care.

Empowering our Travel ICU Nurses to Reach Their Full Potential

We believe that when we support you as an ICU nurse, you can provide the best possible care to your patients. That’s why we offer our ICU nurses access to exclusive jobs across the country, free CEUs, day-1 health benefits, and other valuable resources to support you during your travel nursing career.

Check out our exclusive ICU Nurse jobs and get ready to embark on your travel nursing journey with Host Healthcare. Our responsive recruiters are here to help you take your nursing career to new heights.

Recruiters You’ll Love

Humble brag alert: Our recruiters have the best reviews in the business. Don’t believe us? See for yourself.

The #1 .cls-1{fill:#9ce7a7;stroke-width:0px;} Rated Travel Nursing Agency

Check out these reviews from real host healthcare travelers..

Host Healthcare is amazing! Best travel co out there! Amanda is the recruiter I have & she is wonderful. She is there from the beginning. From searching for the perfect assignment throughout completion of a contract - Amanda is there for me! Host Healthcare treats their nurses so well

Amanda Goad is the most amazing recruiter I have worked with. She is the most responsive and go-getter. She is in constant contact with you or hospitals to get you offers and/or advocating for you. She is super motivated and helpful. If you have the opportunity to use her, you will not regret it.

Needed to move across country to be next to my partner, but blindly jumping into a full time job for a hospital system I was not familiar with was out of the question. Host Healthcare (Natalie G specifically) stood by me and helped me fulfill my absurdly specific requests. I was a first time time traveler and I couldn't have made it without the support I received!

Just finished my first contract with Host Healthcare (fifth overall) and they were amazing! Specifically my recruiter Jenny Berroth. Jenny was so helpful and easy to communicate with. I had a couple issues come up and Jenny was all over them and took care of everything so I could just concentrate on being a nurse, while she handled the rest. I can’t recommend Host and Jenny enough! You have to give Host and Jenny a try, you’ll be glad you did!

ICU Travel Nursing Jobs

Find local icu nursing jobs nearby and in destinations all over the united states ..

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ICU RN Travel Nursing Guide

Caring for the most severely ill patients in a hospital is a very important and challenging role. Demand for ICU Nurses and other healthcare professionals is constant throughout the US. Facilities are in great need and we’re working to help fulfill that need. There are many well-paying ICU travel nursing jobs in exciting locations nationwide and we can help you get there. If you’re an ICU RN or work another ICU-related role we’d love to work with you.

ICU Travel Nursing Careers

A career in ICU travel nursing is a rewarding one. ICU RNs earn a higher average salary then several other nursing specialties. With that being said, the job is highly demanding, but the variety of locations and facilities can help keep you fresh and motivated. It’s also a great way to sharpen your skills, gain crucial experience, and improve your resume. Nurse Burnout is a real thing, especially with ICU/CCU nursing.

Intensive care units offer patient care for a hospital’s most severely ill patient population. ICUs are sometimes also referred to as the critical care unit (CCU). To succeed working in the ICU you must be incredibly compassionate. Being a great team player is also important. The attention to detail tomonitor and assess patients at a high level is also required.

ICU nurses typically have fewer patients at a time than nurses in other units because of the need to constantly monitor and assess their critically ill patients. They work with the ICU team to provide critical care.

This includes ensuring that patients receive all medication, fluids, and treatments as directed. They’re also responsible for constantly monitoring their patients’ vitals. These vitals include blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate so any changes in condition can be detected quickly.

ICU Nurses also play an important role in providing physical and emotional comfort to patients and ensuring all routine needs are met. The ICU team’s ultimate goal is to stabilize their patients. Hopefully each patient will be transferred on to another non-critical hospital unit for continuing care.

Who Works in the ICU?

A variety of healthcare professionals work in the intensive care unit in order to serve the diversity of patients and conditions that visit the ICU. Intensive care unit team members can include ICU RNs, respiratory therapists, nursing assistants, and physicians/intensivists. Other ICU specialists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and administrative staff may also be included by definition.

Who’s Treated in the ICU?

Patients can be in the intensive care unit for a variety of reasons. The bottom line is that they’re critically ill, medically unstable, and require continuous medical care. Patients commonly may be recovering from a complicated surgery or life-threatening trauma. For example, brain surgery or open-heart surgery, head trauma/severe brain injury, or an aneurysm. A patient may also need breathing support, be in a coma, or require a very specific type of monitoring.

How Much Do ICU RNs Make?

ICU Travel Nurse salaries are among some of the highest for Registered Nurses. ICU RNs earn a great salary and hourly rate just about everywhere. There are a few states that stand out as being opportunities for higher earning potential. The highest paying stats for ICU RNs include New York, New Hampshire, Vermont, Wyoming, Maine, Massachusetts, Washington, and Pennsylvania. Most contracts are 13 weeks in length which allows travel nurses to break their work year into about 4 travel nursing assignments.

According to several sources* ICU RNs earn an average of $95,000 per year. The median salary for ICU RNs is closer to $77,000/yr. With that being said, great opportunities exist for ICU RNs in travel nursing. If you live in a city, state, or region that averages salaries that are lower on the spectrum, travel nursing potentially offers higher pay.

*Sources include ZipRecruiter, Indeed, and Glassdoor

Cost of living is often higher in areas with higher average salaries for ICU RNs. With that being said, paid housing and other travel nursing perks are able to offset the increased cost of living, allowing you to increase your earning potential. ICU RNs are in extremely high demand so travel nursing opportunities for ICU RNs often have even higher pay rates with great overtime rates as well.

How To Start Travel Nursing

Take your career to the next level. As an RN you can work anywhere in the country. Turn your career into a working vacation with Medical Solutions. As you take the next steps to becoming a travel RN we’ll guide you through the whole process. We offer rewarding travel ICU RN jobs with great facilities across the country.

You’ll work directly with a Recruiter who will help you apply to available positions based on your personal and professional preferences. To start apply below, then we’ll be in contact. You’ll get the opportunity to tell us where you want to go as a travel nurse and which shift is ideal.

So, are you ready to travel? Get started today to find flexible critical care nurse jobs today.

Quick ICU Facts

• ICU RN education requirements : Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) and/or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX)
• ICU certifications : Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Basic Life Support (BLS), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS)
• ICU certifications : Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC)
• Required experience to become a travel ICU RN : Facilities typically require a minimum of two years of recent, in-hospital experience in order to hire you as an ICU travel nurse. You’ll want the benefit of experience since travel nurses have to hit the ground running!

Virtual ICU Command Center RN Positions Available Nationwide

Medical Solutions is looking for a talented travel RN (Registered Nurse) with a focus in ICU (Intensive Care Unit) to fill virtual ICU consultant positions across the US. High demand areas include Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arizona, Washington, and Nebraska. These are for exclusive virtual/remote ICU positions. If you’re looking for a traditional ICU travel nursing jobs please apply as normal using the link below.

What Are Virtual ICU RNs?

Virtual ICU RNs work in a command center role where you will have the opportunity to provide consultations to care providers meeting with patients in person. These roles can be located at hospitals but work can also be performed remotely. As organizations develop their virtual ICU command center programs more information will become available. If you’re interested in becoming a virtual ICU RN apply with us and we’ll be in touch. Remote RN jobs are growing in popularity but competition for these positions is increasing. Tele RNs are also in demand for similar roles. Even if you’re just curious feel free to reach out to us for more information.

Are These Positions Remote?

It depends what you mean by “remote”. Many of these positions require that you work from the hospital but in a “command center” role in which you provide consults to other care providers via the virtual ICU office. In that sense yes, these are remote nursing jobs. If you’re interested in a remote nursing job in which you can work from home, see below.

Do Virtual ICU RNs Work From Home?

As of right now, no. However, the future of virtual nursing is wide open. Work from home nursing opportunities are a definite possibility. There are security challenges that face travel nursing agencies and hospitals regarding work from home nursing positions. In addition to security, the amount of technology needed to communicate effectively with several other care providers can be extensive. As of right now, these virtual ICU nursing positions are all considered “command center”. Work from home nursing positions are a real possibility in the future of care. If you’re interested in a work from home nursing position, feel free to contact us to see what we have that might fit with your needs. As the travel nursing industry is changing rapidly there might be a position available in the near future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to your questions about travel icu rn jobs with medical solutions..

ICU Travel Nurse Career Guide

Table of Contents

Often described as intense but rewarding, the role of an intensive care unit (ICU) travel nurse involves caring for most unstable patients with the highest acuity in a hospital. ICU travel nurses are known to be calm, detail-oriented, and capable of working under high pressure. These accomplished nurses are experts in managing complex disease processes and providing compassionate emotional support to families during the toughest of times.

If you’re just getting started as a travel ICU nurse or are coming back after a hiatus, there are some key considerations.

ICU Travel RN Jobs With Nomad Health

At Nomad, we’re excited to support ICU travel nurses in finding the highest paying jobs throughout the country. We understand that while travel nursing is fun, it can be stressful, so we support our Nomad nurses with a fully loaded benefits package that includes medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, and malpractice insurance. We care about your financial wellness, so we provide access day one to a 401(k) from with employer matching after a year. 

We also know little expenses can add up quickly, so we’ve got you covered with additional perks like travel reimbursement up to $1,000, a housing and utilities stipend, licensing and certification reimbursement, and scrubs reimbursement. We want to make things feel easy and secure so you can focus on doing your best work while enjoying the traveling nursing experience.

Find your next travel nurse destination

Icu travel nurse job description.

Intensive care unit travel nurses provide continuous care to critically ill patients that require life-sustaining interventions. These patients may come from the emergency room temporarily stabilized or from other units of the hospital after decompensating. ICU nurses monitor their patients as frequently as every five to fifteen minutes and manage advanced medical equipment such as ventilators that assist in breathing, arterial lines to monitor active blood pressure, and central lines for the administration of various medications. They are expected to anticipate the needs of the patient and notice small changes in the patient’s condition. Due to their strong attention to detail, ICU travel nurses react quickly to intervene and notify the right team members.

Other duties of an ICU travel nurse include comprehensive head-to-toe assessments, analyzing lab values and trends such as arterial blood gases, interpreting electrocardiograms (ECG) and knowing their treatments, monitoring strict intake and output and understanding the significance of patterns within the data, administering critical medications, transporting ventilated and hemodynamically unstable patients for advanced imaging, and providing education to the patients. Aside from direct patient care, they give culturally-sensitive emotional support and therapeutic communication to family members.

Compared to staff nursing jobs, ICU travel nursing roles are more flexible in ways like being able to choose between day and night shift, work eight or 12 hour shifts depending on the facility, take contracts four to 13 weeks at a time, take planned breaks between contracts, explore different hospital systems, and travel to different states during the year.

ICU Travel Nurse Job Requirements 

Like any job, ICU travel nursing requires a mixture of hard and soft skills. Part of the job involves knowing how to operate and troubleshoot special medical equipment. Take a look at some of the most common devices seen in the ICU.

Ventilators

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), ventilators are “breathing machines” designed to help blow air with increased oxygen in and out of the lungs. As an ICU travel nurse, many of your patients may be dependent on a ventilator. You will be collaborating with respiratory therapists to manage these devices. It’s best if you are familiar with the basic settings and alarms of a ventilator. 

Central Lines and Arterial Lines

Central venous catheters , or central lines, are catheters that are typically placed in one of three large vessels: the internal jugular vein (IJ), the subclavian vein (SCL), or the femoral vein. These catheters are necessary for when patients lack other adequate IV access, are receiving medications that are caustic on smaller veins, require vasopressor medication support, or require secure access for mass transfusion of blood products. ICU travel nurses are expected to know how to use these devices with clean technique, change dressings with sterile technique, and maintain patency in a safe manner.

Arterial lines , or art lines, are catheters that are placed within an artery, usually within the radial or femoral artery. These catheters provide more accurate, continuous blood pressure readings and access to arterial blood samples. ICU travel nurses are expected to know how to set up this catheter with a transducer, troubleshoot waveform patterns on the monitor, pull arterial blood samples, and maintain patency of the catheter in a safe manner.

Gaestric Tubes

All patients dependent on a ventilator will require a dobhoff tube, nasogastric (NG) tube, and/or an oral gastric tube (OG). A Dobhoff tube is a thin, flexible tube that is placed through a nasal passage and into the stomach, and sometimes into the small intestine. This tube is more comfortable for patients and is typically used to administer medications and enteral nutrition into the patient. 

Both nasogastric (NG) tubes and oral gastric (OG) tubes are thicker tubes fed either through the nares or the mouth. These lead to the stomach and serve to either feed medication or decompress the contents of the stomach. ICU travel nurses are expected to know how to confirm the placement of these devices, flush them, push medications through safely, and keep them patent.

High Risk/High Alert Medications

Medication management is a huge part of nursing and especially ICU travel nursing. Patients in the ICU are often hemodynamically unstable, meaning their vital sign measurements indicate organ dysfunction or failure. Patients like these will receive multiple vasoactive drips through a central line such as neosynephrine, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and amiodarone. Patients dependent on ventilators also receive continuous sedation and analgesics so they can stay comfortable and safe. Some of the most common sedative and analgesic medications administered by travel ICU nurses are propofol, fentanyl, dexmedetomidine, and versed. In some cases paralytic medication drips, like cisatracurium, are given.

Complex ICU Travel Nursing Skills

Other than managing medical devices, some other skills required of travel ICU nurses are frequent charting, sterile technique, extensive wound management (eg. Steven Johnson syndrome), pressure injury management, proning patients for ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and indwelling urinary catheter management.

The Art of Nursing

Some of the soft skills required of a travel ICU nurse are maintaining a calm demeanor in stressful situations, teamwork, fast and effective decision making, resource management, and time management. Other important competencies are critical thinking, prioritization, delegation, flexibility, strong clinical judgment, compassionate care, and assisting patients and families with end-of-life care.

Most hospitals will require nurses to have a minimum of 12 months of recent ICU experience. In some instances, ICU travel nurses might provide care to various patient populations within the same unit. For example, there may be a single ICU in the hospital that houses patients from different specialty units like MICU, SICU, NSICU, and CVICU. This is largely facility-dependent as smaller community hospitals or critical access hospitals don’t have the volume of patients to fill multiple ICUs. 

As you take on ICU travel assignments, hospital systems and teams may change, but the core principles of ICU nursing remain the same. Brush up on ACLS and PALS protocols, common pathophysiology, and ventilator and drip management; also, consider enriching your nursing education by familiarizing yourself with evidence-based protocols, reading peer-reviewed articles, and participating in professional nursing webinars and conferences. With these practices, you’ll be able to show up confidently to any ICU travel assignment.

Popular ICU Travel Nurse jobs

Types of icu travel nurse jobs.

With Nomad, we have seven of the most popular specialities available within ICU travel nursing. Some of the most common ICU travel nurse jobs include Medical ICU (MICU), Pediatric ICU (PICU), Neonatal ICU (NICU), Surgical ICU (SICU), Cardiovascular ICU (CVICU), Burn ICU (BICU), and Neurosurgical ICU. Take a look at the differences between some of these specialties:

Medical ICU (MICU)

Medical intensive care (MICU) travel nurses are trained to care primarily for critically ill adult patients that require close monitoring. According to the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN), patients in the MICU may have conditions such as sepsis, shock, respiratory failure, gastrointestinal bleeds, esophageal varices, substance abuse overdose or withdrawl, suicide attempt, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). These patients may require advanced life saving measures such as ventilators, arterial lines, central lines, CRRT (Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy), ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), and vasoactive and sedative drips.

MICU travel nurses are capable of noticing subtle changes in their patients' condition and responding to life threatening events like cardiac arrest. These nurses have comprehensive physical assessments skills, including recognition of adventitious lung sounds such as stridor and abnormal heart sounds, such as S3, S4, and gallops. Other skills include drawing arterial blood gases and interpreting the findings. MICU travel nurses will also be familiar with preparing for invasive bedside procedures such as intubation, chest tube placement, central venous catheter insertion, and thoracentesis. 

As a MICU travel nurse, the typical nurse-to-patient ratio is 1:2. Depending on your level of experience and skill set, you may be given assignments with a 1:1 nurse-to-patient ratio. In order to qualify for an assignment, you are expected to have Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ACLS), and at least 12 months of MICU nursing experience in the last two years.

Pediatric ICU (PICU)

Similar to other intensive care units, the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) houses critically ill children that require a high degree of monitoring and medical intervention. According to the American Nurses Association, patients can range from newborn age to children and young adults of 21 years. A PICU travel nurse may care for adolescents with diverse conditions such as brain tumors, cancer, acute respiratory failure, genetic and chromosomal abnormalities (ex. trisomy 21), sepsis and infections (ex. Bacterial meningitis, viral pneumonia), near drowning, or intoxication and overdose.

Some of the primary responsibilities of a PICU travel nurse involve caring for ventilator dependent and hemodynamically unstable children that require multiple critical drips for survival. PICU nurses have to balance being strong advocates for their patients while also showing compassion and supporting the parents of severely ill children. Similar to other ICU nurses, PICU travel nurses are expected to notice subtle changes in the status of their patients and respond to emergency situations requiring cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

As a PICU travel nurse, the typical nurse-to-patient ratio is 1:2 or 1:1 for sicker patients. In order to qualify for an assignment, a PICU travel nurse will need Basic Life Support (BLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and possibly the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification, along with 12-24 months of PICU RN experience in the last two years. 

Neonatal ICU (NICU)

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) travel nurses tend to the tiniest and most vulnerable of patients. As the name suggests, a NICU nurse will care exclusively for newborns. According to the  American Academy of Pediatrics , there are four levels of care designated to neonatal intensive care units:

Level I : These facilities “provide a basic level of care to neonates who are low risk.” This typically means healthy, full term babies and premature babies who can be stabilized and transferred to a higher level facility.

Level II : These facilities “are reserved for stable or moderately ill newborn infants who are born at or equal to 32 weeks’ gestation.” These babies may be recovering from complications of a premature birth.

Level III : These facilities care for “infants who are born at under 32 weeks’ gestation, weigh under 1500 g at birth, or have medical or surgical conditions, regardless of gestational age.” NICU nurses will be expected to utilize advanced life support equipment for a prolonged period.

Level IV : These facilities include “the capabilities of level III with additional capabilities and considerable experience in the care of the most complex and critically ill newborn infants.” This includes the capacity for infant surgery.

NICU travel nurses approach their care with a strong, family-centered approach. Their patients are unable to advocate for themselves as they are incapable of speaking or communicating verbally due to their nascent age, and may be dependent fully on life support measures such as ventilators and feeding tubes. Parents are often understandably stressed and benefit greatly from a clear, kind, and trauma-informed communication style from NICU travel nurses. NICU travel nurses are expected to anticipate the needs of their patients and respond quickly to any medical emergencies that may arise.

NICU travel nurses may be staffed based on their current level of experience at a facility of similar or higher level of care. A successful NICU travel nurse is expected to have 12-36 months of NICU experience and hold certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification.

Surgical ICU (SICU)

The surgical intensive care unit (SICU) sees critically ill patients that have a “vast range of surgical injuries and illnesses coming from nearly all departments in the hospital,” according to  West Virginia University Hospital . As a SICU travel nurse, you may be caring for hemodynamically unstable patients recovering from general, thoracic, trauma, vascular, orthopedic, gynecologic and obstetric surgeries. Some of the common conditions seen in SICU patients are abdominal resection, gunshot wounds (GSW), liver or peritoneal resection, complex burns, multiple traumas (motor vehicle accident), cancer, or abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Similar to MICU travel nurses, SICU travel nurses perform comprehensive physical assessments, draw arterial blood gases and interpret the findings, and prepare for invasive bedside procedures such as intubation, chest tube placement, central venous catheter insertion, and thoracentesis. SICU travel nurses have a sixth sense for when things seem “off” about their patient, and use their clinical judgment and critical thinking skills to troubleshoot any emerging problems with their patients’ condition. The management of critical medication drips and responding to life-threatening emergencies like cardiac arrest are also expected.

SICU travel nurses are regularly exposed to a vast array of surgically managed conditions and are expected to be familiar with pre and post operative nursing care. The nurse-to-patient ratio may be 2:1 or 1:1. SICU travel nurses will also need Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ACLS), and at least 12 months of SICU nursing experience in the last two years.

See our highest paying travel nurse jobs

Icu travel nurse salary information.

An ICU travel nurse with Nomad makes an average of $2500 a week, or $64 an hour. That means for a typical 13-week assignment, the gross pay could be $33,000 or more.* 

There are multiple ways to increase your salary as an ICU travel nurse. Obtaining the CCRN, a specialty certification administered by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), can increase your value and demonstrate your level of expertise to hospitals. Gaining more overall nursing experience, having a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), learning new skills, and cross training into a different ICU specialty can also increase your base pay. For example, a Nomad NICU travel nurse averages $3300 a week compared to $2600 for a CVICU nurse.* Hourly rates will also naturally fluctuate between different locations and times of the year.

*Average pay of Nomad Health ICU travel nurse job postings as of February 28, 2023.

Highest-Paying ICU Travel Nurse Jobs

On the high end, an ICU travel nurse with Nomad can make up to $4,800 a week, or $92 per hour.*  For a 13 week contract, this adds up to about $62,400 of gross pay. When searching for jobs with Nomad, you can easily filter by salary in order to identify the highest paying ICU jobs. 

In terms of specialty, the three highest paying ICU travel nurse jobs with Nomad are PICU, CVICU, and NICU. Currently, the three highest paying states on Nomad’s ICU job listings are Illinois, New York, and Massachusetts*

*Highest listed pay of Nomad Health ICU travel nurse job postings as of February 28, 2023. 

How To Become an ICU Travel Nurse

Earn your nursing degree.

The first step to becoming an ICU travel nurse is getting your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited four year university, or an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an accredited two year university.

Pass the NCLEX

In order to become licensed as a registered nurse in any state, you will have to then pass the  NCLEX-RN , which is a standardized test given to every potential nurse candidate. Once you have your initial nursing license, you can always apply for licenses in other states later or apply for a multistate license if you qualify.

Find an ICU Job

Ideally, find a reputable ICU nurse residency program to join as a new nurse. Some benefits of a nurse residency are that they provide comprehensive training and education through a didactic and simulated setting. Joining a nursing fellowship is also a great option for more experienced nurses looking to transition to an ICU. If you’re unable to start your nursing career in the ICU, there are other options. You can always start in a different inpatient setting like the emergency room (ER) , Step-down, or Med-surg before transferring to the ICU. You want to have at least one to two years of solid nursing experience under your belt and more importantly, feel comfortable with managing your patients' nursing care confidently and independently.

Get Certified

Although it’s not necessary, obtaining additional certifications with the  American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) can boost your resume and knowledge base. This can make you a more attractive travel nursing candidate to future hospitals. Passing an exam like the CCRN shows employers, patients, and other nurses that you have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in critical care and patient safety.

How to Apply for ICU Travel Nurse Jobs

Ready to start your ICU travel nursing adventure? Nomad Health is your gateway to a world of endless possibilities. With our job database, finding and applying for ICU travel nurse jobs has never been easier.

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Completed profiles get faster offers, find your speciality and browse open jobs, icu travel nursing faqs, is there a demand for travel icu nurses, what is the highest pay for a travel icu nurse, how long does it take to be a travel icu nurse, icu travel nurse healthcare sources.

Nursing Process. (n.d.). Highest Paying Travel Nursing Jobs. Retrieved from https://www.nursingprocess.org/highest-paying-travel-nursing-jobs.html

Rothenberg, K., & Hussain, S. (2013). Virtual PICU Systems: An Overview. Pediatric Critical Care Medicine : A Journal of the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the World Federation of Pediatric Intensive and Critical Care Societies, 14(8), 796–798. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3840149/#R3

Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. (2018, June 26). A Day in the Life of a PICU Nurse. Retrieved from https://www.chop.edu/news/day-life-picu-nurse

Seattle Children's Hospital. (n.d.). Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Retrieved from https://www.seattlechildrens.org/clinics/picu/

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2012). Levels of Neonatal Care. Pediatrics, 130(3), 587–597. Retrieved from https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/130/3/587/30212/Levels-of-Neonatal-Care?autologincheck=redirected

WVU Medicine. (n.d.). Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). Retrieved from https://wvumedicine.org/criticalcare/surgical-intensive-care-unit-sicu/

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021, January 26). Ventilator. Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/ventilator

American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing. (n.d.). AAACN Online Library. Retrieved from https://www.academyonline.org/

American Nurses Association. (n.d.). NursingWorld. Retrieved from https://www.nursingworld.org/

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses. (n.d.). AACN | Critical Care Nurses. Retrieved from https://www.aacn.org/

National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2018). Mechanical Ventilation. In StatPearls [Internet]. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519511/

National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2018). Pressure Support Ventilation. In StatPearls [Internet]. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499989/

American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Neonatal Care. Retrieved from https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/neonatal-care

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ICU Nurse: In-Demand Specialty for Travel Nursing Jobs

ICU nurses work directly with an interdisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to provide critical care to a hospital’s most unstable patients.

The United States is facing a projected shortage of registered nurses and the need for Intensive Care Unit nurses may be even greater than for those in other specialty areas, as there is an expectation that the aging population will place even greater demands on Intensive Care Units around the country. As a result, it is anticipated that travel ICU nurses will be essential to the way that acute care hospitals manage ICU capacity strain .

ICU travel nurses can earn up to $2,300 a week! Speak to a recruiter today!

What is an ICU Nurse?

ICU nurses are part of the hospital’s critical care team working with the most acute, unstable patients. Because these patients have such demanding care needs, ICU nurses are generally assigned no more than three patients at a time and are frequently assigned 12-hour shifts in order to cut down on caregiver changes.

ICU nurses must have strong critical thinking, leadership and communication skills. They need to carry out procedures while at the same time accommodating the needs of patients and family members. ICU nurses act as advocates and educators as well as caregivers.

Patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are considered medically unstable. Many transfer from the ER, while others come from other departments within the acute care setting like surgery.

ICU nurses are registered nurses who evaluate and monitor patient conditions, administer treatment and provide constant support. Their responsibilities include:

• Creating and implementing effective care plans
• Identifying both sudden and subtle changes in their patient’s condition
• Communicating with physicians, other staff members, and family members
• Responding to medical emergencies
• Maintaining patient records
• Managing medication doses

There are a wide range of medical needs and patient types that require intensive care. ICU nurses can specialize in specific areas such as pediatrics, neonatology, neurology, cardiology, and trauma.

No matter the specialty area, there are specific skills and characteristics that ICU nurses of all types must share. The most obvious are technical skills such as ventilator support, inserting a central line and assessing neurological status.

ICU nurses require a high level of skill and knowledge, and their considerable talents are highly portable. This makes ICU travel nurses extremely valuable to acute care hospitals facing nursing shortages.

ICU nurses must be team players who work well with physicians and other members of the healthcare team to provide patient care, while also having the ability to inform and educate patients and their family members — managing and supporting their expectations and emotions on top of that.

ICU Nurse Salary and Job Growth Potential

ICU nursing is one of the seven highest-paid nursing specialties for registered nurses. According to Indeed.com, the average salary for an ICU nurse in the United States is $138,909.

The average salary for an ICU nurse in the United States is $138,909.

Not only are ICU nurses well compensated, but they are very much in demand. The job growth potential for this high-intensity, high-responsibility role is likely to grow substantially when considering the national nursing shortage and increased use of intensive care units .

As hospitals work to continue providing high-quality care in the face of strained capacity , they will continue to seek more qualified ICU RNs to meet their staffing needs.

Top Paying Cities for ICU Nurses in 2021

According to Indeed.com , here are the best paying cities for ICU nurses in 2021:

• Los Angeles, CA: $161,204 per year
• Orlando, FL: $153,170 per year
• San Antonio, TX: $140,400 per year
• Philadelphia, PA: $140,325 per year
• Miami, FL: $135,500 per year

Click here to discover available ICU travel nurse assignments!

ICU Nurse Education Requirements, Certifications, and Professional Groups

ICU nurses are required to have either an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), have passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) , and become a licensed Registered Nurse.

In addition to earning an ADN or BSN, registered nurses interested in becoming ICU nurses need to pursue experience and exposure to the ICU. Many nursing programs offer students the opportunity for an ICU externship during their last year. Other students choose to wait until they graduate to enter New Graduate internship programs . Alternatively, nurses can transition from other care areas into the ICU by applying for an open position and then participating in internal training programs.

The American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) offers several ICU certifications, including the CCRN certification for acute/critical care nurses and additional modules for pediatrics and neonatology. These certifications require renewals , which are granted based on either passing an exam or completing Continuing Education Recognition Points (CERPS) through a combination of learning modules, clinical hours, and other activities.

ICU nurses who want to become more closely engaged in their field are encouraged to become involved with the American Association of Critical Care Nurses (AACN) , as well as any of these organizations dedicated to providing care to those in need of acute or critical care.

The Pros and Cons of Being an ICU Nurse

Pros of icu nursing.

• Ability to provide focused nursing care to just one or two patients at a time
• Being able to see patients go from unstable to stable conditions
• ICU nurses are highly respected for their critical thinking skills and ability to work under pressure

Cons of ICU Nursing

• Communications with patients’ families can be challenging
• High patient morbidity
• Intense, high-pressure environment

ICU Travel Nursing Jobs

The job of an ICU nurse requires in-depth knowledge of both anatomy and body systems, and the technical equipment that monitors and maintains those systems. Know-how and confidence, along with the ability to think critically and respond rapidly are all key characteristics of an ICU nurse.

As a result of both the national nurse shortage and the high stress and high turnover levels for staff nurses in the ICU, qualified ICU travel nurses are increasingly in high demand.

Experienced ICU travel nurses can choose from a wide range of locations and environments. Hospitals in need of supplemental staff don’t have time to teach inexperienced nurses what they need to know. As a result, ICU travel nurses usually have their pick of travel nursing assignments across the country with competitive salaries that feature exceptional benefits and perks including high pay rates, housing stipends and travel reimbursement.

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

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Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Travel Nursing Jobs

Jobs listing, intensive care unit (icu) job description.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Nurses treat acutely ill patients with life-threatening conditions, in settings requiring continuous vigilance and high-intensity therapies. ICU nurses can specialize in a variety of disciplines including medical, surgical, cardiac, burn or Neuro ICU.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Job Requirements

• Active BLS and ACLS from the American Heart Association
• Active professional license within the state of practice
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), NIHSS (stroke care certification) and Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) credentials are recommended and may be required for specific travel nurse positions
• Other specialty-related certifications are preferred and may be required for specific travel nurse positions
• Critical Care experience in a hospital setting
• Minimum of 2 years of experience as an RN

How to Become an ICU Nurse

If you have the drive to help people by changing or saving their lives, then  becoming an ICU nurse  could be a potential career choice for you. But ICU nurses are a special make of people — not everyone can handle the pressure of an intensive care unit and the chance to save a life.

But if you believe you have what it takes to fill the shoes of a real-life hero, here’s what you need to know about pursuing a career as an  ICU nurse .

What is the Exact Role of an ICU Nurse?

These types of nurses are absolutely crucial to the successful operation and management of any hospital and most importantly, the intensive care unit.

The ICU’s primary focus is to take care of people who have suffered some form of trauma, a life-threatening accident, had major surgery, organ failure, heart attack, and stroke. The ICU also looks after cancer patients who have reached a very critical point in their care.

The  role of an ICU nurse  is to oversee the care of a patient in an ICU unit by continually reading and monitoring their vital signs. Often times, a patient’s life falls into their hands. If their vitals are deteriorating rapidly, it’s the ICU nurse’s job to notify the right person, in the best time-frame. In some cases, an ICU nurse will have to take an intervention into their own hands. They are also required to speak with family members and doctors on a regular basis.

Most patients who go into ICU are in critical condition. Some of the most common conditions an  ICU nurse  will face include:

• Post-operative patients who have received an organ transplant or open-heart surgery
• Trauma patients who are recovering from near-fatal incidences such as a car accident, shooting, or assault
• Infectious patients who are suffering from dangerous conditions such as sepsis
• Stroke patients who are in need of post-operative care and physical therapy
• Cancer patients admitted for recovery after intensive chemotherapy, transplant surgery, or infection

The role of an ICU nurse is an important and stressful job — no doubt about it. But it can also be very rewarding. Learning to handle the stress of a critical moment and find your focus is essential.

Critical Traits of an ICU Nurse

So, in order to become an ICU nurse what kind of person do you need to be? Some of the over-arching qualities include:

• An ability to handle the pressure of life-and-death situations
• Being a good communicator
• Being a true team player
• Being able to multi-task
• Having commitment and dedication to  working long shifts
• Attention-to-detail
• A knack for critical thinking
• Above-par time management skills

Aside from these personal traits, it’s also important that an ICU nurse is in good physical health. This job requires you to be on your feet for many hours a day, so physical stamina is part-and-parcel of the position.

Dealing with Difficult Situations

The atmosphere of an ICU unit can be super-charged one minute, and relatively somber the next. Being able to separate yourself emotionally from this vast range in work atmosphere is crucial.

Ultimately, an ICU nurse has to remember how important their job is and not let their own personal feelings come in the way of a life-and-death decision. But this is not to say you cannot feel or express empathy. In fact, this is another important part of the job. ICU nurses often deal with traumatic, end-of-life situations. You should be able to offer both psychological support and empathy to family members.

The same goes for applying or withholding medical care when a patient has a living will in place. If their wish is to not be kept on life support, it is your job to obey their wishes. This may feel like a completely unnatural part of the job. It goes against everything nurses are taught about saving lives. But if this is a legal wish, it must be honored.

Benefits Of Traveling With Stability Healthcare

According to  national data , the median annual salary for an ICU nurse is approximately $75,119 as of April 2020. However, this amount does range between $67,691 and $81,623. ICU nurses are also privy to a host of benefits including health insurance, paid leave, stipend and 401k plans.

In order to prepare for a long-lasting and truly fulfilling career as an ICU nurse, you will have to meet a number of different qualifications, first. Ideally, you will need to study a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN). This should be with an accredited university with a nurse educator, including specialized training in life-threatening conditions.

However, a BSN is not always necessary. You can also study an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) and will have to pass the NCLEX-RN national exam that qualifies you as a registered nurse. You will also need to gain experience working in a critical care setting, then take an exam to become a critical care registered nurse (CCRN).

Some of the highly specialized, additional skills an ICU nurse should hold include:

• Advanced cardiac life support
• Life support
• Trauma care
• Critical care
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Patient and family education
• Discharge planning

Essentially, a bachelor’s degree lays the important groundwork for a career in nursing. Much of this additional skill is learned through additional courses and most importantly, real-life work experience.

Travel Nurse Salary & Benefits

Frequently asked questions.

What is critical care nursing?

Critical Treatment Registered Nurses (ICU/CCU) offer care to critically ill patients who need constant observation. ICU patients have serious medical disorders that necessitate rigorous treatment regimens. Assignments for travel nurses in critical care normally last for 13 weeks, with the possibility of an extension. A critical care traveler’s flexible schedule still leaves plenty of downtimes to take advantage of a contingency assignment’s benefits. Upon request, we will make room for additional people, animals, or both, and we’ll do our best to adhere to any special requirements. To discuss your ideal nursing position and the contract, get in touch with Stability Healthcare. We’ll do our best to make it a reality.

Which certifications are best for Intensive Care Unit nurses?

Most healthcare employers require BLS and ACLS certification. Additional certifications such as PALS and Certified Hyperbaric Registered Nurse (CHRN) are sometimes required based on the particular position and unit in the hiring facility. Certification through the American Association of Critical Care Nurses will enhance your resume for better employment.

Are there any critical care travel nurse jobs available?

Healthcare employer always seeks talented ICU (intensive care units) travelers. When there are urgent needs for healthcare staff, critical care nurses are usually in high demand nationwide, with increasingly higher rates than normal. Please contact Stability Healthcare for details on urgent travel nursing ICU positions.

Career Benefits

If you’re interested in a career as an ICU nurse, Stability Healthcare is here to help you take your nursing career to the next level.

If you’re already a trained and experienced ICU nurse, we also offer exciting travel nursing opportunities to help broaden your experience and knowledge. You can bring those life-saving skills to facilities in need all over the country! If you’re interested in a new career challenge, explore our  travel nursing jobs  for more…

Travel Nursing Reviews

Jennifer, rn.

The response time from my recruiter and nurse specialist is amazing! They both have been so great to work with on my first assignment out in California!!! Chad and Samantha both are super caring and very responsive! I already extended my contract with the hospital because of the smooth process. They made the transition from Florida to California a lot loss stressful than I imagined. Would definitely recommend them both!!!

My recruiter, and other staff I have had the pleasure of interacting with, are all so friendly and helpful. My recruiter is responsive, and even reached out while she was on vacation to check on me! I’ve worked with other agencies in the past, but Stability is next level when it comes to making your travel nursing experience as seamless as possible! Special shout out to Lindsay (best recruiter ever) and Tracy. Amazing people to work with.

Brittany J.

My recruiter is very responsive and personable. I have NEVER had any issues with them!! This agency even has PTO! None of my co workers with other agencies have this benefit!! Also the rates are equal or higher than most other agencies!! Everything feels more like family than business and for that I would choose stability over any other agency!! I am so happy I chose to work with them!

Sopheare C.

My recruiter Amanda is amazing and always timely with her responses. Debbie who is my nurse experience specialist who is with me all times of the contract is truly awesome. Love how responsive she is and will answer any and all my questions. Big thanks to Jesse my compliance coordinator for making all the appointments and getting me travel ready. Can’t thank my team enough for all they do. Any question or issue I have they resolve right away. And I love that they breakdown each contract into a spread so you know exactly what your getting for the terms of the contract.

I have been incredibly impressed by the professionalism, ease of communication, ability to have all requirements for onboarding fulfilled in a timely manner, and just overall outstanding service. Lindsay Hernandez is my particular recruiter and she has been a pleasure to work with, as well as all the team members at Stability. I’m looking forward to staying with them for my next assignment. I highly recommend them to my nursing friends, and anyone looking to travel as a nurse!

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Unlock Exciting Opportunities: Icu Nurse Travel Jobs

Table of Contents

ICU travel nursing is a fulfilling career path for those who are open to new experiences and willing to take on challenges. As an ICU travel nurse , you can enjoy the unique opportunity to travel to different locations while providing critical care services in the Intensive Care Unit. In this article, we will explore the life of an ICU travel nurse , the advantages of this career path, the process of getting started, and other important considerations when applying for ICU travel nurse jobs.

At Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health, we aim to empower ICU nurses like you with the most fulfilling travel opportunities nationwide. We help build your career while securing your next contract. Keep reading to learn how we guide and support you in embarking on rewarding ICU adventures across the country while taking your career to new heights.

Land your dream ICU nurse job faster when you travel with us. Get started with top local and national travel nurse jobs in On Demand.

Understanding the Life of an ICU Travel Nurse

Intensive care unit (ICU) travel nurses play an integral role in providing care for critically ill patients across the country. These registered nurses have specialized skills and experience working in ICU settings, and they take short-term travel assignments at hospitals and medical centers in need of additional staffing.

Travel nurses can choose assignments based on location, experience level, patient population, and more. An ICU travel nurse position offers adventure and career development, along with great pay and benefits.

Integral Role and Responsibilities

ICU travel nurses work alongside other nurses and medical staff to care for patients who are critically or acutely ill. Their responsibilities may include:

• Providing daily care for ICU patients, including bathing, wound care, and administering medications
• Closely monitoring patient vital signs and adjusting care plans as needed
• Operating complex medical equipment like ventilators and IV pumps
• Communicating with doctors, specialists, and family members regarding patient status and care
• Documenting detailed patient notes, vital signs, and test results in electronic charting systems

ICU nurses must be able to make quick decisions under pressure and effectively prioritize the needs of multiple patients. Strong assessment, critical thinking, and communication skills are essential.

The Typical Work Environment in ICU

Most ICUs are fast-paced, high-stress units that require nurses to be extremely organized, detail-oriented, and flexible. The patient-to-nurse ratio is lower than other units, with each ICU nurse caring for 1-2 critically ill patients per shift.

ICUs are usually equipped with advanced technology and monitoring systems that help detect changes in a patient's condition. Nurses must constantly analyze data from ventilators, infusion pumps, cardiac monitors, and other equipment to provide appropriate interventions.

The environment can be emotionally taxing due to the critical nature of the patients. ICU nurses must find ways to cope with grief when patients pass away. They need unwavering dedication, patience, and compassion to support patients and families going through difficult times.

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Benefits of Being an ICU Travel Nurse

In addition to the rewarding experience of saving lives, ICU travel nurses enjoy excellent benefits, career development opportunities, and higher pay than staff nurses. Some key advantages include:

Exceptional Pay and Benefits

ICU Travel nurse salaries vary between $1,600 - $2,600 per week , depending on the state you're working in. With stipends for housing , meals, and travel, total packages can end up being more. Benefits often include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement savings plans
• Referral bonuses
• Licensure reimbursement
• Paid time off

Higher pay allows travel nurses to quickly pay off debts, save money, or explore new places. Many choose to extend contracts or line up continuous travel gigs. In addition, when you travel with Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health, you unlock exclusive benefits , referral bonuses, career coaching , professional development through our Clinical Ladder program designed exclusively for travel nurses, and more.

Opportunity to Explore Different Locations

Working as a travel nurse allows you to experience new cities, states, or regions of the U.S. Contracts typically last 13 weeks, giving you time to get to know areas on a deeper level.

You can choose locations based on climate, recreational activities, cultural interests, or proximity to family and friends. Travel nurses enjoy living like locals in places they've always dreamed of visiting.

Expanding Your Clinical Skills and Experiences

Every hospital and ICU has its own unique policies, technologies, and patient populations. As an ICU travel nurse, you'll be exposed to new equipment, documentation systems, specialty surgeries, and complex cases. This helps you gain a wider breadth of clinical knowledge.

You'll also benefit from cross-training and professional development opportunities many hospitals offer travel nurses. This can advance your expertise and career prospects.

Working with diverse patient cases and care teams allows you to continuously enhance your clinical skills as an ICU nurse .

How to Become an ICU Travel Nurse

Becoming an ICU travel nurse can be an exciting and rewarding career path for registered nurses looking to gain experience and see new places while working in intensive care units. Here is some key information on how to get started as an ICU travel nurse.

Educational Requirements

When it comes to ICU nurse education , to work, you will need, at minimum, an Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Many hospitals prefer candidates with a BSN. You will also need an active RN license for the state you wish to work in.

Necessary Experiences and Certifications

Most ICU travel nurse positions require 1-2 years of recent experience working in an ICU setting such as medical, surgical, cardiac, neurological, or pediatric ICU. Having specialty certifications like CCRN, TCRN, PCCN, or CEN can make you a more competitive candidate.

Skills and Qualities That Employers Look For

Besides educational and experience requirements, employers look for ICU nurses who have strong clinical skills, critical thinking, compassion, communication skills, detail orientation, the ability to work under pressure, and a collaborative team spirit.

Reliable Job Portals for ICU Nurse Travel Jobs

Search and apply for the top ICU travel nursing positions in On Demand , our powerful web app. This powerful tool enables you to quickly find and compare ICU roles perfectly matched to your skills, experience level, location preferences, and more.

Things to Consider When Accepting ICU Travel Jobs

Analyzing contracts and packages.

When considering an ICU travel nurse job offer, look closely at the full compensation, benefits, and contract details. Negotiate the best pay and benefits package you can. Make sure you understand stipulations about minimum work commitments and cancellation policies.

Understanding Your Rights and Expectations

As a travel nurse, you have the same rights and protections against workplace discrimination and harassment as regular employees. Understand your legal rights and what steps to take if issues arise. Be clear on workplace policies and procedures as well as your duties and schedule.

Housing and Travel Arrangements

Some companies provide a housing stipend or fully arranged housing. If not, research safe and affordable housing near your assignment. Factor in costs like deposits, utilities, transportation, and meals. For travel, research airports, ground transportation options, and average commute times.

Becoming an ICU travel nurse allows you to gain invaluable experience while seeing new places and earning top pay. Do your research to find the right opportunities for you. At Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health, we offer competitive housing stipends or fully arranged housing to make your transition seamless. Our team handles all logistics and ensures you are set up comfortably near your assigned ICU facility well in advance of your start date.

Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health Helps You Build Your Career While Securing Your Next Contract:

At Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health, we fully understand the fulfillment that comes from caring for critically ill patients as an ICU nurse. For years, our travel nursing agency has helped registered nurses embark on rewarding adventures across the U.S. while expanding their skills in intensive care.

As a leader in career development and personalized support for travel nurses, we guide you through each step – from matching your experience and specialties to ICU positions to seamless relocation logistics and onboarding. Our team of nurse recruiters helps identify the best travel ICU roles to align with your professional goals and desired locations.

Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health prioritizes competitive pay, robust benefits, and growth opportunities to invest in our travel nurses’ success. Our clinical team advocates tirelessly so you can focus on life-saving patient care.

At Health Carousel Nursing & Allied Health, it is our mission to empower all ICU nurses with unlimited opportunities for career advancement , skill-building, and treasured experiences nationwide. Discover how we unlock your potential to live life to the fullest while making a true lifesaving impact through ICU travel nursing positions from coast to coast.

Search, apply, and be the first in line for your dream ICU job today. Get Started in On-Demand.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does a travel nurse do in the icu.

A travel nurse in the ICU cares for critically ill patients who require intense medical intervention. Their duties include providing daily hands-on care, administering medication, operating complex equipment like ventilators, closely tracking vitals, communicating with doctors and families, documenting detailed patient data, and making quick decisions under pressure. ICU travel nurses need specialized skills, experience, and emotional resilience to thrive in fast-paced hospital intensive care units.

How much do ICU travel nurses make in the US?

ICU travel nurses in the US earn an average salary of $1,600 - $2,600 per week, which exceeds the earnings of staff ICU nurses. With stipends and bonuses, packages can equal even more than that.

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