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Cardiothoracic Icu Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Genie Healthcare

Travel ICU Registered Nurse

York, PA · On-site

$2.0K - $2.8K/wk

Specialty: CTICU - Cardiothoracic Intensive Care * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/10/2026 ... Travel Genie Healthcare is looking for a RN to work in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for a 13 weeks ...

American Traveler

Travel ICU Registered Nurse

York, PA · On-site

Specialty: CTICU - Cardiothoracic Intensive Care * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/17/2026 ... Open Heart Intensive Care Unit (OHICU) is a 10-bed ICU in an acute care hospital setting * Cares ...

LeaderStat

Travel Cardiothoracic ICU RN

Chapel Hill, NC · On-site

$1.7K - $2.3K/wk

Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit - Registered Nurse About LeaderStat LeaderStat is a National staffing, recruiting, and consulting firm dedicated to the healthcare industry. For 20 years ...

UPMC Altoona

Clinician - Cardiothoracic ICU

Altoona, PA · On-site

$15K/mo

Clinician - Cardiothoracic ICU Location: UPMC Altoona Schedule:7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday Why Join Us? At UPMC Altoona, we're committed to building a culture of ...

GQR Healthcare

Travel ICU Registered Nurse

York, PA · On-site

$1.8K/wk

CTICU - Cardiothoracic Intensive Care * Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours, nights * Employment Type: Travel Intensive Care Unit RN Job ...

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Cardiothoracic Icu information

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$20

$49

$77

How much do cardiothoracic icu jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cardiothoracic icu in the United States is $49.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.94 and $58.89 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Cardiothoracic Icu vs Cardiothoracic Surgeon?

AspectCardiothoracic IcuCardiothoracic Surgeon
CredentialsRegistered Nurse or Critical Care CertificationMedical Degree (MD), Surgical Residency, Board Certification
Work EnvironmentIntensive Care Unit, hospital setting, patient monitoringOperating rooms, surgical wards, outpatient clinics
Primary ResponsibilitiesPatient care, monitoring, supporting recovery in ICUPerforming heart and chest surgeries, pre- and post-op care

The main difference is that Cardiothoracic ICU staff focus on critical patient care and monitoring after surgeries, while Cardiothoracic Surgeons perform the surgical procedures themselves. Both roles are essential in the cardiac care continuum but require different training and responsibilities.

What is the hardest ICU to work in a nurse?

The cardiothoracic ICU is considered one of the most challenging units for nurses due to the complexity of cardiac and thoracic patient care, the need for advanced skills in ventilator management, hemodynamic monitoring, and rapid response to critical changes. Nurses in this unit often work long shifts with high patient acuity, requiring specialized training and strong critical thinking skills.

What do cardiothoracic ICU nurses do?

Cardiothoracic ICU nurses provide specialized care to patients recovering from heart and chest surgeries, such as bypass or transplant procedures. They monitor vital signs, manage ventilators, administer medications, and collaborate with medical teams to ensure patient stability and recovery in a high-acuity environment. Certification in critical care nursing is often required for this role.

What are Cardiothoracic ICU nurses?

Cardiothoracic ICU nurses are specialized registered nurses who care for patients recovering from heart (cardiac) and lung (thoracic) surgeries or serious conditions in the intensive care unit. They monitor patients’ vital signs, administer medications, manage life-support equipment, and provide critical care after procedures such as open-heart surgery or lung transplants. These nurses work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for critically ill patients.

What kind of ICU nurse makes the most money?

In the ICU setting, critical care nurses specializing in cardiothoracic intensive care often earn higher salaries due to the complexity of their work and specialized skills. Factors such as experience, certifications like CCRN or CVRN, and working in high-demand regions can also increase earning potential for ICU nurses. Generally, nurses with advanced certifications and extensive experience in cardiothoracic ICU environments tend to make the most money.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cardiothoracic ICU Nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cardiothoracic ICU Nurse, you need advanced critical care knowledge, cardiac and thoracic patient assessment skills, and a current RN license, often with a BSN and CCRN certification preferred. Familiarity with ventilators, hemodynamic monitoring systems, and electronic health records is essential for managing complex post-surgical patients. Excellent communication, quick decision-making, and emotional resilience help you support patients and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality care in a high-stakes, fast-paced ICU environment.

What are some common challenges faced by nurses in a Cardiothoracic ICU, and how can they prepare for them?

Nurses in a Cardiothoracic ICU often deal with critically ill patients recovering from complex heart and lung surgeries, which can be both physically and emotionally demanding. Challenges include managing rapidly changing patient conditions, operating advanced life-support equipment, and collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams. To prepare, candidates should strengthen their skills in critical care, learn to remain calm under pressure, and seek mentorship from experienced colleagues. Continuous education and strong communication abilities are also vital for success in this high-acuity environment.

What is a cardiothoracic ICU?

A cardiothoracic ICU is a specialized intensive care unit that provides care for patients recovering from heart and chest surgeries, such as cardiac bypass or lung procedures. Staff in this unit, including nurses and physicians, monitor vital signs, manage ventilators, and administer medications to support patient recovery. Working in this environment requires knowledge of cardiovascular and respiratory systems, as well as critical care skills and certifications like ACLS or CCRN.
What cities are hiring for Cardiothoracic Icu jobs? Cities with the most Cardiothoracic Icu job openings:
Cardiothoracic Icu jobs near you
Travel Cardiothoracic ICU RN - $2,176 per week

Travel Cardiothoracic ICU RN - $2,176 per week

PRN Healthcare Services

New Haven, CT • On-site

$2.1K/wk

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

PRN Healthcare is seeking a travel nurse RN CTICU - Cardiothoracic Intensive Care for a travel nursing job in New Haven, Connecticut.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: CTICU - Cardiothoracic Intensive Care
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 07/24/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, nights
  • Employment Type: Travel

Looking for a great Travel CTICU - Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Nursing Job in New Haven, Connecticut? PRN Healthcare posted this Travel Nursing Job that offers 36 hours a week for 13 weeks in New Haven, Connecticut.

Vivian Health provides transparent Travel CTICU - Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Salary information and unbiased reviews from leading Travel Nurse Agencies across the United States, so you can compare travel opportunities matching your desired criteria.

With Vivian, you can chat directly with recruiters and apply to staffing agencies with a Single Reusable Profile to find your ideal job faster and easier than ever.

The details for this Travel CTICU - Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Nursing Job are:

  • Specialty: CTICU - Cardiothoracic Intensive Care
  • Job Location: New Haven, Connecticut
  • Travel Nurse Salary: $2,176/week
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Assignment Length: 13 weeks
  • Total Hours Per Week: 36 weekly
  • Shift Breakdown: 3x12 hrs
  • Shift: 12 hours, nights

PRN Healthcare Job ID #1552905. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: ICU RN

About PRN Healthcare

Our story starts with a 21-year-old CNA named Pete Hietpas. Pete was diligently working in eastern Wisconsin with a variety of staffing agencies, but something was missing. He loved caring for his patients, but felt that staffing agencies were exchanging compassion for competitiveness. He was determined to change that. As a result, he started Nurses PRN in 1995 to become a model for the healthcare staffing industry – being competitive in the marketplace, yet still maintaining a compassionate heart.

Over the years Nurses PRN grew and evolved as a nationwide healthcare staffing company, and therefore wanted to be more inclusive to all valued healthcare professionals: nurses, allied health, locum tenens, CNAs, and more. This lead to the introduction of PRN Healthcare, which is inclusive of Nurses PRN and all of our other healthcare divisions.

Our mission to create authentic, meaningful relationships with our healthcare professionals helps us set them up for success in their dream assignment, whether that be a travel contract, local contract, or per diem shift. This is all driven by the simple idea that better care for our healthcare workers, leads to better patient care – and this is all supported by a dedicated internal staff.

Our company culture is strongly backed by faith-based values and activities, to remind us that our success provides us the opportunity to serve and give back to our communities. This is the spirit of caregiving. This is PRN Healthcare.

Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Guaranteed Hours
  • Continuing Education
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Referral bonus
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Company provided housing options
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • Life insurance

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