Travel Interim ICU Nurse Manager

American Traveler is seeking a travel nurse RN ICU - Intensive Care Unit for a travel nursing job in Bakersfield, California.

• Specialty:
  ICU - Intensive Care Unit
• Discipline:
  RN
• Start Date:
  
  03/30/2026
• Duration:
  16 weeks
• 40 hours per week
• Shift: 8 hours, days
• Employment Type:
  
  Travel

American Traveler is seeking an experienced RN Nurse Manager for a 16-week interim ICU leadership position in Bakersfield, CA, requiring a minimum of 5 years of nursing experience with at least 2 years in a management role.

• Acute care hospital ICU setting, including ICU/CVICU (8 beds) and Neuro ICU, with a total unit capacity of up to 32 beds
• Patient population includes respiratory failure, sepsis, AMI, ARDS, GI bleed, renal failure (CRRT), CABG (fresh hearts by trained staff), TAVR, Impella, vascular surgeries, neuro surgeries, ischemic strokes (TNK & thrombectomies), and SAH (EVDs/ICP monitoring)
• Nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:1–2
• Day shift schedule
• Manager is first to float and must maintain availability to answer calls and emails after hours
• Charting system:
  Cerner
• Serves as interim ICU manager, overseeing daily operations for a complex, high-acuity unit
• Responsibilities include communicating expectations and priorities clearly to frontline staff, physicians, and executive stakeholders, and addressing performance and operational concerns promptly
• Expected to manage competing priorities, organize meetings and action items, and hold self and others accountable to deadlines and outcomes
• Must demonstrate sound clinical and operational judgment, escalating issues as appropriate
• Candidates may not have been directly employed (full-time, part-time, or PRN) by any Common Spirit, CHI, or Dignity facility within the past year; candidates employed PRN through outside staffing firms will be considered
• First-time travelers will not be considered for this position

• Active CA RN license required (must be active at time of consideration; pending licenses not accepted)
• Required certifications: BLS (AHA), ACLS, and NIHSS (AHA or APEX) — all must be active; pending certifications not accepted
• BSN preferred; CCRN preferred
• Minimum 5 years of RN experience required, with at least 2 years in a nursing management role
• Proficiency in spreadsheets, tracking dashboards, and basic data analysis required
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills required
• 2 professional references required: one supervisor from within the last 12 months and one peer or supervisor from within the last 3 years, each including dates of employment and eligibility for rehire
• Valid driver's license required for consideration

• High Pay and Bonuses
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance with Day 1 Options
• 401(k) Plan
• Weekly Payroll Deposit
• Free Online CEUs
• Generous Housing Allowance
• Travel and Licensure Reimbursements
• Non-taxed Per Diem and Subsidy
• Traveler Rewards and Discounts

American Traveler Job  #P-678319. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax‑free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title:
Travel RN - Leadership - Nurse Manager

With over 25 years of experience, American Traveler has established a reputation for outstanding customer service. Our team ensures a smooth, worry‑free experience for those starting on or expanding their travel nursing and allied careers.

With thousands of travel nursing and allied jobs nationwide, our attentive and approachable recruiters find positions that align perfectly with your career aspirations and personal requirements.

American Traveler offers exceptional benefits, including premium medical, dental, vision and life insurance beginning day one of your assignment, generous 401(k) match, substantial housing stipends, and more. Additionally, with 24/7 support and access to our in‑house clinicians, you are assured confidence and comfort throughout your assignment.

With our team behind you, you can relax and enjoy a rewarding travel career.