CVICU Nurse
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Little Rock, AR, 72205
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 32.28-43.58 HOUR
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As our CVICU Nurse at CHI St Vincent Infirmary, you’ll monitor patients who are critically ill and unstable following extensive injury, surgery, or life-threatening disease.
You’ll begin each shift by taking report from a nursing teammate before making your rounds. You’ll provide continued care and perform procedures as detailed in the care plan. CVICU Nurses deliver care to patients in critical condition who are suffering heart problems. These patients are often coming out of cardiac surgery and require a very specialized level of care.
To thrive in this role, you’ll heavily depend on your ability to multitask and react. You’ll clinically care for your patients- remaining focused and attentive as you continuously monitor your patients throughout your shift. You also serve as their advocate- supporting their best interests when they cannot. However, your sound judgment during an emergency and rapid response are impressive, putting you on the radar for advancement.
- Assesses, plans, and implements nursing care while ensuring patient comfort
- Anticipates, identifies, and responds to informational and emotional needs of patients and families
- Guides and directs healthcare personnel (i.e., Patient Care Technicians) in caring for patients
- Maintains knowledge of equipment setup, maintenance, and use (i.e., IV pumps, monitoring equipment, and drainage devices) Utilizes safeguards such as IV pump drug library and monitor alarms with necessary
- Initiates emergency support measures (i.e., cardiopulmonary resuscitation, protecting patient from injury)
- Assists with patient care duties/tasks (i.e., emptying drainage devices, ambulating, and hygiene)
We are offering a sign on bonus up to $25,000 to hires who meet the eligibility requirements. We also offer additional pay for participation in our clinical ladder as well as referral bonuses, excellent benefits, tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance.
Job Requirements
- Registered Nurse license in good standing, State of Arkansas or compact state license required prior to start date
- 6 months of acute care experience is required (new graduates or nurses who have never worked in an acute care setting are hired through our residency training program)
- Previous CVICU experience strongly preferred
- BLS through the American Heart Association is required
- ACLS through the American Heart Association is required
CHI St. Vincent, a regional health network serving Arkansas, is part of CommonSpirit Health. We have served Arkansas since 1888 with a history of many firsts. Together with more than 4500 coworkers, 1000 medical staff and 500 volunteers we consistently receive praise for care advancements. CommonSpirit Health was formed by the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives (CHI) and Dignity Health in 2019. With our combined resources CommonSpirit is committed to building healthy communities advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable and innovating how and where healing can happen both inside our hospitals and out in the community. CHI St. Vincent provides you with the same level of care you provide to others. We care about our team member well-being and offer benefits that complement and support your work/life balance.
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Frequently asked questions
Holding BLS and ACLS certifications through the American Heart Association is essential for CVICU Nurses in Little Rock. Additionally, state-specific licenses and specialized cardiac care credentials significantly boost your profile in this competitive Arkansas healthcare market.
A Cvicu Nurse’s shift revolves around continuous patient monitoring, managing post-cardiac surgery care, and coordinating with healthcare teams. Multitasking with vigilance is vital to respond swiftly to emergencies, ensuring patients’ critical needs are met throughout the shift.
Healthcare expansion in Little Rock has elevated CVICU Nurse demand, reflecting a strong hiring trend. This growth offers applicants more opportunities but also requires readiness to meet Arkansas’s acute care standards and adapt to evolving patient care protocols.
CVICU Nurses specialize in cardiac-critical care, focusing on post-surgery heart patients and complex cardiac conditions. Their role demands acute sensitivity to cardiac monitoring, emergency response skills, and proficiency with specialized equipment like IV pumps tailored for cardiac therapies.
CVICU Nurses in Little Rock generally earn between $70,000 and $85,000 annually depending on experience, certifications, and specific facility standards. This range aligns with Arkansas’s cost of living while reflecting the specialist skills required in critical cardiac care.
Catholic Health Initiatives provides CVICU Nurses with competitive sign-on bonuses, clinical ladder incentives, and robust benefits. This support structure fosters professional growth while recognizing the demanding and specialized nature of cardiac critical care nursing.
At Catholic Health Initiatives, CVICU Nurses collaborate closely with patient care technicians and medical staff to deliver coordinated care. This environment values communication and shared responsibility, ensuring patient safety and holistic recovery.
Residency programs bridge the gap for new grads by providing hands-on acute care experience and mentorship specific to cardiac ICU settings. Arkansas's programs prepare nurses rigorously, easing transition into high-pressure CVICU roles with structured learning.
Little Rock’s moderate cost of living means CVICU Nurses can enjoy comfortable housing and amenities on their salary. This financial balance supports work-life harmony, making the role attractive despite the demanding nature of critical care nursing.
Managing unstable post-op cardiac patients requires rapid assessment skills, precise medication administration, and vigilant monitoring of life-support equipment. CVICU Nurses must anticipate complications and act decisively to stabilize patients in this high-stakes environment.