Travel Nurse RN - Med Surg
Meridian, ID
Wellspring Nurse Source
3x12 hrs, Nights

Unit Information

The MedSurg unit encompasses 42 beds, with nurse patient ratios generally maintained at 1:5, occasionally 1:6 in rare circumstances. Each shift includes a Charge Nurse, who may not take on patients unless necessary, and an ADT nurse on day shift dedicated to admissions, discharges, and task management.

Patient Population

Common diagnoses and types of patients on this unit include:

• Total joint replacements
• Orthopedic hip fractures
• Spine surgeries (lumbar and cervical)
• Urology procedures (e.g., CBI)
• General surgeries (e.g., cholecystectomy, bowel resections, complicated mastectomies)
• Gynecological overflow (e.g., total hysterectomies)
• Medical overflow cases (e.g., COPD, some behavioral health issues, sepsis, and infections)

Qualifications

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Minimum of 2 years of MedSurg experience
• Current BLS and EKG certifications
• Experience with EPIC software
• Ability to read and interpret telemetry strips
• Willingness to mentor nursing students and potentially precept new travelers

Clinical Responsibilities

RNs on this unit do not titrate drips. Common titratable or set rate drips include:

• Heparin
• Pain management (PCAs, morphine drips)

Support Staff

The unit is supported by patient care technicians with a ratio of 1:8. Additionally, virtual telemetry technicians monitor patient telemetry, allowing RNs to focus on direct patient care.

Equipment

Respiratory therapy equipment utilized includes CPAP and BiPAP, managed by the respiratory team, and high-flow systems.

Shifts & Scheduling

This position requires 12-hour shifts from 7 AM to 7:30 PM. Travelers are generally scheduled without block scheduling. There is a weekend requirement of 5 shifts within a 6-week timeframe and potential holiday shifts based on need. Floating between MedSurg units and potential assignments to areas like the ER for patient holds or one-on-one support may also be expected.

Orientation

New hires will undergo 3 days of general orientation, including EPIC training and sessions with the educator. Additional online modules must be completed prior to starting, followed by 2 shifts on the unit with a preceptor.