Med Surg RN
Des Moines, IA
American Traveler
3x12 hrs, Days
$2,458/weekOverview
- Start Date12/07/2026
- Shift Breakdown3x12 hrs
- ShiftDays
- Duration13 weeks
- Facility InformationShort Term Acute Care
- SettingHospital
Pay
Description
Assignment Overview
- Shift: Days, 3x12hrs
- Hours: 36 hrs/wk
- Start Date: Dec 7, 2026
- Length: 13 weeks
- Openings: 1
Description
American Traveler is hiring an experienced RN for a Med/Surg position requiring prior travel experience, strong heparin and post-op spine care expertise, and an active IA or compact RN license.
Details
- 30-bed Med Surg unit caring for med surg and post-op/spine patients
- Patient-to-nurse ratio of 1:5 on days
- Days shift: 3x12 hr shifts, Mon-Fri, 36 hrs/week with no 48-hour weeks
- Weekend rotation required every third weekend
- No on-call requirements
- Required to float across all campuses including Iowa Methodist MC, Iowa Lutheran, and Iowa Methodist West
- Uses EPIC EMR
Requirements
- Active IA RN license or compact/multistate license required at time of consideration
- Current BLS certification (AHA or ARC)
- Minimum 24 months of med surg/medical surgical experience in a hospital or medical center setting required
- Strong heparin drip experience required
- Post-op/operative surgical experience required
- Spine care experience required
- EPIC EMR experience required
- Minimum 3 months of current travel experience within the previous 12 months required; first-time travelers will not be considered
- Valid driver's license required for consideration
- Supervisory performance evaluation or reference from within 24 months preferred
Additional Information
- Provide direct patient care on a busy med surg unit supporting orthopaedic, spine, and post-surgical patients
- Unit is part of a facility known for orthopaedic surgery volume and a dedicated Orthopaedic Center of Excellence
- Scrub color requirement: navy blue, solid
- Holiday coverage required for 1-2 of the 3 upcoming winter holidays unless the unit is closed
- Local candidates accepted within 50 miles of the facility at a reduced rate
- Prior UnityPoint Health employees (FTE or PRN float pool) are not eligible to work travel assignments in another market within 12 months of separation
Facility
Methodist West Hospital

- Short Term Acute Care
Employer
American Traveler
86 nurses recommend working with American Traveler
Pros
Sebrona was so thorough and great to work with.
Cons
None
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.
About West Des Moines, IA
As a Travel Medical Surgical Nurse in West Des Moines, IA here's what you should know:- Slightly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
- Wages generally match up with the cost of living.
- Average summer highs of 85°F and winter lows of 12°F.
- Winters can be cold and snowy, while summers are warm and humid.
- Short term rentals are available and relatively easy to find, especially in apartment complexes and through online rental platforms.
- Car-friendly city with well-maintained roads and ample parking.
- Limited public transportation options, so having a car is essential for getting around.
- Diverse population with a wide age range.
- Common health issues include obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
- West Des Moines has a growing population of travel nurses.
- Plenty of restaurants offering diverse cuisines, vibrant art and music scene, various sports facilities, and numerous outdoor activities including parks and trails.
Browse similar jobs
Medical-Surgical RN
- Iowa City, IA
- Cross Country Nurses
- 4x12 hrs, Nights
- Referral Bonus
Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse
- Iowa City, IA
- Medical Solutions
- 4x12 hrs, Nights
- Referral Bonus
Med Surg RN
- Sioux City, IA
- LanceSoft
- 4x12 hrs, Rotating