Med-Surg Orthopedic RN
Council Bluffs, IA
Host Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

Med Surg Ortho RN Opportunity - Council Bluffs, Iowa

Position Details

• Specialty: Med Surg Ortho RN
• Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Shift: 12-hour shifts (0630-1900, 1830-0700)
• Hours Guaranteed: 36 hours per week
• Scheduling: Self-scheduling
• Weekend Requirement: Every third weekend (Friday and Saturday considered weekend for night shifts)
• Floating: May float to PCU and McDermott (behavioral health)

Requirements

• Licensure: Iowa or compact nursing license required
• Experience: Minimum 1 year of unit experience
• Certifications: BLS required
• Orientation: First week classroom orientation, followed by one 12-hour shift on the unit
• Exams: RN’s must pass a pass/fail open book exam during orientation with a minimum score of 90% to continue employment

Unit Information

• Department: Med Surg / Ortho
• Beds: 28 plus 22 overflow
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:5
• Nurse Aids/Patient Care Techs: Yes, ratio 1:10
• Charge Nurse: Present on each shift and takes an assignment
• Monitor Techs: Present in ICU; monitors available at main nurses station on unit
• Drip Management: RNs are not required to titrate drips
• Common Drips: Heparin, IV antibiotics, antithrombics, narcotics

Patient Population & Common Diagnoses

• Total knees, total hips, shoulder replacements
• COPD, diabetes, wounds, IV infusions
• Dementia, oncology, fractures (hips, ankles)
• Sepsis, pneumonia, cholelithiasis
• Ambulatory dysfunction, appendicitis, acute respiratory distress
• Congestive heart failure (CHF), alcohol/drug abuse
• Primary patient population is Caucasian, low to middle class, including some homeless and patients with mental health or addiction history

Policies & Additional Notes

• Radius Rule: Candidates must live within 50 miles and may not have worked full time, part time, or PRN within the past year at any facility associated with CommonSpirit (including CHI and Dignity)
• Fingernail Policy: Artificial nails are prohibited in all patient care departments; refusal to remove will result in contract termination
• Driver’s License: Required at submission to verify distance compliance
• Dress Code: Navy blue scrubs (scrubs provided)
• Unit Focus: Hourly rounding and bedside shift report
• Candidate Traits: Looking for flexible, self-directed travelers who enjoy change and learning

This position offers a structured orientation, a supportive team environment, and a diverse patient population with a focus on orthopedic and medical-surgical care.