Registered Nurse, Acute Rehab Unit
Saint Joseph, MO
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights

Registered Nurse – Acute Rehab Unit (ARU)

Location: Saint Joseph, Missouri
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

Provide nursing care on an Acute Rehab Unit caring for patients discharged from the medical center who require 1+ week of physical, speech, or occupational therapy. Patient care includes post-surgical, post-stroke, CHF, and other conditions needing prolonged therapy. Nurse-to-patient ratio is approximately 1:5-6 on nights. This is a non-telemetry unit with occasional IVs and lab draws.

Schedule & Work Expectations

• 12-hour night shifts (1900-0730), 3 shifts per week
• Every 3rd weekend required
• Holiday block required during contract
• Weekend/holiday off requests must be pre-approved
• No smoking or leaving premises during shift
• Must complete all mandatory organizational education
• Schedule created 6 weeks in advance; limited self-scheduling for incoming travelers

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Missouri
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Minimum 1 year of rehabilitation nursing experience within the last year
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification

Clinical Responsibilities

• Provide daily care activities for patients requiring rehabilitation
• Perform IV insertions and lab draws independently
• Collaborate with physical therapy and care management teams for discharge planning
• May be floated to similar units as needed
• Regularly check email for updates and communications

Patient Population

• Post-surgical patients
• Stroke and TIA patients
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• Elective total joint replacements
• Hip/femur fractures
• Back/neck surgery patients
• General medical-surgical patients (pneumonia, wounds, COPD, etc.)
• Patients with falls, weakness, altered mental status (AMS)

Ideal Candidate Traits

• Self-motivated and detail-oriented
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, team-based environment
• Open-minded and able to work with diverse patients and staff
• Receptive to feedback and collaborative

Training & Support

• Training available to support caregiver growth and ensure quality care

Contract Extensions & Permanent Opportunities

• Extensions likely for strong performers if positions remain open
• Conversion to permanent possible for the right candidate

Compliance & Documentation Requirements

• Background checks including national and state criminal checks, sex offender registry, and employment verifications
• Education verification with official transcripts or diplomas
• Primary source verification of licenses and certifications
• Drug screening within 30 days of start
• Physical exam within last 12 months
• Immunizations/vaccinations required: MMR, Hepatitis B, Varicella, Flu (seasonal), TB screening
• Fit mask testing completed onsite
• Completion of orientation quizzes and safety acknowledgments
• References: 2 professional references within last 3 years
• Employment application and skills checklist required

Additional Notes

• Consistent attendance is essential
• Unit expanding with additional beds, increasing staffing needs

This position offers a collaborative environment focused on high-quality, patient-centered care in an acute rehabilitation setting.