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

Registered Nurse – Rehab (Travel/Contract)

Location: Saint Joseph, Missouri
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Work on an Acute Rehab Unit caring for patients discharged from medical centers who require 1+ week of physical, speech, or occupational therapy.
• Patient ratio: 1:5 patients on days, 1:5-6 patients on nights.
• Patient types include post-surgical, post-stroke, CHF, elective total joints, fractures, back/neck surgery, stroke/TIA, and general med-surg conditions (pneumonia, wounds, COPD).
• Non-telemetry unit; patients may occasionally have IVs and require lab draws.
• Collaborative, team-based care involving physical therapy and care management teams.

Schedule & Work Expectations

• Night shift: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (1900-0730).
• Monday–Sunday schedule cycle with every 3rd weekend required.
• Holiday block required during contract; weekend/holiday off requests must be pre-approved.
• No smoking or leaving premises during shifts.
• Schedule is self-scheduled but created 6 weeks in advance; limited self-scheduling for incoming travelers.
• Must complete all mandatory organizational education.

Required Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) license for Missouri (State License or Compact License). Pending license acceptable if obtained before start.
• Minimum 2 years of RN experience preferred; 1 year experience accepted for travelers with prior travel experience.
• BSN required.
• BCLS and ACLS certifications required (ACLS preferred).
• Must pass a Basic Dysrhythmia (EKG) exam with a minimum score of 80% (2 attempts allowed).
• IV insertion and lab draw skills required.
• Must pass a telemetry test prior to starting.
• Physical exam within last 12 months required.
• Drug screen within 30 days of start required.
• Immunizations/vaccinations required:

  • MMR (2 vaccines, positive titer, or declination)
  • Hepatitis B (vaccination series, titer, or declination)
  • Varicella (2 vaccines, positive titer, or declination)
  • Annual flu vaccine or approved medical/religious exemption (mask required if exempt).
• Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year; additional requirements if positive.
• Background checks including national criminal, state, county, SSN trace, sex offender, and federal exclusions required within 30 days of start.
• Education verification and primary source license verification required within 30 days of start.
• Two professional references within 3 years required.
• Employment application, skills checklist, and work history verification required.

Training & Support

• Willingness to train caregivers to support growth and ensure high-quality patient care.
• Onsite fit testing provided.
• Annual safety manual acknowledgement and orientation quiz required (minimum 84% score).
• Additional facility-specific training may be required upon contract extension.

Role Responsibilities & Considerations

• Responsible for own IV insertions and lab draws during shifts.
• May be floated to similar units within the hospital as needed.
• Must regularly check email for updates.
• Consistent attendance is essential.
• Unit is expanding with 18 additional beds, increasing staffing needs.

Ideal Candidate Attributes

• Self-motivated and proactive.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment.
• Open-minded and able to work with diverse patients and caregivers.
• Detail-oriented and receptive to feedback.
• Collaborative team player.

Opportunities

• Contract extensions likely for strong fits if positions remain open.
• Conversion to permanent employment possible for the right candidate.

Note: This position does not require prior travel experience explicitly, but 1 year travel experience is accepted for first-time travelers with 2 years RN experience.