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

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - Rehab Unit

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

Job Summary

• Position on an Acute Rehab Unit (ARU) caring for patients discharged from medical centers who require 1+ week of physical, speech, or occupational therapy.
• Patient ratio: 1:5 during day shifts, 1:5-6 during night shifts.
• Patient population includes post-surgical, post-stroke, CHF, elective total joints, fractures, back/neck surgery, stroke/TIA, and general med-surg patients.
• Non-telemetry unit; patients may occasionally have IVs and require lab draws.
• Collaborative, team-based care environment working closely with physical therapy and care management teams.

Schedule & Work Expectations

• Night shift: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (1900-0730).
• Every 3rd weekend required.
• Holiday block required during contract.
• Weekend/holiday off requests must be pre-approved before starting.
• No smoking or leaving premises during shifts.
• Schedule created 6 weeks in advance; limited self-scheduling for incoming travelers.

Required Qualifications

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

Certifications & Compliance

• Background checks including national criminal, state, county, SSN trace, sex offender, and federal exclusions required within 30 days of start.
• Education verification with official transcript or diploma required.
• Drug screen required within 30 days of start (includes multiple drug panels).
• Immunizations/vaccinations required or documented declinations accepted for:

  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (2 MMR vaccines or positive titer)
  • Hepatitis B (vaccination series, titer, or declination)
  • Varicella (2 vaccines or positive titer)
  • Seasonal Flu vaccine required during flu season or approved medical/religious exemption (masking required if exempt).
• Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year of start; additional requirements if positive.
• Physical exam within last 12 months required.
• Fit mask testing completed onsite at orientation.

Additional Requirements

• Must complete facility-specific documents including confidentiality agreement, code of conduct, demographic form, and orientation quiz (minimum 84% score).
• Must acknowledge and comply with pass/fail testing policies for EKG and medication exams.
• References: 2 professional references within 3 years of start date.
• Employment application and skills checklist required.
• Verification of most recent employer required.
• Missouri EDL search required within 30 days of start.

Role Responsibilities & Environment

• Responsible for patient care activities including IV insertions and lab draws.
• May be floated to similar units within the hospital as needed.
• Must regularly check email for updates and communications.
• Work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment requiring self-motivation, attention to detail, and openness to feedback.
• Consistent attendance is essential.
• Unit is expanding with 18 additional beds, increasing staffing needs.

Training & Career Opportunities

• Training provided as needed to support caregiver growth and ensure quality care.
• Contract extensions likely for strong performers.
• Conversion to permanent employment possible for the right candidate.

Patient Population Highlights

• Falls, weakness, altered mental status (AMS)
• Elective total joint replacements
• Hip/femur fractures
• Back/neck surgery recovery
• Stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) recovery
• General medical-surgical conditions such as pneumonia, wounds, COPD

This position offers a dynamic opportunity for experienced RNs seeking travel assignments in a supportive rehab care environment with potential for contract extension or permanent placement.