Med Surg RN
Saint Joseph, MO
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Nights

Registered Nurse – Medical Surgical

Location: Saint Joseph, Missouri Unit: Acute Rehab Unit Employment Type: Travel/Contract Contract Length: 13 weeks Shift: Night, 3x12 hours (19:00–07:30) Hours: 12 per day, 36 per week Parking: Free

Role Overview

• Cares for patients discharged from the medical center who need at least 1 week of physical, speech, or occupational therapy.
• Common patients include post-surgical patients, post-stroke patients, CHF patients, falls, weakness, AMS, elective total joints, hip/femur fractures, back/neck surgery, and general med-surg patients (pneumonia, wounds, COPD).
• Patient assignment is 1:5 on days and 1:5–6 on nights.
• Daily care activities are required.
• Patients occasionally have IVs and require lab draws.
• The unit is non-tele.
• Team-based care with physical therapy and care management to plan discharge at admission.
• Travelers are responsible for their own IV insertions and lab draws during shifts.
• May be floated to any like unit within the hospital at any time.

Schedule and Work Expectations

• 12-hour shifts on a Monday–Sunday schedule cycle.
• 3 or 4 shifts per week, depending on contract.
• Every 3rd weekend is required.
• A holiday block is required during the contract.
• Weekend/holiday off requests must be pre-approved before joining.
• Self-scheduling is available, but the schedule is created 6 weeks in advance, so incoming travelers may have limited self-scheduling opportunities.
• No smoking or leaving premises during the shift.
• Travelers must complete all organizational mandatory education.

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in Missouri
• 1 year of Med Surg experience, with Med Surg experience within the last year
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) issued by American Heart Association or RQI
• BLS issued by American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or RQI
• NIHSS certification
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Immunizations and Health Screening

• TB: PPD, Q-Gold, or T-SPOT within 1 year of start, updated annually. If positive, a chest X-ray within 6 months of start and an annual TB questionnaire are required. A negative chest X-ray is required before starting work if the TB blood test is positive. Consultation with Infectious Disease is required if treated for positive TB.
• Measles, mumps, rubella: 2 MMR vaccines, a positive titer, or declination. Declination is acceptable for non-immune titers.
• Varicella: 2 vaccines, a positive titer, or declination.
• Hepatitis B: proof of vaccination series, titer, or declination.
• Flu vaccine required during flu season (10/1–3/31), or an agency-approved medical/religious exemption. Declinations are not acceptable. Documentation for the 2026–27 season is due by 12/9 at 3:30 pm. Candidates with an exemption must wear a mask from January 1 until the facility declares flu season over.
• Fit testing completed onsite.

Facility Details

• 352 certified beds.
• Level II Trauma Center and Level II Stroke Center.
• More than 60 hospital and area clinics offering urgent, primary, specialty, and emergency care.
• Only tertiary hospital between Kansas City and Omaha.
• Unit is expanding with 18 additional beds, creating multiple staffing needs.

Contract and Employment Notes

• Extension opportunities are likely if the traveler is a strong fit and positions remain open.
• Conversion to permanent employment is possible for the right candidate.
• Consistent attendance is essential.
• Must check email regularly for updates.
• Willing to train caregivers as needed.

Ideal Candidate

• Self-motivated and able to perform well in a fast-paced environment.
• Open-minded and comfortable working with diverse patients and caregivers.
• Proactive, attentive to detail, and receptive to feedback.
• Engaged and collaborative team player.