Travel Contract

Travel Nurse RN - Med Surg
West Des Moines, IA
First Connect Health
3x12 hrs, Nights
Referral Bonus

$2,229/week

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Overview

Start Date08/03/2026
Shift Breakdown3x12 hrs
ShiftNights
Duration13 weeks

Pay

3% higher than average Registered Nurse / Medical Surgical Nurse pay in Iowa

Estimated total pay

$2,229/week

Estimated taxable pay
$864/week
Estimated non-taxable stipends
$1,365/week

Benefits

Sick pay
401k retirement plan
Weekly pay
Referral bonus

Qualifications

The employer will review your Vivian profile and compare it against the job qualifications listed below.

Required

Profile

Resume

Description

🔥 PREMIER MED SURG CONTRACT – ORTHOPEDICS NURSING – FIRST TIMERS WELCOME

First Connect Health has an immediate 13-week night shift opening for a Medical-Surgical (Med Surg) Registered Nurse (RN) specializing in Orthopedics and Rehabilitation in West Des Moines, Iowa. This 34-bed unit focuses on high-quality post-surgical orthopedic care and total joint replacements. If you are an experienced hospital RN looking to jump into your very first travel assignment, this facility proudly welcomes first-time travelers!

Please note: Viable candidates will receive an immediate clinical screening call or text from a 405 area code.

💰 PRE-CALCULATED PAY PACKAGE

Weekly Gross: $2,229.00
Weekly Tax-Free Stipend: $1,365.00
Hourly W2 Rate: $24.00/hr
Overtime Rate: $36.00/hr (Billable after 40 hours)
Based on 36 Regular Hours weekly (3x12 Shifts)

📅 SHIFT & POSITION DETAILS

Schedule: Nights, 3x12-Hour Shifts (36 hours guaranteed weekly). Holiday rotation required.
On-Call Requirements: None! Absolute freedom from on-call schedules.
Weekend Requirements: Every other or every 3rd weekend depending on staffing and census.
EMR System: Epic (Experience is strictly required)
Unit Layout & Patient Ratios: Favorable 34-bed dedicated Ortho/Rehab unit. Night ratios are a supportive 1:6 (Day ratios are 1:5).
Patient Population: Orthopedics, total joint replacements, and patients requiring braces/bracing devices. Experience with administering specific cardiac IV/intravenous push medications is highly preferred.
Dress Code: Solid Navy Blue scrubs required.
Multi-Campus Floating: When needed, travelers are required to float across like units at all sister campuses (including Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Iowa Lutheran, and Iowa Methodist).

🚨 REQUISITE QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUBMISSION

Experience: Minimum 24 months of current hospital-setting Medical-Surgical experience. Dedicated Ortho/Rehab experience and total joint care familiarity are required. First-time travel nurses are fully welcome!
Licensure: Active Iowa State or Compact/Multistate Nursing License required at the time of file submission.
Certifications: Active American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC) BLS.

✨ WORK WITH HARRY JAMES AT FIRST CONNECT HEALTH

Don't let your application get delayed by automated systems. Apply directly to this posting to work with me, Harry James. I manage all my candidate profiles directly, ensuring transparent pay breakdowns, rapid credentialing, and fast submission tracking to the hiring managers.

👉 Click "Apply Now" to start your 405 area code screening and secure your August 3rd start date!

⚡ Screening Notice: Viable applicants will be contacted directly via phone call or text from a 405 area code for a rapid initial clinical screening interview. 🛌 Zero Call Burdens: This contract is completely free of regular on-call obligations, allowing you to maximize your rest and schedule predictability between your 3x12 night shifts. 🛑 Strict UPH Employee Separation Policy: Any past full-time (FTE) or PRN employee of UnityPoint Health (UPH), including the UPH float pool, cannot work an agency travel contract here if they have been employed there within the past 12 months. Note: If your past experience at UPH was strictly on an agency travel contract, this rule does not apply. 📍 Local Radius Bill Rate Rules: Local candidates living within a 50-mile radius of the West Des Moines facility are accepted, but are subject to a standard 10% reduction in the contract bill rate. 🔄 Multi-Campus Floating Mandate: Travelers must be fully comfortable with floating flexibility, as this role requires floating across like units at all local sister campuses, including Iowa Methodist MC and Iowa Lutheran. 🏖️ Summer Holiday Rotation: Unless the unit is closed, travel contractors are required to work 1 to 2 of the 3 major upcoming holidays (Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day). 📋 Submission Checklist: To pass initial credentialing, your profile must include an active Iowa/compact license, a driver's license, a resume detailing 24 months of acute care Med Surg experience, a specific Med Surg/Telemetry skills checklist, and a copy of your active AHA or ARC BLS certificate.

Employer

First Connect Health

3.2rating(11 reviews)

3 nurses recommend working with First Connect Health

5.0rating

Anonymous

CNA (CNA)

Review of First Connect Health on Jan 18, 2026

View all reviews

About

At First Connect Health, we take pride in being a Joint Commission–certified healthcare staffing agency, headquartered in Newark, New Jersey. This prestigious certification is more than just a seal — it's a reflection of our commitment to excellence, safety, and quality in everything we do.

By meeting the rigorous standards set by The Joint Commission, one of the most respected accrediting bodies in healthcare, we've demonstrated that our processes, compliance, and patient care standards are aligned with the highest levels of quality in the industry.

But our dedication goes beyond certifications. Nurses choose First Connect Health because:

✅ Trust and Transparency: We foster honest communication, timely updates, and full transparency throughout your placement journey.
✅ Best Pay & Benefits: We offer industry-leading compensation packages, along with benefits that support your career goals.
✅ Flexibility & Choice: Whether you're seeking short-term assignments, long-term contracts, or local opportunities, we provide the flexibility to suit your preferences.
✅ Personalized Support: Our recruiters take the time to understand your needs, guiding you with care, respect, and responsiveness at every step.

When you work with First Connect Health, you're not just another number — you're a valued professional. Join a team that’s focused on your success, your well-being, and your future in healthcare.

Response timewithin an hour

Travel jobs$825–4,598/week

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About West Des Moines, IA

As a Travel Medical Surgical Nurse in West Des Moines, IA here's what you should know:

Cost of Living

Slightly lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
Wages generally match up with the cost of living.

Weather

Average summer highs of 85°F and winter lows of 12°F.
Winters can be cold and snowy, while summers are warm and humid.

Furnished Housing

Short term rentals are available and relatively easy to find, especially in apartment complexes and through online rental platforms.

Transportation

Car-friendly city with well-maintained roads and ample parking.
Limited public transportation options, so having a car is essential for getting around.

Demographics

Diverse population with a wide age range.
Common health issues include obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
West Des Moines has a growing population of travel nurses.

Things to Do

Plenty of restaurants offering diverse cuisines, vibrant art and music scene, various sports facilities, and numerous outdoor activities including parks and trails.

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