Medical-Surgical Oncology Registered Nurse
Wilmington, North Carolina
New Hanover Regional Medical Center

Registered Nurse (Med/Surg Oncology Unit) - Wilmington, North Carolina

Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks (approximately 3 months)
Shift: Nights
Patient Ratio: 1:6
Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend required
Call Requirement: Call required if called off on a prescheduled shift
Float Requirement: Floating required to similar units and alternate inpatient care locations (e.g., inpatient holding in the ED)

Job Description

• Primarily caring for medical-surgical patients with oncology history.
• Patient diagnoses include AKI, Sepsis, Cancer, Septic shock, Pain, Overdose, Malignant Neoplasms, ARF, Encephalopathy, FTT, Diabetic foot ulcers, Heparin drips.
• Administration of chemotherapy/biotherapy (IV, PO, or injection) may be required.
• Daily census around 42 patients; ratios may increase during high census periods.
• Contract staff expected to participate in Storm Team and/or Hurricane Team and may be required to report during catastrophic events, mass casualty, or disaster.
• Attendance to monthly staff meetings required.
• Shifts called out must be made up with rescheduled shifts.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 2 years of experience in specialty (Med/Surg).
• Experience in an inpatient setting required.
• Skills required:

  • Med/Surg nursing
  • Colostomy care
  • Accessing ports
  • Blood product administration
  • Central line blood draws
  • Peripheral line care/management
  • PICC line management
  • Heparin and insulin administration
  • Surgical drains
  • Chest tubes (Emerson/Pleur-evac)
  • Nasal cannula and non-invasive airway management
  • Isolation precautions
  • Wound care and Wound Vac management
• Prior travel experience not required; first-time travelers accepted.

Certifications Required

• Oncology Certification (ONC) – must be able to administer chemotherapy if needed.
• Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Must pass EKG competency testing prior to start.
• Preferred but not required: Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), Charge nurse experience, Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN).

Orientation & Uniform

• Unit orientation: 24 hours (2 shifts).
• Scrubs: Navy blue and white.

Unit Systems

• Medication, documentation, and communication systems include PYXIS, EPIC, and SBAR.

Additional Notes

• Contract staff may be preassigned to different units as needed.
• Floating includes inpatient holding in the ED or other alternate medical patient care locations.
• Strict attendance and call-off policies; excessive call-offs may lead to cancellation or denial of rehire.
• Must be prepared to work during emergency situations (storm/hurricane/mass casualty).

Health & Compliance Requirements

• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year of start (or proof of past positive with appropriate documentation).
• Required immunizations: Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella.
• Drug testing within 6 months of start.
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption required during flu season.
• Physical exam and other health documents as per travel healthcare standards.
• Background checks and education verifications required.
• Must complete medication safety and non-Novant health worker orientation modules prior to start.
• Must provide a passport-style photo for badge creation.

This position is ideal for Med/Surg RNs with oncology experience looking for a travel assignment with night shifts in a busy inpatient setting. Prior travel experience is not required, making it suitable for first-time travel nurses.