Med Surg/Telemetry Float RN
Quincy, Illinois
Blessing Hospital

Registered Nurse (Med Surg/Telemetry) – 13-Week Contract

Location: Quincy, Illinois

Job Overview

• Float RN position on a Med Surg/Telemetry inpatient surgical unit (3rd floor)
• 48 beds across two buildings
• Primary care nursing model frequently used
• Fast-paced environment with heavy patient load (8-12 surgery admits per day plus discharges)
• 12-hour day shifts starting at 7 AM, 36 hours per week
• Every other weekend required (Saturday and Sunday)
• Holiday rotation with core staff
• No call or standby requirements
• Float only to like units or assist on higher acuity units without patient load

Patient Population & Common Diagnoses

• Neuro surgeries: laminectomy, cervical fusion
• Orthopedic: total joint replacements (hips/knees) – total joint experience required
• Abdominal surgeries: LESI, ostomies, hernia repair
• Vascular: fem-pop bypass, BKA, AKA
• Dialysis patients (dialysis unit located on the same floor)
• Other: PICC lines, TPN, lipids, PCA pumps, epidurals, IV antibiotics, chronic pain management (narcotics), sepsis, urgent OR cases

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Valid RN license in Illinois
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Minimum 2 years Med Surg / Telemetry experience, including experience within the last year
• Minimum 1 year surgical nursing experience, including total joint experience
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association
• NIHSS certification
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system
• Understanding and management of PCA pumps and narcotic usage, including reversal drugs (Narcan)
• Experience with sepsis management
• Experience with TPN and lipids
• Ability to interpret telemetry strips (Draeger monitors used; tele monitor techs present)
• Comfortable working with a nurse:patient ratio of 1:4-6 (day), 1:5-6 (night) with LPN and virtual admission/discharge nurse support
• Must be comfortable with the primary care nursing model
• Able to float to similar units as needed

Orientation & Training

• 1 shift (12 hours) orientation on unit of hire
• First day includes 12-14 hours for competencies, computer-based modules, and general orientation
• 4 hours of billable computer modules required the Friday before start (modules delivered Mon-Tues prior to start week; hours added to first week’s timesheet)

Work Environment & Additional Info

• Black scrubs required
• Nurse aides available but may be pulled for sitter duties; more CNA support on night shift
• Respiratory therapy manages CPAP (home unit), Airvo, and occasional BiPAP
• Charge nurse usually takes a smaller patient assignment to assist; day shift charge nurse is typically hospital staff, night shift may be house supervisor
• Scheduling: 3x12 hour shifts per week, schedules released 6 weeks in advance, block scheduling not guaranteed but can be discussed with leadership

Summary

This is a 13-week Med Surg/Telemetry RN float position requiring solid surgical experience, especially with total joint patients, and strong telemetry skills. The role demands flexibility, comfort with a primary care nursing model, and the ability to manage complex patients in a fast-paced surgical unit. Prior EPIC experience and required certifications are essential.