Registered Nurse Med-Surg/Telemetry
Lafayette, Louisiana
Lafayette General Medical Center

Travel/Contract Registered Nurse (MS/Tele)

Location: Lafayette, Louisiana
Contract Length: 8 weeks

Job Overview

• Assignment includes potential placement on an "Emergency Team" during events, requiring staying at the facility until the event passes or serving on a relief team.
• Unit patient diagnoses include chest pain, CAD, PVD, arrhythmias, diabetes, COPD exacerbation, pneumonia, hypertension, MI, renal failure, PE, CHF, GI bleed, syncope.
• Possible med-surg overflow cases such as GI bleed, sepsis, CVA, COVID+.
• Special procedures/unit details: pre/post cath lab, PPM/AICD, ablations, post-op CABG, thoracotomy, vascular surgeries (CEAs, fem-pops), AAA repair.
• Titration and management of drips including Cardizem, Amiodarone, Dobutamine, Nitroglycerin, Dopamine, heparin; bedside sheath pulling.
• Scheduling: every other holiday worked, may be pulled to other inpatient units, no guaranteed block scheduling.
• Special equipment used: telemetry monitoring, chest tubes, PCAs, epidurals, wound vacs.

Required Skills & Certifications

• BLS (AHA only, RQI accepted)
• Telemetry monitoring and interpretation/management of dysrhythmias
• On-unit monitoring
• Care for post-MI, post-cath, and most cardiac surgery patients
• Port access and blood pressure administration
• Central and peripheral line care/management
• IV starts
• Management and titration of cardiac and vasoactive drips
• Wound care and wound vac management
• Chest tube care

Required Qualifications

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in Louisiana or Compact License, verified within 30 days of start. Renewal must be completed prior to start if expiring within 30 days.
• ACLS certification required (AHA only, RQI accepted).
• Background checks including 7-year criminal background, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, sex offender search, and education verification as applicable.
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start.
• Current physical exam indicating good health within 12 months of start.
• Fit mask testing (N95) within one year of start; onsite fit testing available if needed.
• Immunizations or proof of immunity required for:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (for specific units)
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella
  • Hepatitis B
  • Varicella
• Negative TB test (PPD, Qgold, or Tspot) within 12 months, with follow-up documentation if positive.
• Seasonal flu vaccination, medical, or religious exemption required during flu season (Oct 1 - Apr 30).
• Skills checklist and competency exam specific to specialty, updated annually.

Experience Requirements

• Specialty: Registered Nurse (Medical-Surgical/Telemetry)
• Required years of experience: Not explicitly stated; assume minimum 2 years in specialty based on typical MS/Tele requirements.
• Prior travel experience: Not required.

Additional Notes

• Candidates must be comfortable with emergency event assignments and potential extended shifts.
• Flexibility to float to other inpatient units as needed.
• No guaranteed scheduling preferences.

This position is ideal for experienced RNs with strong telemetry and cardiac care skills who are adaptable to dynamic hospital environments and emergency response situations.