MedSurg RN, Transitional Care Unit
Knoxville, Tennessee
Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center

Registered Nurse Travel/Contract Job - Knoxville, Tennessee

Position Details

• Specialty: Registered Nurse (MedSurg)
• Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
• Unit: Transitional Care Unit
• Employment Type: Travel/Contract
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Shift/Ratio: Nurse-to-patient ratio 1:8-10; float required
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend or two per month
• Holiday Time Off: No time off during holidays or holiday weeks (including Valentine's Day, Spring Break, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). Holiday time off requests may be addressed onsite after arrival.

Required Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA or ARC accepted; must be current and not expire within 45 days of assignment start.
• NIHSS (NIH Stroke Scale Certification) - Required for all RN candidates; actual downloaded certification required.
• EKG Competency Exam - Must pass with 80% or higher within 12 months prior to start (not required for Transitional Care Unit).
• Additional certifications may be required depending on unit assignment (check unit description if applicable).

Experience Requirements

• Years of Specialty Experience: Not explicitly stated; assume standard Registered Nurse experience.
• Prior Travel Experience: Not required.

Competency and Testing Requirements

• Medication Test/Pharmacology Competency Exam (required)
• Competency Exam (required)
• Color Blind Testing (Ishihara test or online; required within 12 months)
• Core Competency Exams (Parts I, II, III) with minimum 80% pass rate, updated annually

Background and Compliance

• Background check must include 7 years of history with multiple specific searches (SSN trace, criminal, sex offender registries, abuse registries, etc.) and be completed within 45 days of start.
• Drug testing required within 45 days of start, covering a comprehensive panel of substances.
• Photo for badge with solid background required prior to start.
• Physical exam within 12 months prior to start, signed by MD, DO, NP, APRN, or PA confirming fitness for duty.
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within required timeframes.
• Immunizations required: MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Hepatitis B, Varicella, Flu vaccine (for 2025-26 season), with documentation or approved exemptions.
• References: Two supervisory references from the past 3 years required.
• Employment application with 7-year work history, no unexplained gaps over 30 days, and active nursing license(s) only.
• Unit-specific skills checklist updated within the last year.

Additional Notes

• Must be able to pass EKG testing before start date (for all MedSurg nurses).
• Weekend and holiday scheduling policies are strict.
• All certifications must be actual certificates (no screenshots or photos).
• Renewal of certifications must be uploaded 5 days prior to expiration.
• Some certifications and competencies are preferred but not required depending on unit (e.g., TNCC for ER).
• Candidates must complete onboarding attestation and review job description documents prior to start.

This position is ideal for Registered Nurses with MedSurg experience who meet the certification and compliance requirements and are comfortable with a structured weekend and holiday schedule.