Job info

Registered Nurse - Ortho (Travel/Contract)

Location: Winston Salem, North Carolina
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: 12-hour nights (typically 18:45 to 7:15), 36 hours per week (option for 36 or 48 hours)

Job Description

Fast-paced unit caring for orthopedic, neuro spine, med-surg, and post-surgical patients
Average daily census: 37 patients in 39 beds/rooms
Patient care includes pain management for ortho and spine patients
Unit accepts first-time travelers with EPIC experience
Required to float to other med-surg units as needed based on census
Weekend requirement: every other weekend; missed weekend shifts must be made up on a weekend
Block scheduling options available (e.g., Fri/Sat/Sun or Sat/Sun/Mon)
No approval for holiday time off (RTO)
Maximum 7 days RTO allowed for auto-offer; no RTO after booking or worked out onsite

Required Qualifications

Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in North Carolina
Minimum 2 years of orthopedic nursing experience, including experience within the last year
Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
Telemetry monitoring skills
Must be able to float to other med-surg units as needed

Preferred Qualifications

ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
Charge nurse experience
Level I trauma experience

Patient Population & Unit Details

Orthopedic, neuro spine, med-surg, post-surgical patients
COVID-19 patients are no longer cohorted; cared for on all units unless in ICU
Unit requires nurses who can manage pain effectively

Compliance & Onboarding Requirements

Background check within 6 months required for clinical candidates
Drug screening (9-panel) within 6 months of start
Immunizations and health documents required:
- Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year (or proof of past positive TB with CXR within 5 years)
- Measles (Rubeola) titer or 2 vaccines; boosters required if titer negative/equivocal
- Mumps, Rubella, Hepatitis B, Varicella per standard healthcare requirements
- Flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption required during flu season (9/1 to 10/31)
Physical exam required per travel agency standards (not client-mandated)
Color blindness testing within 1 year via Relias
Medication/pharmacology competency exam required for new contracts
Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam required for specialty
Orientation safety manual acknowledgement required
Photo for badge (passport style, white background, business attire) must be submitted immediately after signing contract
Confidentiality agreement, hospital policies acknowledgment, and annual compliance training required
Completion of facility-specific education modules and orientation checklists required (may take 8-10 hours)
Corp ID setup and I-Learn login required within 24 hours of receiving credentials to avoid start delays

Scheduling & Work Conditions

12-hour night shifts, 3 shifts per week (36 hours) with option for 48 hours
Floating to other med-surg units required
Weekend shifts every other weekend mandatory
No holiday time off allowed
Patient ratios typically 5-6:1, can flex to 7:1 in extreme cases

Additional Notes

Must have orthopedic nursing experience; no exceptions
EPIC experience required for first-time travelers
Must pass EKG competency exam before starting
No RTO allowed after booking; call-offs or additional RTO may lead to cancellation
Fast-paced environment requiring strong pain management skills

This position is ideal for experienced orthopedic RNs comfortable with telemetry, flexible scheduling, and working in a high-acuity, fast-paced hospital setting.

Facility

Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center

3.5rating(101 reviews)

4 nurses recommend working with Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center

4.0rating

Anonymous

EEG Technician (Allied Health Professional)

Staff Position

Review of Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center on May 14, 2026

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Short Term Acute Care
879 beds

ADDRESS3333 Silas Creek ParkwayWinston-Salem, NC 27103

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About Winston-Salem, NC

As a Travel Orthopedics Nurse in Winston-Salem, NC here's what you should know:

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Winston-Salem is lower than the national average, making it an affordable place to live.
Wages generally match up well with the lower cost of living.

Weather

In the summer, average highs are around 87°F, and average lows are around 66°F.
In the winter, average highs are around 50°F, and average lows are around 30°F.

Furnished Housing

Short-term rentals and furnished housing options are available in Winston-Salem, and they can be relatively easy to find, especially through online platforms and local real estate agencies.

Transportation

Winston-Salem is fairly car-friendly, with reasonable traffic and ample parking.
Public transportation options include buses, but the city is more reliant on private vehicles.

Demographics

Winston-Salem has a diverse population with a range of age groups.
Common health issues include obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
There is a growing population of travel nurses in the area.

Things to Do

Winston-Salem offers a variety of restaurants, including Southern cuisine and international dining options.
The city has a thriving arts scene with galleries and theaters, and it hosts music festivals and concerts.
Sports enthusiasts can enjoy local teams and outdoor enthusiasts can explore parks, hiking trails, and nearby mountains.

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