Medical-Surgical/Orthopedic RN
Kearney, Nebraska
CHI Health Good Samaritan

Travel Nurse Opportunity: Med Surg / Ortho RN

Location: Kearney, Nebraska
Contract Length: 15 weeks

Job Description

A hospital in Central Nebraska is seeking a traveling Med-Surg RN with orthopedic experience. The nurse must be experienced in both general medical-surgical and orthopedic nursing.

• Shift: 12-hour nights
• Duration: 13 weeks (contract length interpreted as 15 weeks)
• Department: Med Surg / Ortho
• Patient Population:

  • Total knee replacements
  • Total hip replacements
  • Ankle replacements
  • Total shoulders
  • Spine (back and neck) surgeries
• Unit Size: 22 beds, average daily census of 6
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:5-6
• Nurse Aids/Patient Care Techs: Yes, ratio 1:13
• Tele/Monitor Techs: Yes, tele techs read and interpret strips; RNs are not required to read their own strips
• Charge Nurse: Present on each shift and takes an assignment
• Drip Titration: RNs are not required to titrate drips
• Common Drips: Pain medications, antibiotics, blood

Scheduling & Orientation

• Shifts: 06:30-18:30 and 18:30-06:30
• Scheduling: Self-scheduling with cyclic rotation
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend
• Holiday Requirement: Rotate with permanent staff
• Floating: May float to MedSurg, rehab, or PCU with MedSurg acuity
• Orientation: 1 day of unit/department-specific orientation

Requirements & Policies

• Certifications: BLS required
• Experience: Must have experience in Med Surg and Orthopedics (years of experience not explicitly stated; assume at least standard for specialty)
• Prior Travel Experience: Not explicitly required
• Radius Rule: Candidates must live within 50 miles and may not be currently employed full time, part time, or PRN with any facility associated with CommonSpirit, including CHI and/or Dignity
• Driver’s License: Required at submission to verify distance
• Nail Policy: Artificial nails prohibited in all patient care departments; refusal to remove will result in contract termination
• Exam: RN candidates must pass a 90% score on an open book skills exam during orientation or face contract termination
• Blocked Scheduling: Not approved unless weekends only; duo scheduling with same schedule or shared car not accepted
• Return to Office (RTO): Required within 7 days or less per 13-week contract; no additional RTO approved

Desired Attributes

• Team-oriented
• Helpful to teammates
• Flexible
• Takes ownership within the department
• Willingness to learn

This position offers a supportive environment with a focus on orthopedic and medical-surgical nursing care in a small unit setting.