Progressive Care Unit Registered Nurse - Orthopedic Trauma
Kansas City, Missouri
Saint Luke's Hospital

Job Opportunity: PCU Registered Nurse (Travel/Contract)

Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

Seeking a Registered Nurse for a Progressive Care Unit (PCU) specializing in Orthopedics. This role involves caring for high acuity orthopedic trauma patients and other overflow surgeries including eye, gynecology, and plastics. The unit has a high patient turnover with a ratio of 1:5 (may flex to 1:6 occasionally).

Required Experience

• Minimum 2 years of nursing experience
• Level 1 trauma experience required
• Experience with high acuity orthopedic patients, including post-op care for orthopedic trauma
• Skilled in blood product administration and patient mobility assistance
• Experience with total joint replacements, ORIF fractures, laminectomy, hand surgery, bladder suspension, some gynecology and eye surgeries

Work Schedule & Requirements

• Must work 8 weekend shifts per 6-week schedule period (combination of Friday/Saturday/Sunday)
• On-call required: 1-2 weekdays per week and 2 weekends per 13 weeks
• Floating within scope to other PCU floors and departments may be required
• Holiday shifts and Charge RN assignments as needed
• No block scheduling accommodation
• Local candidates not accepted (must live at least 75 miles from facility)
• Return to Office (RTO) restrictions: no more than 7 days off between shifts
• Guaranteed minimum of 3 shifts per 13 weeks

Certifications & Licenses

• Required: BLS, ACLS
• Must have a valid Registered Nurse license for Missouri
• Primary source verification of professional license required (NURSYS verification)
• Additional certifications may be required based on unit specifics (e.g., TNCC, PALS, etc.)—refer to unit descriptions for details

Skills & Competencies

• IV therapy/phlebotomy: blood product administration, peripheral line care/management, PICC line management, starting IVs
• Medication administration including PCA
• Orthopedic skills: ortho trauma care, peripheral nerve block catheters, total joint replacements
• Surgical drains management (plastics)
• Wound care and wound vac management
• Isolation precautions knowledge
• Experience with special equipment such as traction, bulb syringe, braces, casts, crutches, doppler, walker, hemovac, midline, Alaris pump, PCA pump

Facility & Environment

• Tertiary care hospital with 456 staffed beds
• 5-time Magnet Award recipient
• Level 1 Trauma and Teaching hospital
• Charting system: EPIC
• Free parking available

Compliance & Background Requirements

• Government-issued ID required
• Criminal background check within 6 months, including statewide and nationwide searches
• Quarterly EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks
• Education verification of highest nursing degree required
• Drug testing within 1 year of start, must include comprehensive panel
• Physical exam within 1 year of start
• Fit mask testing (N95) required and must be renewed annually
• Immunizations and titers required: Tdap, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Varicella, Flu seasonal vaccination or exemption
• Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 1 year of start
• Various facility-specific documents and policies must be reviewed and signed prior to start (e.g., HIPAA, hand hygiene, dress code, confidentiality)

Additional Notes

• First-time travelers accepted
• Must provide two professional references (supervisors preferred)
• Unit-specific competency exams and skills checklists required and must be updated annually
• Candidates must be prepared for floating and on-call duties as part of the role

This position is ideal for experienced PCU RNs with orthopedic trauma and high acuity care skills looking for a travel contract in a reputable tertiary care, Magnet-recognized hospital.